Chief Engineer, Rock Mechanics

Job description

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 Chief Rock Engineer is responsible for leading all aspects of ground control and rock engineering practices at the mine. This includes developing, implementing, and monitoring geotechnical strategies to ensure operational safety, compliance with regulations, and optimal mine design and extraction. The role provides critical input into mine planning, risk management, and the long-term geotechnical stability of Trident mining operations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Lead the Rock Engineering Department and mentor a team of rock engineers and technicians.
• Develop and implement long-term ground control strategies aligned with the mine’s production and safety goals.
• Maintaining effective stakeholder relationships (Mining Operations, Consultants and Contractors).

Geotechnical Risk Management:

• Identify, assess, and manage geotechnical hazards and design appropriate control measures.
• Oversee implementation and monitoring of ground support systems.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits of geotechnical practices.

Technical Oversight:

• Provide expert advice on stope layouts, excavation stability, and seismicity.
• Ensure all geotechnical designs are robust, safe, and compliant with legal standards.
• Interpret and validate geotechnical data to inform mine planning and scheduling.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Oversee the installation and analysis of geotechnical instrumentation (e.g., stress meters, extensometers, microseismic monitoring).
• Prepare technical reports, stability analyses, and ground control plans.
• Present findings and recommendations to mine leadership and stakeholders.
• Providing input into the development of safety standards, processes, policies and procedures
• Manage geotechnical data collection and reduction processes

Regulatory Compliance & Standards:

• Ensure compliance with local mining and occupational health & safety legislation
• Interface with regulatory bodies and participate in inspections or audits.
• Ensuring adherence to international best practice and legislative requirements

Innovation and Continuous Improvement:

• Implement new technologies and practices to enhance geotechnical performance.
• Promote a culture of safety, learning, and continuous improvement in ground control practices.

Qualifications

• BSc / BEng / BTech in Mining Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering (or related field)

• MSc/MEng in Geotechnical Engineering, Rock Engineering, Geological Engineering advantageous
• Chamber of Mines Rock Engineering Certificate (mandatory)
• Registered with a recognized professional body
• Blasting License is advantageous
• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in rock engineering, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead role

Experience

The Geotechncial Engineer will require knowledge, skills and experience in the following areas:

• At least 5 years geotechnical engineering experience in an open pit mining environment
• Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Office & Pronto)
• Application of Automated systems and Technologies (Numerical Modelling Packages, RADAR software, Sirovision)
• Practical knowledge within the mining industry
• Data gathering and capturing
• Data integration
• Data validation
• Data interpretation and modelling
• Data representation and presentation
• Factual reasoning
• Able to visualise and conceptualise 3D drawings and layouts
• Decision making
• Report writing skills
• Planning and organising
• Time management
• Prioritising
• Multi-tasking
• Analytical thinking
• Conceptual thinking
• Cross-discipline integration
• Budget creation
• Problem solving skills
• Attention to detail

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

• Emotional intelligence
• Good interpersonal ability
• Good communication (verbal and written)
• Leadership ability
• Coaching ability
• The ability to supervise, optimise and allocate resources
• Stakeholder orientation
• Able to engage with stakeholders at all levels
• Self-starter
• Procedural
• Pragmatic
• Good judgment
• Professionalism
• Enthusiastic
• Assertive and confident
• Motivated and passionate
• Reliable and disciplined
• Goal oriented

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Demonstrating strong technical and analytical expertise in rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering, and numerical modelling.

• Ensuring compliance with organisational standards, industry best practices, and applicable legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support operational objectives.
• Applying advanced proficiency in geotechnical software packages, including Rocscience Suite, FLAC, Phase2, and RS3.
• Preparing high-quality technical reports, risk assessments, and presentations to communicate geotechnical findings and recommendations.
• Providing leadership and technical guidance on geotechnical matters, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Demonstrating excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Effectively managing multiple priorities and performing under pressure, including responding to and managing geotechnical risks and crisis situations in a timely and professional manner.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives to enhance geotechnical performance, safety, and operational efficiency.