DEPARTMENT : MINES
JOB TITLE : PRINCIPAL MINING ENGINEER
GRADE : I
RESPONSIBLE TO: COMMISSIONER OF MINES
DUTY STATION : MASERU
NO. OF POSITIONS: 1 (ONE)
JOB SUMMARY:
Under direct supervision of the Commissioner of Mines, the Principal Mining Engineer is responsible for; Implementation of departmental strategies in line with minerals and mining policies, participation in mining licensing, processing and issuing of rough precious stones dealers’ licenses, monitoring of mining operations to ensure compliance, monitoring of blasting operations, information exchange with regional/ international bodies and coordination of activities of the Department of Mines.
1.0 MAIN DUTIES
1.1.0 Implementation of departmental strategies in line with minerals and mining policies.
1.1.1 Recommends review of mining policies to ensure maximum benefits from mineral development.
1.1.2 Contributes in review and formulation of mining and minerals legislation.
1.1.3 Ensures that work programmes are developed in line with departmental strategies.
1.2.0 Participation in mining licensing
1.2.1 Provides the necessary requirements for acquisition of mineral rights in the country to potential investors.
1.2.2 Pre-vets the completed mining rights applications before their submission to the Commissioner.
1.3.0 Processing and issuing of rough precious stones dealers’ licenses.
1.3.1 Assesses precious stones dealers’ applications.
1.3.2 Inspects dealers proposed work place for compliance.
1.3.3 Recommends award of precious stones dealers’ licenses to the Commissioner.
1.4.0 Monitoring of mining operations to ensure compliance.
1.4.1 Approves inspection plans.
1.4.2 Assesses inspection reports and recommends the appropriate action.
1.4.3 Compiles mining performance reports.
1.4.4 Conducts mines visits to verify inspection findings.
1.5.0 Monitoring of blasting operations.
1.5.1 Approves contractors blasting plans for mining and civil engineering works.
1.5.2 Assesses competence of blasters and recommends issuing of blasting licenses.
1.5.3 Recommends issuing of explosives magazines licenses.
1.6.0 Information exchange with regional/ international bodies.
1.6.1 Recommends technical cooperation with regional/ international mining bodies to the Commissioner.
1.6.2 Advices the Commissioner on the requirements of international bodies’ agreements to ensure compliance.
1.6.3 Compiles mining activities’ progress reports required by regional and international bodies.
1.7.0 Coordination of activities of the Department of Mines.
1.7.1 Coordinates the development of work programmes.
1.7.2 Compiles progress reports on mining activities.
1.7.3 Assesses inspection reports and recommends remedial action.
1.7.4 Compiles annual budget for Department of Mines.
1.7.5 Recommends staff development and Training.
2.0. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Master’s Degree in Mining Engineering plus three (3) years relevant working experience.
OR
Honours Degree in Mining Engineering plus five (5) years relevant working experience.
OR
Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering plus six (6) years relevant working experience.
1.1 Other relevant knowledge
• Must be computer literate
• Must be conversant with existing Mining and public Service legislation
2.0 Responsibility
2.1 Effect of errors
The Principal Mining Engineer ensures that the mining activities are carried-out in a safe, efficient, effective and lawful manner, failure to do so will result in a high likelihood of accidents and damage to the environment. The Principal Mining Engineer also ensures that the Government of Lesotho receives revenue as agreed on the lease documents, failure to do so will result in a loss of government revenue.
3.0 Complexity
3.1 Authority for decision making
The Principal Mining Engineer has to make recommendations to the Commissioner of Mines that may address issues in the Department of Mines and the mining sector as a whole.
3.2 Problem solving
The Principal Mining Engineer in consultation with Commissioner of Mines is required to solve problems and conflicts that may arise in the mining sector.
3.3 Supervision Received
The Principal Mining Engineer shall develop work-plans with the Commissioner of Mines and be supervised by the Commissioner of Mines.
3.4 Dexterity
The Principal Mining Engineer is required to have good senses, sure footedness and the ability to respond to stimuli appropriately.
3.5 Contacts
The Principal Mining Engineer is required to maintain contact with;
• Investors ( Local, regional and international)
• The general public
• Cooperating partners
4.0 Effort
4.1 Mental effort
The Principal Mining Engineer’s work pressure requires strong mental effort which involves close attention to mining/prospecting lease applications and investor negotiations. It also requires a great deal of patience when dealing with Mining Companies and the general public.
4.2 Emotional effort
The Principal Mining Engineer should have the maturity to control mood, anxiety and personality problems.
5.0 Working conditions
5.1 Unfavorable conditions
The Principal Mining Engineer should be prepared to work in the office and the mines during exports and inspections and may be exposed to heights, snow and slippery conditions.
5.2 Hazards
The Principal Mining Engineer is expected to visit the mines where explosives are used, where there is earth moving machinery, dust and noise
Applications on relevant forms, GP103 (for people that are not presently employed by the Government of Lesotho) and GP104 (for serving officers), accompanied by certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts should be submitted to:
THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF MINING
P.O. BOX 10692
MASERU 100
NOT LATER THAN THE 11TH DECEMBER 2017
NB: To apply come and collect application forms from us GP103 or GP104.
