Mine shift manager

Mine shift managers supervise staff, manage plant and equipment, optimise productivity and ensure safety at the mine on a day to day basis.

The following job titles also refer to mine shift manager:

mine shift supervisor
scheduling manager (mine)
mine scheduling engineer
scheduling officer
mine shift managers
mine shift coordinator
mine shifts manager

Mine shift managers typically work long hours, including weekends and holidays. They may be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They work in all types of weather conditions and may be exposed to health and safety hazards.

Mine shift managers typically work in an office environment, but they also spend time on the mine property, where they may be exposed to noise, dust, and fumes. They may be required to wear personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, safety glasses, and earplugs.

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, mining science or a related field is often required to become a mine shift manager. Some employers may also require a master’s degree in mining engineering or a related field. Courses in mathematics, geology, engineering, business and computer science are helpful for this role.

Most of a mine shift manager’s training will take place while they are in school. Students will learn about mining techniques, safety procedures and how to use mining equipment. They will also learn about the various aspects of the mining industry, including geology, mineralogy, mining methods and mining equipment.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Mine shift manager is a Skill level 3 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to mine shift manager.

refinery shift manager
mine safety officer
gas processing plant control room operator
mine supervisor
desalination technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of mine shift manager. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of mine shift manager with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

mine health and safety engineer
mine production manager
mine mechanical engineer
mine development engineer
mine ventilation engineer

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of mine shift manager.

• Impact of geological factors on mining operations: Be aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.
• Mine safety legislation: The laws, regulations and codes of practice relevant to safety in mining operations.
• Mining engineering: Fields of engineering relevant to mining operations. Principles, techniques, procedures and equipment used in the extraction of minerals.
• Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

These skills are necessary for the role of mine shift manager.

• Use a computer: Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
• Ensure compliance with safety legislation: Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Manage staff: Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.
• Maintain records of mining operations: Maintain records of mine production and development performance, including performance of machinery.
• Manage emergency procedures: React quickly in case of emergency and set planned emergency procedures in motion.
• Deal with pressure from unexpected circumstances: Strive to achieve objectives despite the pressures arising from unexpected factors outside of your control.
• Supervise staff: Oversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.
• Monitor mine production: Oversee mining production rates in order to estimate operational effectiveness.
• Present reports: Display results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mine shift manager. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Health and safety hazards underground: The rules and risks affecting health and safety when working underground. 

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mine shift manager. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Manage heavy equipment: Supervise the operation of heavy-duty equipment. Compute the availability of the equipment. Schedule maintenance periods.
• Investigate mine accidents: Conduct investigation of mining accidents; identify unsafe working conditions and develop measures for improvement.
• Supervise mine construction operations: Prepare and oversee mine construction operations e.g. shaft and tunnel constructions.
• Identify process improvements: Identify possible improvements to operational and financial performance.
• Monitor mine costs: Monitor total costs of mining activities, projects and required equipment; pursue maximum operational cost efficiency.
• Think proactively: Take initiatives to come up with improvements.

3121 – Mining supervisors

---

References

1. Mine shift manager – ESCO
2. Mine Manager Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder