We currently have an opportunity for a Principal open pit consultant to join an experienced mining team based in Almaty. This opportunity will involve working on a diverse range of exciting projects with multi-disciplinary teams both in Kazakhstan and overseas. International travel will be required; key components to the role include providing competent consulting services to support SRK projects and client.
The work undertaken by the Mining team includes:
- Financial and technical appraisals of both green field and existing mining operations
- Feasibility studies (Conceptual, Scoping, Preliminary, Bankable)
- Design Services
- Due Diligence
- Operational assistance and improvements
- Reviews of mining methods and technical audits
- Reviews and re-optimisations of reserves
- Audits and development of mine designs and schedules
- Operational Audits and assistance/guidance for implementing improvements
- Due diligence
- Competent person reports
- Project reviews
- Stock market listing reports
The role is based in Almaty, the cultural capital of Kazakhstan. Much of the work is performed in our offices in Almaty but where necessary also in client offices, project sites or field camps, and sometimes in overseas SRK offices.
Most of our work involves projects in Central Asia region and a minor amount elsewhere, depending upon where our clients or their projects are located. Among SRK’s clients are many of the world’s major and medium‑sized metal and industrial mineral mining houses, major/mid-tier/junior mining companies, exploration companies, banks, construction firms and government departments.
Our senior professionals are recognised industry experts in their areas of specialisation, and the company encourages individuals to develop their own professional interests, within the supporting framework of the department. However, this requires a commitment to high technical standards and continuing professional development from each member of the team.
At Principal Consultant levels, individuals are expected to actively contribute at the highest levels in the following core competencies:
- Specialised technical knowledge
- Leadership
- Communication
- Project management and organisation skills
- Business development
- Recruitment
- Coaching and mentoring
- Quality control and assurance
Essential Requirements:
Experience/Skills to include:
- Degree and ideally a MSc in a mining related subject with the majority of relevant practical and operational experience gained in a mining environment
- Operational experience gained at an open-pit and/or underground mining operation including mine design and mine planning
- Previous mining related consulting experience and experience in a variety of commodities and mining methods will be highly regarded
- The ideal candidate will possess demonstrable proficiency in industry-standard mining software, with experience spanning the full mine planning cycle. This includes, but is not limited to: GEOVIA (Surpac, MineSched, Whittle), Deswik (CAD, Sched, LHS), Datamine and NPVS
- Innovative and clear thinking, able to work with complex problems and to present ideas and data to colleagues and clients to find solutions
- Competent report and proposal writing skills. Strong English language skills (verbal and written)
- Ability to establish and maintain client relationships
- Proven track record of bringing projects in on time, within budget and to client satisfaction
- Ability to be proactive and work under pressure, either independently or as part of a team
- Previous mining related consulting experience and experience in a variety of commodities and mining methods will be highly regarded
- Registered or eligible to register with a professional organisation that satisfies Competent/ Qualified Person requirements under the JORC code and NI 43-101 guidelines
Project Management:
- Demonstrated project management skills
- Prioritise tasks for self and others
- Meet deadlines and commitments
- Delegate effectively
Business Development:
- Constantly look for opportunities for SRK with existing and potential clients
- Actively locate new business opportunities
- Good network of contacts
Duties/Responsibilities overview:
At this level the primary role is to provide competent consulting services to support SRK projects and clients. The role involves:
- Working as part of multi-disciplinary SRK teams providing input on world-class project development studies
- Representing SRK professionally, to SRK’s clients and interfacing at all levels with the client’s management and operations (and those of their other consultants)
- Acting as project co-ordinator on open pit/underground studies, helping with project management and logistical arrangements of often large projects involving a number of sub-consultants
- Business development, including the generation of business from new and existing clients
- Managing and developing Consultant level staff
Main Technical Responsibilities:
The work involved in undertaking this role may include the following activities, as well as other responsibilities as required:
- Project management and co-ordination including information control, planning and programming of works, commercial and contractual control, procurement, ensuring progress meetings are undertaken, production of progress and financial reports, close liaison with the client and their representatives, safety and quality control
- Report and proposal writing
- Mentoring consultant level staff as required
- Liaising with clients and other consultants
- Financial and technical appraisals of greenfield and existing mining operations
- Due diligence audits
- Mine design and planning
This list is not exhaustive, and further reasonable duties may be requested from time to time as may be deemed in keeping with the job designation.
Company Profile:
SRK is employee owned and employs around 1,700 professional consultants internationally with 45 offices on 6 continents. SRK has been providing its clients with innovative, practical and cost-effective solutions for 50 years and our client base covers a wide range of industries, particularly within the resources and engineering sectors.
For further information please refer to our website
Continuing Professional Development:
It is the policy of SRK to provide employees with access to training. SRK regards Professional Registration for engineers, geologists and scientists as being fundamental to the advancement of both the company and the individual. Individuals are encouraged to attend relevant courses and conferences, and coaching and mentorship will be provided as required. This will include ongoing training to improve performance and service to clients and to ensure ongoing development of the individual. In addition, SRK will provide specialist training in First Aid and dealing with situations that may be encountered during travel overseas, especially to remote areas.
In return for considering a future with us, we offer:
- An attractive compensation package
- Diversity of projects and clients within a non-hierarchical consultancy environment
- Opportunity to purchase shares in the company; the SRK Group is an independent group, owned by its employees
Relocation:
SRK will assist with reasonable relocation and removal expenses for transport of personal effects and flights if required.
SRK will also cover the costs of rented accommodation for up to 4 weeks on arrival if required.
Working Conditions:
Primarily office based in Almaty however it is likely that frequent overseas travel will be necessary, involving working in a variety of climatic and geographic terrains in addition to working in various mining and mineral processing operations
Travel to overseas countries will frequently involve flying in-country using internal airlines. Extensive road travel to site locations when overseas is also usually necessary and road conditions can often be poor, especially outside the major cities.
How to apply:
Applicants should respond by emailing their resume to Karlygash Akasheva at akasheva@srk.kz
