Junior Mine Engineer

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

 

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

 

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

 

Job description:

Purpose

The purpose for this role is to support day-to-day mining operations and short-term planning activities. The successful candidate will work closely with the engineering, geology, and operations teams to optimize production, improve safety, and ensure compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing of daily drilling and blasting plans
• Processing, drawing up and publication of digging plans
• Analyze drilling, blasting, haulage, and equipment utilization data to improve efficiency
• Provide engineering support to the operations and maintenance teams
• Assist in preparing compliance reports, presentations, and drill and blast design documents
• Support ore reconciliation and grade control processes
• Work collaboratively with geologists, surveyors, and other site personnel
• Maintain and update mining software models

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering or related field
• 3–5 years of relevant mining experience (internship experience is a plus)
• Proficiency in mining software (e.g., Surpac, MineSight, AutoCAD, etc.)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Experience in open-pit mining operations
• Familiarity with mineral processing and mine scheduling
• Willingness to work on-site in remote or shift-based environments
• Knowledge of mine health and safety regulations and practices
• Valid driver’s license (if applicable)

Experience

• Drafting of drilling and blasting designs for open-cast mining.
• Assisted short-term planning with drafting of weekly blasting schedules for open-cast mining.
• Worked closely with geologists and surveyors to ensure accurate stope designs and drilling layouts
• Conducted time studies and equipment performance analysis to improve operational efficiency
• Supported drilling and blasting teams by reviewing charge plans and ensuring compliance with safety standards
• Used Surpac/Deswik or any other relevant CAD-based software to assisi with drilling plan designs and to prepare technical drawings and models
• Participated in weekly planning meetings and presented technical updates to the senior engineering team

 

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

• Creativity
• Analytical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Detail-Oriented
• Strong Communication Skills
• Collaboration
• Time Management

 

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

On-Site Presence:

• Must be available to work on-site
• Willing to work in challenging environmental conditions (heat, dust, noise, etc.).

Technical Software Proficiency:

• Ability to use mining software such as Datamine, CAD-based software, or similar.
• Ability to use drill and blast software such as, but not limited to Shotplus, Blastmap, Paradigm
• Competence in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.

Mine Planning & Design Support:

• Assist with short-term scheduling.
• Interpret cut-back designs for pre-split layout.

Production Monitoring:

• Monitor drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling activities.
• Track daily production data and help identify improvement opportunities.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Compliance:

• Understand and adhere to all site-specific safety procedures and legislative requirements.
• Participate in safety meetings, inspections, and incident investigations.

Collaboration Across Departments:

• Work closely with geology, survey, and operations teams to ensure production goals are met.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, operators, and contractors.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Assist in the preparation of planning reports, reconciliation reports, and engineering documentation.
• Maintain accurate records for engineering activities and regulatory compliance.

Time Management & Initiative:

• Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and take initiative in problem-solving.