Head of Mining Operations (Gold Mine)

About the role

The Head of Mining Operations will lead all underground mining activities for a gold mine in Central Province, PNG. Reporting to executive management, the role combines strategic planning, safety leadership, and operational excellence in a remote FIFO environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for underground mining, ensuring safe, productive, and efficient execution of mine development, production, ground support, ventilation, and mine services.
• Collaborate with Technical Services and Geology to develop short‑, medium‑, and long‑term mine plans aligned with production targets.
• Champion safety compliance with mining legislation, statutory requirements, and the Mine Safety Management System.
• Manage departmental budgets, operational costs, and capital expenditure while driving continuous cost optimisation.
• Oversee contractor performance to meet productivity, contractual, operational, and safety standards.
• Lead, mentor and develop Mining Superintendents, Shift Bosses, Supervisors, Engineers and operational staff, supporting succession planning.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Valid PNG Metalliferous Mine Manager's Certificate of Competency (or immediate eligibility).
• Minimum 10 years of underground mining experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven experience managing underground operations in remote FIFO environments.
• Strong knowledge of mine planning, production scheduling, ground support, ventilation, and contractor management.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English.

Required skills

• Underground mining operations
• Mine planning
• Production scheduling
• Ground support systems
• Mine ventilation
• Contractor management