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, Papua New Guinea. Reporting to executive management, the role provides strategic direction for mine development, production planning, contractor management and safety performance 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, capital expenditure planning and cost‑optimization initiatives.
• Oversee contractor performance, ensuring productivity, contractual compliance and safety standards.
• Lead, mentor and develop Mining Superintendents, Shift Bosses, Supervisors and engineers, supporting succession planning.
• Monitor production performance, identify operational risks and drive continuous improvement to maximise productivity and reliability.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Valid PNG Metalliferous Mine Manager's Certificate of Competency or eligibility to obtain one.
• Minimum 10 years of underground mining experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles such as Mine Manager or Head of Mining.
• Proven experience leading underground operations in remote FIFO environments.
• Strong leadership, decision‑making and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English.

Required skills

• Underground mining operations
• Mine planning and production scheduling
• Ground support systems
• Mine ventilation
• Contractor management
• Narrow‑vein underground mining methods