PTFI’s Grasberg Underground Mine operations consist of several world-class mines that are targeted to produce 240,000 tons of copper ore per day. These include the GBC panel cave mine, the DMLZ panel cave mine and the Big Gossan open stope mine. The Kucing Liar panel cave mine is PTFI’s future source of copper, which will be developed over the next 3 years. The approximate site CAPEX is more than $6b and when at full capacity Grasberg operations will be one of the largest underground operations in the world. The Life of Mine of the Underground Mine operation currently reaches 2041.
The Hydrology Group is crucial in ensuring a smooth transition from open pit to underground mining. Their responsibilities include effective dewatering of both underground and open pit operations. Given the high-intensity rainfall at the site, managing drainage to prevent flooding is a critical task. The group also oversees site-wide ARD (Acid Rock Drainage) management and water supply, ensuring environmental compliance and uninterrupted water supply for operations and local communities.
A summary of the department’s work includes:
- Hydrology data collection and analysis for both underground and surface operations.
- Hydrology recommendations for the Underground Mine, Grasberg Mine Closure, and other areas.
- Dewatering design and implementation to maintain operational efficiency.
- ARD management to mitigate environmental impacts.
- Hydrology modelling to predict and manage water flow and quality.
- Consultant management to leverage external expertise.
- Reporting to meet regulatory and operational requirements.
Additional Responsibilities:
1. Collaborate with Section Heads: Assist in the design, implementation, and verification of dewatering and water supply systems to align with the company’s long-term strategy.
2. Budget Management: Propose and manage operating and capital budgets, ensuring maximum return for the company through careful review and control.
3. Activity Oversight: Direct, plan, monitor, and evaluate section activities in all areas of mine hydrology to ensure quality, cost standards, and effective resource utilization, in compliance with PTFI’s safety standards and government of Indonesia requirements.
4. Component Review and Prioritization: Review and prioritize mine dewatering and water supply components, assessing their effectiveness against industry best practices.
5. Professional Coordination: Maintain professional relationships with internal (Geoengineering and PTFI) and external parties, including auditors and consultants.
6. Safety Policy Communication: Direct and communicate the company’s safety policies to ensure the Hydrology Department perform their duties accurately, effectively, and safely.
7. Team Development: Provide technical and management guidance to the Hydrology Department staff, both underground and on the surface, through training, development, ongoing coaching, and knowledge transfer to support sustainable employee growth within the expanding organization.
8. Performance Monitoring: Monitor performance and assist the mine hydrogeology department to minimize re-work and ensure compliance with time and quality standards required by the client and the company.
9. Research and Improvement: Conduct research and trials to identify opportunities for improvements in mine hydrogeology systems.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Hydrogeology, Geological Engineering, or acceptable tertiary qualifications with at least ten (10) years of working experience in the industry and experience in application of hydrogeology to underground mining.
- Extensive strategic mine safety and environmental experience.
- Computer literate and database literate.
- Project Management Knowledge.
- Demonstrated expertise in hydrogeology dewatering and water supply systems as applied to underground mining.
- Demonstrated ability to work with others and communicate complex issues.
- Ability to perform in-depth analysis of complex hydrogeology issues and convey the results to senior management.
- Ability to develop preventive actions as opposed to corrective actions.
- Quick in taking initiative.
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
- Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
- Ability to work in a culturally diversified workforce.
- Fluent in English (oral and written) and willing to learn Bahasa Indonesia.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- High level communication and presentation skills.