Area Supervisor, Cable Handling

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Job title: Area Supervisor, Cable Handling

Site: Kansanshi

Department: Mining Infrastructure

Section: Mine Infrastructure - Cable Services

Position reports to: Shift Supervisor, Cable Handling

Direct reports: Cable Handling Operators and Cable Handling Assistants

Purpose

The Area Supervisor, Cable Handling is responsible for the safe, efficient, and effective execution of cable handling activities supporting mining operations within designated production areas. The role supervises the installation, relocation, protection, inspection, maintenance coordination, and recovery of high-voltage and low-voltage trailing cables supplying electrical power to mining equipment and associated infrastructure. The role ensures all cable handling activities are carried out in compliance with company standards, statutory requirements, and safe work procedures.

Key Responsibilities

The incumbent works closely with Shift Supervisors, Coordinators, Mine Operations, Dispatch, Drill and Blast, Electrical Maintenance, and other stakeholders to ensure power distribution systems are positioned and maintained in line with operational requirements while minimizing safety risks, equipment downtime, and production interruptions. The incumbent will also be required to adhere to all relevant requirements, policies, procedures and legal regulations pertaining to health, safety, environment and quality, as well as finance, human resources, and any other regulations as required by the company and relevant to the level of the role and responsibilities of the function.

Operational Supervision

• Supervise daily cable handling activities within the assigned operational area.
• Ensure safe and timely relocation, extension, recovery, and protection of trailing cables supporting mining operations.
• Coordinate daily work assignments and resources to meet operational requirements.
• Monitor power distribution requirements and respond promptly to operational changes.
• Ensure cable handling equipment and resources are available and effectively utilized.
• Report power distribution constraints and operational risks to the Shift Supervisor.
• Support continuous availability of power supply to electric shovels, drills, pumps, and other electrically powered equipment.

Cable Relocation and Infrastructure Support

• Execute cable relocation plans in line with pit advancement and operational requirements.
• Ensure cable routes, crossing points, and protection systems are installed and maintained according to standards.
• Conduct routine inspections of cables and associated infrastructure.
• Identify damaged, unsafe, or non-compliant cable installations and arrange corrective actions.
• Assist with the installation and relocation of substations, mobile skids, transformers, and related infrastructure as directed.

Drill and Blast Coordination

• Coordinate cable handling activities before, during, and after blasting operations.
• Ensure all cables and electrical infrastructure are relocated, isolated, or protected prior to blasting activities.
• Participate in pre-blast inspections and risk assessments.
• Verify compliance with blast exclusion zones and safety requirements.
• Conduct post-blast inspections and assist with restoration of power supply to operational areas.
• Report blast-related cable damage and support investigations and corrective actions.

Safety, Health, Environment and Compliance

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture within the cable handling team.
• Ensure compliance with all mining regulations, electrical safety standards, and company procedures.
• Conduct daily workplace inspections, pre-start meetings, and safety interactions.
• Ensure proper implementation of Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO), isolation procedures, and permit-to-work requirements.
• Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure all hazards, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions are reported and addressed promptly.
• Monitor housekeeping standards within work areas.

Planning and Coordination

• Participate in shift planning and operational coordination meetings.
• Coordinate activities with Mine Operations, Dispatch, Drill and Blast, and Electrical Maintenance teams.
• Ensure assigned work is executed according to operational priorities and production requirements.
• Provide shift reports on completed work, outstanding tasks, risks, and operational issues.
• Support implementation of short-term operational plans developed by the Shift Supervisor and Coordinator.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and guide Cable Handling Operators and Assistants.
• Ensure employees understand and comply with standard operating procedures.
• Conduct on-the-job coaching and mentoring to improve team performance and safety awareness.
• Monitor employee performance and provide timely feedback.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and operational discipline.
• Assist in identifying training and development needs for team members.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve cable handling practices, efficiency, and safety performance.
• Support initiatives aimed at reducing cable damage, downtime, and operational disruptions.
• Contribute to achieving departmental key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Participate in problem-solving and root cause analysis activities relating to cable handling incidents and failures.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 Certificate
• Diploma or Certificate in Mining, Mineral Science, or a related qualification
• Valid Blasting License
• First Aid Certificate
• Driver’s License
• Training in High Voltage Switching, Electrical Safety, Cable Handling, or Mine Power Distribution will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in open pit mining, mine infrastructure, electrical distribution, or heavy industrial operations.
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in a supervisory or team leadership role.
• Experience in cable handling, power distribution systems, or support of electrically powered mining equipment.
• Sound understanding of high-voltage and low-voltage trailing cable systems.
• Knowledge of mining safety regulations, electrical safety standards, and risk management practices.
• Demonstrated leadership and team supervision abilities.
• Good planning, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working in large-scale mining operations will be an added advantage.

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

• Teamwork
• Safety Leadership
• Accountability
• Effective Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Technical Competence
• Initiative
• Integrity
• Results Orientation
• Planning and Organising
• Continuous Improvement
• Adaptability

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work rotating shifts.
• Availability for overtime and standby duties when required.
• Ability to work in an open pit mining environment.
• Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, heat, and changing weather conditions.
• Good understanding of mining legislation, electrical safety regulations, company policies, and procedures.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to respond effectively to operational and emergency situations.
• Understanding of the operational, cultural, and regulatory environment within the mining industry.

How to Apply

Apply using the following link: https://firstquantum.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/First_Quantum_Careers/job/Solwezi/Area-Supervisor--Cable-Handling-3_JR19227