Mining Optimisation Manager at Tharisa

Purpose of Role

• To lead the strategic integration of Operational Technology (OT), Business Intelligence (BI), and Process Optimisation across the mining value chain. The role acts as the primary link between site execution and executive strategy, converting complex data sets into actionable business cases, driving the "Mine of the Future" initiatives (IIoT, Automation, AI), and ensuring a culture of continuous improvement to maximise NPV and operational efficiency.

Role Context

Strategic System Integration & IIoT (The "Digital Mine")

• Technology Roadmap: Lead the rollout and integration of high-precision systems (High Precision Loading/Dozing, Gantry Scanners, Fragmentation Analysis).
• Vendor & Product Lifecycle: Oversee the transition of technology from "Trial" to "Permanent Rollout" (e.g., Sandvik HP Drilling, Enaex QAQC, Visionlink).
• Infrastructure Oversight: Ensure 100% uptime and data integrity for critical monitoring systems (AVA, Cartrack, RDT Fatigue monitoring, and Weather Stations).

Business Intelligence & Data Governance

• Performance Dashboards: Direct the development of Power BI and MS Dynamics F&O dashboards that provide "single version of truth" leading indicators for HODs.
• Data Quality Assurance: Implement rigorous protocols to ensure production data (Volumes, Delays, KPIs) is accurate, timely, and integrated across platforms (Capstone, ECOS).
• Simulation & Modeling: Lead the team in creating simulation models and "what-if" scenarios to predict the impact of changes to the mine plan or processing parameters.

Operational Optimisation & Financial Synergy

• Business Case Development: Define the financial ROI for all new initiatives, ensuring capital allocation is prioritised by impact.
• Efficiency Analysis: Conduct deep-dive analysis into operational delays and employee discipline (Production Optimisation) to unlock hidden capacity.
• Budgetary Interpretation: Partner with HODs during the annual strategic planning process to ensure the business model is lean and technologically enabled.

People & Stakeholder Leadership

• Multi-Disciplinary Coordination: Act as the "Command and Control" lead between Mining, Engineering, Security, and IT to ensure cross-functional project success.
• Team Leadership: Lead a high-performance team of specialists (DevOps, Business Analysts, Control Room Supervisors) through the full employee lifecycle.
• Change Management: Navigate the human element of technology adoption, particularly between management, unions, and the workforce during automation rollouts.

Job Requirements
Qualifications:

• B.Eng (Mining, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical/Met), B. Com (Accounting/Finance) with a heavy technical background. Computer Science, or a related field at SAQA, NQF level 7.

Certifications:

• Certifications in Business Management, Project Management (PMP), or industry-specific qualifications would be advantageous.

Job-specific experience:

• 7–10 years in a senior management role within a heavy industrial or mining environment.
• Proven track record of taking a "trial" from concept to a site-wide permanent operating procedure.
• Experience in building complex NPV/Internal Rate of Return models for large-scale projects.