Summary: 

The Mining Engineer is responsible for ensuring raw materials are reliably supplied to the four cement plants in the central region and that long term life of mine plans are both in place and adhered to. For plants reliant on purchased raw materials this position will provide support and technical expertise in negotiating supply agreements, developing new streams of low-cost materials, and identifying alternatives for supply. The mining engineer will play a leading role in central region exploration and the development of new quarries or other sources of raw materials. This position will report to the Louisville Plant Manager but support mining activities throughout the central region. 

What you’ll be contributing: 

• Quarry Mining Operations Management

  • Work in a group environment to develop and maintain short, intermediate, and long-term Life of Mining (LOM) plans to achieve maximum value through the optimum utilization of chemical ore reserves

  • Work with Plant Management to prepare and implement a robust and effective compliance system, designed to ensure that laws and regulations are adhered to and that any non-compliant activity is detected

  • Build a productive working relationship with onsite management; assist with overflow related mining activities

  • Work with plant employees to capture high value mining opportunities and carry out studies and appropriate action plans

  • Liaise and negotiate on mineral-related matters with other Government department statutory bodies, academic institutions, the industry, aid donors and represent the company on committees, boards, industry bodies, and other relevant organizations as required

  • Work with Plant Management and Corporate personnel to develop key performance indicators as it relates to optimizing quarry reserves, minimizing waste streams and lowering mining costs

  • Develop and maintain 3D Geologic Models of quarries using planning software in addition to providing technical training on the use of the software

  • Coordinate and assist with engineering and periodic reviews of LOM plan to include block models, schedules and annual volumes by bench, site limitations and conditions, operational effectiveness, chemical ore quality, and other relevant factors

  • Generate necessary plans and technical illustrations to effectively communicate LOM and stripping plans, remediation efforts, and schedules for implementation in accordance with company standards.

  • Create and maintain site auditing plans to ensure stripping needs are clearly communicated, monitor mining and geology processes, drilling campaigns, use of explosives and associated powder factors, identify continuous improvement

  • Develop 5-year block model maps with appropriate volumes by bench with accurate maps and technical illustrations as needed to facilitate land-related issues, including agreements, zoning, and permitting.

  • Develop evaluation methods for mobile equipment utilization in addition to working with sites and various vendors to select new equipment

  • Conduct regular geotechnical surveys to identify, mitigate and resolve hazards through building effective working relationships with operations management

  • Generate regular reports detailing region reserves situation, quarry operational KPI’s and purchased raw materials supply situation

  Strategic Land Acquisitions

  • Develop, expand and capture key, high-growth/high-value mining opportunities

  • Coordinate mining market expansion by building effective working relationships with local geologists, mining engineers, and non-competitive mining companies to research information about potential land acquisitions to Ash Grove Cement internal stakeholders

  • Conduct technical evaluation and assessments including, but not limited to, land acquisition, geologic modeling, drilling and exploration, reserves assessment, and mine planning

  • Complete reporting to SEC

  • Evaluate and make recommendations on quarry mobile equipment to include, but not limited to, size, fleet design, etc. 

To succeed in this position, you will need: 

Education 

• Bachelor’s Degree in is required
• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or Geology is preferred 

Experience 

• More than 5 years of experience in mining industry, with a focus on cement related processes or similar industry
• More than 5 years of experience as Mining Engineer, Geologist, Quarry Manager, and/or Mine Manager.
• More than 5 years of experience in quarry management and optimization with a focus on stripping, drilling campaigns, and mobile equipment selection and utilization. 

Skills and Abilities 

• Proficient in English written and verbal communication skills
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills
• Demonstrated written communication skills
• Demonstrated problem solving skills
• Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision making skills
• Proactively approaches responsibilities
• Possesses a high degree of initiative
• Instills commitment to organizational goals
• Ability to inspire and develop staff
• Ability to lead/manage others
• Ability to build strong customer relationships
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Excellent collaboration and team building skills
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Extensive working knowledge in assessing LOM chemical ore reserves, pit designs, development of 5-year block models for quarry mining to include effective water drainage control and overburden removal.
• Knowledge of industrial geology as related to the cement or related industry.
• Surveying knowledge and/or experience with GPS station gear.
• More than 5 years of experience block model development with a clear understanding of both process and financial implications in the mining industry.
• Ability to read, write and understand warning labels, instructions, signs, etc. 

What’s next for you? 

• We provide stability and advancement opportunities across North America. Use our tuition reimbursement program to help you meet your career goals. 

Benefits:

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• A culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion