About the role
Reporting to the Senior Engineer Underground, the Engineer, Backfill is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the implementation of backfill systems used to support and stabilize underground mine workings. The role involves close collaboration with other engineering teams and operations to ensure safe, efficient and environmentally compliant backfilling operations. The role requires expertise in materials science, geotechnical engineering, and underground mining process.
In this role you will;
- Develop and optimize backfill plans to ensure the stability of underground excavations.
- Design backfill systems (e.g., cemented, paste, or rockfill) based on geotechnical and structural requirements.
- Assess and recommend the use of materials for backfilling, including waste rock, tailings, or other engineered materials.
- Analyze geotechnical data to inform backfill design and provide recommendations for mine design and safety.
- Supervise the implementation of backfilling operations, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency.
- Coordinate with the underground operations team to schedule and monitor backfill activities.
- Ensure that backfill applications comply with industry standards and regulations.
- Monitor the performance of backfilled areas, including stability, consolidation, and performance over time.
- Conduct regular inspections and tests to evaluate the quality of backfill materials and processes.
- Provide regular reports on backfill operations, performance metrics, and any issues that require resolution.
- Work closely with the geotechnical, mining, and environmental engineering teams to optimize the backfilling process.
- Collaborate with senior engineers and management to address backfilling challenges and improve operational efficiency.
- Participate in meetings to discuss progress, issues, and potential solutions for backfilling-related activities.
- Stay current with advancements in backfill technology and materials.
- Research and implement new techniques and technologies to improve backfilling efficiency and reduce costs.
- Develop and recommend improvements for backfill systems that enhance mine safety and operational efficiency.
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols during backfilling operations and support safety audits and risk assessments.
- Develop, implement and maintain safe work procedures and promote high safety and health awareness and comply with the NPL Occupational Health & Safety Policy
About you
To succeed in this role, the ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:
- Tertiary Qualification in Mining Engineering.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in Underground Mining, or related field
- Strong knowledge of backfill materials, systems, and geotechnical principles.
- Experience with underground mine design, geotechnical assessments, and backfill applications.
- Familiarity with mining software, especially Deswik.
- Flexibility to work in shifts or irregular hours based on operational needs.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Why New Porgera
In return, you will be joining a world-class mining operation with the opportunity to impact the development and upskilling of our predominantly local workforce, combined with a team keen to learn and absorb knowledge. This offers a unique opportunity to further shape the department and improve NPL’s social performance and people knowledge.
You will be joining an operation that safety and lead a team towards best-in-class safety practices whilst contribute to the development of a highly capable national workforce, making a lasting impact on the industry.
This role is offered on a FIFO basis from Papua New Guinea with a 21/14 roster on a contract basis with a highly competitive remuneration package.
Advert closes: 22nd April,2025
