Mine Manager

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage crude blending activities to maintain product quality while controlling the largest cost contributor within mining operations.
• Develop and contribute to annual budgets for prospecting, mining, and hauling services; monitor spending and manage variances.
• Identify, evaluate, and propose potential properties for exploration and future mining activity.
• Schedule, coordinate, and manage weekly and monthly mining and hauling activities to ensure uninterrupted crude clay supply.
• Oversee daily crude clay delivery to production facilities and coordinate timing with plant requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of crude clay deliveries to verify contractor billing and inventory tracking.
• Monitor overburden, mining, and hauling contractors to ensure compliance with mining permits, MSHA regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Direct the work of on-site mining personnel, including crude clay bulldozer operators, to support efficient mining operations.
• Establish mine cuts and operational plans in accordance with approved mining permits and geological guidance.
• Develop drilling priorities and align exploration activities with production, sales forecasts, and departmental needs.
• Reconcile ore availability against annual and projected sales forecasts; direct contractors to ensure sufficient reserves for uninterrupted plant production.
• Manage third-party prospect laboratory personnel and coordinate testing and analysis activities.
• Lead core drilling and exploration programs, including contractor oversight and data review.
• Manage crude clay reserves using established best management practices and geological data.
• Support the Corporate Geologist in permitting activities, regulatory submissions, and documentation.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee reclamation activities through third-party contractors in accordance with permit and environmental requirements.
• Partner with EHS to manage on-site stormwater and wastewater collection, treatment, and discharge programs.
• Absorb EHS with environmental, safety, and regulatory compliance initiatives and inspections.
• Manage special projects involving new products, raw materials, and/or laboratory equipment.
• Ensure adherence to Quality Management System (QMS) requirements and ISO documentation standards.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support operational objectives.

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in mining, geology, engineering, operations, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in mining, manufacturing, prospecting, laboratory, or related industrial operations preferred.
• At least one (1) year of leadership or management experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of MSHA safety regulations and mining permit requirements.
• Strong understanding of contractor management, scheduling, and cost control.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ability to use operational and reporting systems.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Ability and willingness to complete required respirator fit testing at hire and annually.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed across office, mine, production, laboratory, and vehicle environments.
• Ability to travel throughout active mining operations, including driving on uneven, unpaved mine roads with vibration and variable conditions.
• Ability to walk, stand, and navigate uneven or rugged terrain for extended periods during site inspections and oversight activities.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and elevated platforms as required.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry materials weighing up to 50–55 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, and reach as required in the mining environment.
• Ability to work outdoors in dust, noise, weather variations, and temperature extremes typical of mining operations.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while driving or attending meetings, with frequent transitions between sitting, standing, and walking.