Job Description

The Bench Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the activities of mining operations on specific benches or levels within the mine. This role ensures that mining operations are carried out efficiently, safely, and in accordance with production goals. The Bench Supervisor leads and manages a team of miners and operators, ensuring that tasks such as drilling, blasting, excavation, and material handling are performed in a safe, effective, and productive manner.
Key Responsibilities:
Supervision and Team Leadership, Safety Compliance and Risk Management:

• Supervise and coordinate the work of miners, drillers, operators, and labourers on specific benches within the mining area
• Allocate and assign daily tasks based on production targets, ensuring efficient resource utilization and manpower distribution
• Provide guidance and support to team members, ensuring they are properly trained and have the necessary tools and resources to perform their tasks safely
• Foster a positive, motivated work environment while ensuring that team members follow all safety protocols and company procedures
• Enforce strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies on the bench
• Conduct regular safety inspections of equipment, work areas, and team activities to identify hazards and ensure safe working conditions
• Ensure that all employees on the bench are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and following safety guidelines
• Investigate any safety incidents, accidents, or near-misses on the bench and take appropriate corrective actions. Report incidents to senior management and contribute to root cause analysis

Operations and Production Oversight, Equipment and Resource Management:

• Monitor the progress of mining operations on the designated bench to ensure production targets are met, adjusting workflows and processes as needed
• Supervise the drilling, blasting, excavation, and hauling processes, ensuring that work is conducted according to the production schedule and quality requirements
• Ensure the efficient use of mining equipment and resources, coordinating with the equipment operators and maintenance teams to address any issues promptly
• Review daily production reports and update senior management on progress and any operational challenges
• Ensure that mining equipment is operating efficiently and safely on the bench. Report any maintenance or equipment failures to the maintenance department
• Coordinate with the maintenance team for scheduled or emergency repairs to avoid production downtime
• Monitor and manage the inventory of tools and materials required for mining activities, ensuring that resources are available and replenished as needed

Drilling and Blasting Coordination, Environmental and Regulatory Compliance:

• Supervise the drilling and blasting activities on the bench, ensuring compliance with blasting procedures, safety regulations, and environmental guidelines
• Collaborate with the blasting team to ensure proper planning and execution of blasts, minimizing environmental impact and maintaining safety
• Monitor the results of blasting activities to ensure that ore extraction meets quality and volume specifications
• Ensure that mining operations on the bench comply with all environmental regulations, including dust control, water management, and waste disposal
• Maintain accurate records of environmental and safety data, including monitoring reports, waste disposal logs, and compliance with government regulations
• Coordinate with environmental teams to ensure proper implementation of mitigation measures for any environmental impacts related to mining operations

Reporting and Documentation, Training and Development:

• Maintain accurate records of daily production, safety inspections, equipment usage, and other operational data for the designated bench
• Submit regular reports to the Mine Manager or Operations Manager detailing production progress, safety issues, equipment performance, and resource utilization
• Document any incidents, accidents, or deviations from the planned operations, and assist in preparing corrective action plans
• Provide on-the-job training to team members on operational procedures, safety practices, and equipment use
• Identify skill gaps within the team and recommend or arrange further training to ensure staff are equipped to perform their tasks safely and effectively
• Mentor and support junior miners and operators in their professional development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• A vocational or technical qualification in mining, geology, engineering, or a related field is preferred
• Competent A certification
• At least 3-5 years of experience in mining operations, with a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role
• Proficiency in using mining software or production tracking systems is an advantage
• Ability to read and interpret mining plans, geological reports, and other technical documentation
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to operational changes quickly
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide clear instructions and feedback