Head Rock Engineering at Sasol

Sasol Mining operates six coal mines that supply feedstock for our Southern African integrated value chain. The coal supplied to Secunda Synfuels Operations (SSO) is mainly used as gasification feedstock and some is used to generate electricity. The coal supplied to Sasolburg Operations (SO) is used to generate electricity and steam. We also export coal from the Twistdraai Export Plant to international power generation customers via the Richards Bay Coal Terminal. 

Purpose of the job     

To create a safe stable underground working environment in all the collieries of Sasol Mining including international projects. This includes consideration of surface impacts caused by both present and past mining.

Derive / validate the correct design methodology and parameters in the following areas: excavation design, design, pillar and overall mine design.

To design/develop and assist in implementing systems, procedures and techniques that will ensure mine stability of all coal mines of Sasol Mining. This will include inputs into the training material as well as underground coaching of all levels of personnel. Due to the nature of the post the incumbent will operate with a wide variety of individuals and in varying group sizes.

To fulfil the legal responsibilities as contemplated under section 14.1.8 of the Mine Health and Safety Act.

Operating Environment

Sasol Mining consists of 6 underground coal mines in Secunda and Sasolburg. 

The Head of Rock Engineering fulfil the legal responsibilities as contemplated under section 14.1.8 of the Mine Health and Safety Act.

Accountable for the design and stability aspect in terms of the rock mass for Sasol Mining and management thereof and impact of Rock Engineering decisions upon within a highly regulated industry. It is a complex, high pressure, production environment, complicated by various legal requirements. Ensures that all levels of employees understands rock mass risks and lead indicators with appropriate controls applicable to his job role by providing user friendly, simple training

Complex interfaces with contractors and suppliers also exits. 

Key Accountabilities:

• The Head of Rock Engineering provides expert advice on Operational and Long Term balance regarding safety, cost and production.
• Create systems (e.g. ground management standard, equipment retrieval standard, mine stability and layout, etc) which embed safe practices as a natural way of doing things – training and enabling functional specialists as well as operating personnel to understand rock mass risks and lead indicators.
• Ensures Long Term stability of critical capital structures and environmentally sensitive areas by the selection of appropriate excavation and pillar design parameters in consideration of the local geological and geotechnical environment.
• Enable and support line managers on a day to day as well as crisis situation basis to manage risk effectively – facilitate problem solution by applying sound rock engineering principles and ensuring the right outcome.
• Identify, develop and introduce best practices regarding mine design / pillar design, mining methods, support design and monitoring methods, tools and equipment.
• Finance – Prime responsibility for annual Rock Engineering budget and significant secondary impact on mining cost, production rate-and cost and reserve utilization.
• SHE – Overall accountability for strategy to strive towards best in class safety performance and continuous improvement of key safety metrics to maintain license to operate.
• Long term resource planning – Recruitment, training and career development of team.

     Qualifications and expertise required

• Certificate of Competence: Rock Engineering
• Degree with a strong mathematical base in Geology / Mining
• Certificate of Competency – Mine Manager (Wish)
• Advanced Certificate in Rock Engineering / GDE / Post graduate Rock engineering / Geo Technical (Wish)
• At least 10 years relevant work experience
• Experience in managing a team will be to your benefit
• Ability to apply sound engineering judgement in an uncertain environment.

   Leadership Competency

   People Leadership:

• Inspirational: authentically and inclusively engages people to follow; leads culture transformation
• Builds Talent: Builds capability and leverages diversity for competitive advantage

  Partnership Leadership:

•  Influential: Persuades and influences stakeholders; builds relationships and partnerships for win-win outcomes
• Collaborative: Builds teams and creates synergies through working across boundaries