We are MMG and we mine for progress
Khoemacau is a long-life copper silver mine located in one of the most prospective mining regions in Africa, the Kalahari Copper Belt in Botswana.
In June 2021, Khoemacau completed construction of its low cost, c.60ktpa copper and c.1.6Mozpa silver metal in concentrate at full run rate. It completed ramp up of current operations to full production in Q4 2022. Khoemacau’s annual production is expected to be around 43,000 and 53,000 tonnes of copper in copper concentrate.
Ore at Khoemacau is mined from underground using the longhole stoping method and transported by truck on a 35km purpose-built bitumen haul road to the Boseto processing plant. The copper concentrate is then transported by road to port and shipped to customers globally.
Drilling of and studies on its expansion project forecast a potential increase production to over 130ktpa copper and 5Mozpa silver (average run rate at full production) to unlock the full potential of its prized position in the emerging Kalahari Copper Belt.
Khoemacau employs around 1800 people with 95% local employment from Botswana and has an estimated mine life of 20+ years.
Project Geologist
The Project Geologist will be responsible for acquiring and interpreting geological and geotechnical data in line with approved plans and standards to meet the Khoemacau expansion project objectives.
This position is based at the Mine Site located between Maun and Sehithwa in Ngamiland.
Responsibilities include:
- Supervising the drilling contractor for the expansion project diamond drilling program.
- Recording all aspects of the drilling program and reporting on daily progress.
- Monitoring the core drilling operations on site including data capture, entry, and quality assurance/quality control of field data in relation to drill locations, depth and angle of drilling.
- Performing Data analysis by monitoring drilling data lithology on a regular basis to guide the drilling plan by correlating information within and between drilling sections.
- Supervising portable X-ray fluorescence, magnetic susceptibility and density measurements and ensures the instruments used are calibrated to the correct element detection limits for optimal information collection.
- Determining the occurrence of copper sulphide minerals and associated gangue minerals within sampling intervals, that will be used to guide mineral resource estimation and modelling.
- Marking the core for cutting, according to mineralization and sampling protocol and carries out requisite quality control procedures, such as peer validation discussions.
- Supervising the placement of samples into bags, and general preparation for dispatch and signs off all sample dispatch documents after checking for correctness.
- Collecting geological, structural and geotechnical data from oriented diamond core including rock properties and adhering to set standards and quality control and assurance protocols.
- Collecting of rock quality designation, joint number, roughness, wall alteration, water, and stress reduction factors as per the Q and Mining Rock Mass Rating (MRMR) systems.
- Sampling the geotechnical holes for uniaxial compression tests, Brazilian tensile strength tests and triaxial compressive strength tests.
- Conducting point load testing on rock samples for establishment of rock strength index.
- Collating and validating of geotechnical data into the database for RMR and Q-value calculations.
- Liaising with external laboratory service providers to ensure sampling results integrity.
- Capturing of information onto log-sheets and inputs into database and ensuring that all project databases, models and documents are securely managed.
- Undertaking a range of technical project work as assigned by the technical specialist such as mineralogy, Geo-metallurgy, portal, box cut, declines design, stope and pillar designs, ground support, raise bore stability analysis of ventilation raises, stress measurement to improve mine designs of the expansion project.
- Ensuring that the allocated projects are completed within budget and on time as per approved project plan.
- Maintaining good relationships with customers and stakeholders, taking cognisance of the Code of Conduct and customer orientation requirements, by: adhering to performance standards for service, resolving all service problems and queries with customers and internal departments and building effective relationships with stakeholders.
- Liaising with communities and landowners affected by the exploration activities as and when necessary, in line with company policy/guidelines.
- Recommending and incorporating cost saving initiatives into budgets and controls
- Signing off daily drilling sites reports.
- Preparing and submitting daily and weekly reports to Senior Project Geologist and Exploration Manager.
About You
- Minimum B.Sc. in Geology/Geotechnical Engineering or related field
- Minimum of 6 years relevant exploration/mining experience.
- Registered Professional Geoscientist
- Certificate in Project Management/Contract Management would be an added advantage
- Experience in sediment hosted base metal is a pre-requisite.
- Technical proficiency in geological and geotechnical interpretation.
- Knowledge and understanding of structural geology, sedimentology and ore formation processes.
- Advanced knowledge of drilling techniques
- Knowledge in use of industry standard geotechnical/ geology software (e.g. Dips, Leapfrog, Micromine, MapInfo, acQuire database or similar)
- 3D geological modelling
- Q and MRMR systems.
- Ability to pass a Pre employment Medical
Only Botswana Citizens May Apply.
What we offer
- While developing the first fully mechanized underground mine in Botswana, we offer a dynamic and stimulating work environment, great culture, good benefits, a competitive salary and family friendly rosters.
- A safety-first culture
- A workplace that fosters diversity and inclusiveness, and supports our people with the systems, skills and behaviours required to live our values.
- Family friendly rosters
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that includes free confidential counselling, wellbeing services.
Who we are
MMG has a global presence, owning and developing copper, zinc and other base metals projects across Australia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Peru and Botswana.
Our aim is to create a workplace that encourages diversity and inclusion and supports our people to grow.
We are guided by our values; think safety first, respect each other, work together, do what we say, and we want to be better.
Headquartered in Melbourne, we are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx 1208) with an international shareholder base.
To know more about MMG please visit our webpage https://www.mmg.com/
If you're ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding role that empowers you to shape your work environment, we invite you to apply and join us in our pursuit of efficient and sustainable mining operations.
We aim to provide meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities that are free from barriers, support and celebrate the diverse talents of our team members
MMG Limited reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior to the closing date.