Kamoto Copper Company Société Anonyme, KCC SA in acronym, is a Congolese company operating in Kolwezi, capital of the province of Lualaba, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
KCC SA exploits copper and cobalt ores on a large scale. It includes an underground mine, open-pit mines and integrated metallurgical facilities. The operation has one of the largest copper reserves in the world, with a current life of over 25 years.
As an industrial mining company, we provide safe workplaces and support the sustainable development of the local economy. We maintain a constructive and open dialogue with the communities that host us, as well as with the provincial and national government.
Job Description
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across Kamoto Copper Company’s mining operations, ensuring safe, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of production objectives. This role will provide overall leadership across both Underground and Open-Pit mining operations, integrating mining, technical, engineering, maintenance, processing, and operational support functions to achieve business objectives.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced Mining Engineer with extensive operational experience across both underground and open-pit mining environments, combined with a strong track record of leadership within large-scale mining operations.
The incumbent will have, among others, the following responsibilities, which are not exhaustive:
- Operational Leadership
- Provide overall leadership and direction to mining operations across underground and open-pit environments.
- Ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable delivery of production and operational targets.
- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with the Company's Life Of Asset.
- Drive operational discipline, productivity, equipment utilization, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure effective integration between mining, technical, processing, maintenance, and support functions.
- Safety, Risk & Compliance
- Provide visible leadership in promoting a strong safety culture across all operations.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, Company standards, policies, and industry best practices.
- Identify and manage operational risks that may affect safety, production, cost, or business continuity.
- Promote a culture of accountability and proactive risk management.
- Production & Operational Performance
- Deliver agreed production, development, productivity, recovery, and cost targets.
- Monitor operational performance through appropriate KPIs and management systems.
- Identify operational constraints and implement corrective actions to improve performance.
- Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives across the business.
- Strategic Planning
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the Company's operational and strategic plans
- Provide operational input into life-of-mine planning, budgets, capital projects, and production forecasts.
- Ensure alignment between short-, medium-, and long-term operational plans.
- Support the evaluation and implementation of major mining projects and operational expansions.
- People & Leadership
- Lead and develop a high-performing mining leadership team.
- Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, performance, and continuous improvement.
- Develop succession plans and technical leadership capability within the organisation.
- Promote local talent development and effective workforce planning..
- Financial & Commercial Management
- Ensure operations are managed within approved budgets and cost parameters.
- Drive cost optimisation and productivity improvement without compromising safety or operational integrity.
- Provide input into capital expenditure decisions and major operational investments.
- Ensure effective utilisation of mining resources, equipment, and infrastructure.
- Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Board, and other senior stakeholders to deliver business objectives.
- Maintain effective relationships with internal departments, contractors, government authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Represent the Company's operational interests at senior management and external forums when required.
Job Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in mining engineering or a related mining/engineering discipline.
- Postgraduate qualifications in Mining Engineering, Engineering Management, Business Administration, or a related field would be advantageous.
- Extensive senior operational experience in the mining industry, preferably within large-scale copper or similar mining operations.
- Significant experience across both underground and open-pit mining environments.
- Proven experience in a senior leadership position with responsibility for large-scale mining operations.
- Excellent command of English is required.
- Strong understanding of mine planning, production, development, mining methods, equipment, operational optimisation, and cost management.
- Demonstrated experience managing large multidisciplinary teams and complex mining operations.
- Strong track record of delivering safety, production, productivity, and financial performance targets.
Knowledge & Competencies
- Extensive knowledge of underground and open-pit mining operations, including mining methods, production, development, and operational planning.
- Strong understanding of mine planning, scheduling, production optimisation, and Life-of-Mine (LOM) planning.
- Sound knowledge of mining equipment, fleet management, maintenance strategies, and equipment utilisation.
- Strong understanding of geotechnical, ventilation, dewatering, ground control, and mine infrastructure requirements.
- Knowledge of mineral processing and the integration between mining and processing operations.
- Strong knowledge of mine safety, risk management, critical controls, and operational compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to apply operational excellence, continuous improvement, and productivity improvement methodologies.
- Strong understanding of mining cost management, budgeting, forecasting, and capital expenditure management.
- Ability to interpret and use operational data, KPIs, production metrics, and performance dashboards to drive decision-making.
- Knowledge of mining technology, automation, digitalisation, and modern mining systems.
- Strong understanding of mining legislation, regulatory requirements, environmental standards, and industry best practices.
- Ability to integrate technical, operational, commercial, and people considerations when making strategic decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and optimise large-scale, complex mining operations across multiple disciplines.
KCC SA does not accept applications submitted by people under the age of eighteen (18). In accordance with article 1 of the Labor Code of the Democratic Republic of Congo, KCC SA receives all applications without distinction or discrimination. However, as part of its Equal Opportunity, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, applications from women are strongly encouraged.
In accordance with our Compliance Policy and Code of Conduct, KCC SA or its employees do not receive any remuneration or benefits of any kind at any stage of the recruitment process. Violators are subject to legal action.
Any act or attempt of bribery related to this job application must be reported via the Glencore Group Raising Concerns Programme channels. Please scan the QR code to access the channels.
Furthermore, KCC SA pursues the objective of a transparent, fair and equitable recruitment process and, therefore, does not tolerate any interference or intervention in any way whatsoever in its recruitment process. Any failure on this point will result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate concerned.