Dewatering Supervisor

• Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise daily dewatering activities across the open-cast mining operation.
• Monitor pit water levels, groundwater inflows, rainfall and potential flooding risks.
• Ensure that pumps, pipelines, hoses and associated equipment operate efficiently.
• Coordinate the installation, relocation and commissioning of pumps as mining activities progress.
• Ensure sufficient pumping capacity and standby equipment are available.
• Monitor discharge points and water management infrastructure in accordance with site procedures and applicable environmental requirements.

• Ensure compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), mine standards and relevant safety procedures.
• Conduct workplace inspections, risk assessments and pre-task safety briefings.
• Identify and address hazards associated with water accumulation, electrical equipment, pipelines and pump installations.
• Investigate incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions, implementing corrective actions.
• Ensure that water discharge and handling comply with applicable environmental authorisations and site requirements.

• Coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs of dewatering equipment.
• Monitor pump performance, equipment availability and breakdown trends.
• Liaise with engineering and maintenance teams to resolve technical problems.
• Ensure proper housekeeping and the safe handling, storage and use of equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment inspections, maintenance activities and operational performance.

• Work closely with mining, engineering and production teams to align dewatering activities with mining plans.
• Identify potential water-related production delays and implement proactive mitigation measures.
• Ensure that mining areas, haul roads, working benches and pit access routes are managed to minimise water-related operational risks.
• Develop and implement contingency plans for heavy rainfall, pump failure and unexpected water inflows.

• Monitor dewatering-related expenditure, including energy, diesel, equipment hire, maintenance and consumables.
• Identify opportunities to improve pumping efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Manage the effective utilisation of personnel, equipment and contractors.
• Report on operational performance, resource utilisation and budget variances.

• Supervise pump operators, dewatering personnel and relevant contractors.
• Allocate duties, monitor performance and ensure adequate shift coverage.
• Provide on-the-job training and reinforce safe working practices.
• Maintain accurate daily reports on water levels, pump operating hours, breakdowns, maintenance and dewatering performance.
• Escalate operational risks and equipment failures to management promptly.

2. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Relevant technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mining Engineering or a related field will be advantageous.
• Relevant training in pump operation, water management, maintenance or dewatering systems will be beneficial.
• Valid driver's licence.

• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in mine dewatering, pumping operations or a related mining environment.
• Previous supervisory experience in an open-cast mining operation, preferably coal mining.
• Practical experience with industrial pumps, pipelines, hoses and dewatering equipment.
• Experience coordinating maintenance, breakdowns and equipment installations.
• Experience managing teams, contractors and operational resources.
• Understanding of mining safety procedures and water management requirements.

• TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES

• Dewatering systems and pump operations.
• Pump capacity, flow rates, pressure and pumping efficiency.
• Pipeline installation, inspection and maintenance.
• Water-level monitoring and flooding risk management.
• Preventive maintenance and equipment troubleshooting.
• Mine Health and Safety Act requirements and risk assessment procedures.
• Operational reporting, cost monitoring and resource planning.
• Microsoft Office and basic reporting systems.

4. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• Availability and reliability of dewatering equipment.
• Compliance with mine safety standards and procedures.
• Reduction in water-related production delays.
• Timely identification and resolution of water accumulation risks.
• Preventive maintenance compliance.
• Control of dewatering operating costs against budget.
• Accuracy and timeliness of operational reports.
• Team productivity, competency and adherence to safety requirements.

5. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Excellent planning and organisational ability.
• Proactive problem-solving and decision-making.
• Strong safety awareness and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond to emergencies.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work shifts, extended hours and in challenging mining conditions when required.