Mine Operations Superintendent

Mine Operations Superintendent – Underground & Open Pit
Gold Mining Project – Guyana

Employment Type
Project / Fixed Term / Site-Based Rotation
Reporting To
Mine Manager / Project Mining Manager
 
Client Overview
Our client is an established mining company focused on the development, construction, operation, and exploration of sustainable precious-metal mining projects. The organization applies a strong operational and project-delivery philosophy, with a focus on developing safe, efficient, and responsible mining operations while creating long-term value for employees, stakeholders, and host communities.
The client is currently advancing a major gold mining project in Guyana, progressing through the development and construction phase toward mine commissioning and operations. The project is expected to involve an integrated mining environment incorporating Underground and Open Pit operations, requiring the establishment of robust operational systems, competent leadership teams, and strong interfaces between Mining, Engineering, Construction, Geology, Maintenance, Processing, and HSE.
The organization places a strong emphasis on health and safety, operational excellence, accountability, sustainability, and local workforce development. The Mine Operations Superintendent will therefore play a critical role in establishing the operational foundations required for a safe and successful transition from project development into mine development, commissioning, ramp-up, and sustained production.

Position Overview
The Mine Operations Superintendent will provide senior operational leadership for the development, establishment, and execution of mining activities for a major gold mining project in Guyana.
The role will have responsibility for coordinating and leading mining operations across Underground (UG) and Open Pit (OP) activities, ensuring that operational readiness, construction interfaces, production execution, safety, workforce capability, equipment utilization, and operational performance are aligned with the overall project strategy.
Working closely with Mine Management, Engineering, Construction, Geology, Maintenance, Processing, Projects, HSE, and other site functions, the Mine Operations Superintendent will support the transition from project construction and mine development into safe, stable, and productive mining operations.
The position requires a strong operational leader capable of working in a developing and remote mining environment, establishing robust operating standards and systems, building high-performing teams, and ensuring that mining activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved plans and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Mine Operations Planning & Execution

• Lead the safe and effective execution of mining activities in accordance with approved short-, medium-, and long-term mine plans.
• Coordinate operational activities associated with both Underground and Open Pit mining, ensuring appropriate integration between mining areas and project development requirements.
• Translate engineering and mine planning objectives into practical daily and weekly operating priorities.
• Monitor mining performance against planned production, development, advance, waste movement, ore delivery, and other operational targets.
• Identify operational constraints, bottlenecks, and opportunities and implement timely corrective actions.
• Ensure effective coordination of mining activities with Geology, Mine Engineering, Maintenance, Processing, and other site departments.
• Support the development and implementation of operating procedures, standards, work instructions, and management systems required for the transition into operations.
• Ensure effective material management, ore/waste segregation, stockpile management, and ore routing in accordance with geological and operational requirements.
• Maintain strong operational discipline and accountability across all mining activities.

2. Underground Mining Operations

• Provide operational leadership and oversight for underground mine development and production activities.
• Ensure underground development, production, ground support, ventilation, services, materials handling, and associated activities are executed safely and efficiently.
• Coordinate underground mining activities with technical services, geology, ventilation, geotechnical, maintenance, and project/construction teams.
• Monitor underground development and production performance against approved schedules and plans.
• Ensure appropriate operational controls are established for underground working conditions, access, equipment movements, ground conditions, ventilation, and emergency preparedness.
• Support the establishment and continuous improvement of UG operating standards and systems.
• Identify and address operational risks that may affect underground development, production, safety, or project schedule.

3. Open Pit Mining Operations

• Lead and supervise Open Pit mining activities, including drilling, loading, hauling, dumping, road and ramp management, and stockpile operations.
• Ensure mining activities are executed in accordance with approved pit designs, schedules, and operating standards.
• Monitor pit conditions, including benches, berms, ramps, working areas, traffic management, and other critical operating controls.
• Coordinate equipment allocation and utilization to achieve planned production and development objectives.
• Work closely with Geology and Mine Engineering to ensure appropriate ore/waste segregation and grade-control requirements are implemented.
• Monitor fleet productivity and availability and coordinate with Maintenance to maximize equipment utilization.

4. Operational Readiness & Project Development

• Play a key role in preparing the mine operations organization for commissioning, start-up, ramp-up, and steady-state production.
• Support the development of operational readiness plans, procedures, manpower requirements, training programs, and operational standards.
• Participate in the selection, mobilization, onboarding, and development of the mining operations workforce.
• Review construction and project activities from an operational perspective and ensure appropriate interfaces are established between construction and future mining operations.
• Ensure operational requirements are incorporated into the design, construction, commissioning, and handover of mining infrastructure and facilities.
• Support the development of systems for shift management, dispatch, production reporting, equipment management, communication, and operational performance monitoring.
• Assist with the identification of operational risks and readiness gaps prior to commencement of mining activities.

5. Leadership & Workforce Management

• Provide visible and accountable leadership to General Foremen, Supervisors, operators, contractors, and other mining personnel.
• Establish a culture of safety, accountability, discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure appropriate workforce levels and competencies are available to support planned operations.
• Lead recruitment, workforce mobilization, training, competency development, and succession planning within the operations function.
• Coach and develop supervisors and frontline leaders to build a strong operational leadership pipeline.
• Promote effective communication and structured shift handovers across mining crews.
• Establish clear performance expectations and monitor individual and team performance.
• Address performance issues constructively and consistently in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Foster a respectful and inclusive working environment and strong relationships with the local workforce and site communities.

6. Health, Safety, Environment & Risk Management

• Demonstrate visible and proactive leadership in health, safety, environmental, and operational risk management.
• Ensure mining activities are conducted in compliance with company standards, approved procedures, Guyanese legislation, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain high standards of operational safety across UG and OP activities.
• Ensure supervisors and employees understand and comply with critical risk controls and safe operating procedures.
• Intervene immediately when unsafe conditions or behaviors are identified.
• Promote hazard identification, risk assessment, incident prevention, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in incident investigations and ensure effective corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Maintain strong awareness of the additional risks associated with remote-site operations and a developing mining environment.

7. Equipment & Maintenance Coordination

• Coordinate with Maintenance to maximize the availability, reliability, and utilization of mining equipment.
• Ensure equipment requirements are aligned with operational plans and project development schedules.
• Monitor equipment performance, utilization, downtime, and operational constraints.
• Support the development of maintenance strategies and priorities from an operational perspective.
• Ensure operators maintain high standards of equipment care, pre-start inspections, and operational discipline.
• Identify opportunities to improve fleet productivity, availability, and operating cost performance.

8. Performance Management & Reporting

• Establish clear operational KPIs and performance expectations for mining activities.
• Monitor production, development, equipment utilization, productivity, safety, and workforce performance.
• Provide accurate and timely operational reporting to Mine Management and relevant project leadership.
• Analyze operational performance and identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Drive structured problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure operational information is communicated effectively between shifts, departments, and management levels.

9. Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Maintain close working relationships with Mine Engineering, Geology, Geotechnical, Maintenance, HSE, Processing, Projects, Construction, Supply Chain, and other site functions.
• Ensure effective coordination of mining activities with project construction and infrastructure development.
• Work collaboratively with contractors and service providers where applicable.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders while maintaining operational confidentiality and professional standards.
• Support engagement with local stakeholders and workforce representatives as required.

Working Conditions
This is a site-based rotational position in Guyana, supporting a major gold mining project in a remote and developing operating environment.
The successful candidate must be comfortable working in a construction/project environment and subsequently transitioning into mine development, commissioning, ramp-up, and production operations.
The position requires a strong field presence and the ability to work extended periods at site in accordance with the project’s rotation schedule.

Required Qualifications & ExperienceEducation

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Mine Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Relevant technical qualifications combined with significant practical mining leadership experience may also be considered.

Mining Experience

• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive mining operations experience.
• Significant experience in a senior supervisory, Superintendent, or equivalent operational leadership position.
• Demonstrated experience in Open Pit mining, with strong Underground mining experience considered essential for this integrated operation.
• Experience in gold mining or a comparable hard-rock mining environment strongly preferred.
• Experience operating in remote locations and challenging site environments.
• Demonstrated experience in mine development, operational readiness, commissioning, ramp-up, or transition from project construction into operations is highly desirable.
• Experience managing mining contractors and/or owner-operated mining fleets is an advantage.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of underground and open-pit mining methods and operating practices.
• Strong knowledge of mining production systems, equipment utilization, productivity, and operational controls.
• Understanding of mine planning and the ability to translate engineering plans into executable operating programs.
• Strong knowledge of mining safety systems, critical risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with mine production reporting, KPIs, operational planning, and performance management.
• Strong understanding of the interfaces between Mining, Geology, Engineering, Maintenance, Processing, Construction, and HSE.
• Ability to work effectively with mining technology, fleet management, dispatch, and operational reporting systems.

Leadership & Behavioural Competencies

• Operational Leadership – Demonstrates strong field leadership, sound operational judgment, and the ability to establish clear standards and accountability.
• Safety Leadership – Places safety and risk management at the centre of operational decision-making and leads by example.
• Strategic & Commercial Thinking – Understands the broader project and business objectives and aligns mining activities with schedule, cost, production, and operational priorities.
• Team Development – Builds capable teams through coaching, mentoring, training, engagement, and succession planning.
• Collaboration – Works effectively across technical, operational, project, construction, and corporate functions.
• Problem Solving – Demonstrates a practical, structured approach to identifying operational problems and implementing sustainable solutions.
• Accountability – Takes ownership of operational outcomes and maintains high standards of integrity, discipline, and professional conduct.
• Continuous Improvement – Actively identifies opportunities to improve safety, productivity, reliability, cost performance, and operating standards.

Key Success Measures

• Safe and effective establishment and execution of mining operations.
• Successful integration of UG and OP operational activities.
• Achievement of approved mining development and production objectives.
• Strong operational readiness for commissioning, ramp-up, and production.
• Development of a competent and accountable mining operations workforce.
• High standards of safety, environmental compliance, and operational discipline.
• Effective utilization and availability of mining equipment.
• Strong collaboration between Mining, Engineering, Geology, Maintenance, Construction, and other site functions.
• Consistent operational reporting, performance management, and continuous improvement.
• Successful transition from project development into sustainable mining operations.

Equal Opportunity
The organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and assessing candidates based on their qualifications, experience, competencies, and suitability for the role without discrimination.