Mine Manager – BCL Limited – In Liquidation

BCL Limited – In Liquidation

VACANCY: CH 44:02 Reg 6(1) Mine Manager

BCL Ltd was placed in provisional liquidation on 09 October 2016 by order of the High Court of Botswana. The Liquidator of the group of companies has placed the mines on care & maintenance, to protect assets and maintain access to the underground mineral resources.

Prior to being placed in liquidation BCL Ltd was a nickel and copper mine with a concentrator plant and smelter operation. The mining areas comprise four separate areas with access via three vertical shafts and various decline shafts, comprising ten winding plant as well as various vehicle access ramps.

In care and maintenance, most of the functions undertaken underground (UG) and on surface are of an engineering nature. As such an experienced team of engineering personnel is employed with support for safe access to the required areas provided by a team of experienced mining personnel. No blasting or ore extraction activities are currently undertaken.

In care and maintenance, the principal task istode-water the mines, achieving this through maintaining the power supply and infrastructure, pumps, columns and pipelines, ventilation infrastructure, shafts and winders as well as all mobile diesel equipment required.

The surface team of employees manage the treatment of the water, the high and low voltage power supply infrastructure, as well as environmental aspects.

The Liquidator is looking to appoint a Mine Manager at BCL for underground and surface operations during continued care & maintenance, in accordance with section 6(1) of the Mines, Quarries, Works and Machinery Regulations (Cap 44:02), with additional consideration given to the guidelines for this appointment, as issued by the Regulator.

This is a full-time position with the successful candidate required to reside in Selebi-Phikwe.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure safe access for care & maintenance activities in the underground mines through:

o Conducting and having oversight of shaft inspections in vertical shafts, decline shafts and decline ramps.

o Regular hanging wall and side wall inspections of mining areas and co-ordinating repairs as may be required.

o Support and interaction with Engineering staff in maintaining environmental conditions in underground workings and suitable ventilation.

o Ensuring legal compliance, statutory reporting and liaison with the Regulator and third parties.

• Interact closely with Liquidator’s advisory group for best practice and efficiencies with a focus on continuous improvement, associated cost savings and environmental compliance.
• Control and direction of mining personnel in support of engineering activities.
• Ensure prevention and discharge of untreated mine water into the environment.
• Oversight of surface care & maintenance activities including concentrator, feed prep, smelter, laboratory, tailings and engineering services, mine electrical infrastructure, mobile equipment and projects.
• Liaison with the Department of Mines and regulator as may be required.

Requirements:

• An undergraduate mining engineering degree or equivalent with a valid Botswana blasting licence and have at least ten years’ post qualification experience.
• Experience in environmental, safety and regulatory requirements in underground mines not negotiable.
• Experience in overseeing care & maintenance of operations is preferred with a good understanding of engineering functions.
• Flexibility and able to work in uncertain circumstances with a ‘hands on’ approach.
• Found to be suitably fit and healthy to withstand underground working conditions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Setswana.
• Proven project management skills.
• Valid drivers’licence.
• Be a Botswana Citizen.