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 Descritpion
The Supervisor – Drill RDT (Rock Drilling Tools) plays a critical operational leadership role in managing, optimizing, and controlling the performance of rock drilling tools across the open pit drill fleet.
This role is specifically focused on Rock Drilling Tools (RDT) management, consumables optimization, drill tool performance monitoring, and cost control. The position requires strong hands-on experience in RDT supervision within an open pit mining environment.
The Supervisor is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective utilization of drill consumables (bits, rods, hammers, shanks, couplings, adapters), aligning RDT performance with the short-term mine plan, and driving continuous improvement in tool lifespan, penetration rate, equipment availability, and cost per meter drilled.
He/She will have, among other things, the following responsibilities (non-exhaustive list):
- Safety & Operational Leadership
- Lead daily safety briefings related to drill tool handling and consumables management.
- Ensure safe storage, transportation, and handling of RDT components.
- Promote strict compliance with site safety standards and OEM guidelines.
- Conduct pre-shift meetings focusing on RDT performance and operational readiness.
- Demonstrate visible field leadership across drilling areas.
- Enforce operational discipline in tool usage to prevent premature failures and safety risks.
- Drill RDT Operations Supervision
- Supervise and control RDT usage across the entire drill fleet.
- Ensure correct tool selection (bits, rods, hammers) according to ground conditions and drilling design.
- Monitor drill tool performance including:
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- Wear rate
- Failure patterns
- Penetration performance
- Hole deviation linked to tool condition
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- Track rods, bits, hammers, shanks, and adapters to optimize service life.
- Ensure proper installation and replacement practices in the field.
- Align with maintenance regarding drill breakdowns linked to RDT performance.
- Reconcile drilling data with dispatch at end of shift to ensure tool usage accuracy.
- Monitor physical stock levels and ensure availability of critical RDT consumables.
- Coordinate with supply chain and vendors for replenishment and performance feedback.
- Support field troubleshooting and root cause analysis for premature tool failures.
- Develop and implement strategies to:
- Increase RDT lifespan.
- Improve penetration rates.
- Reduce cost per meter drilled.
- Standardize tool usage across the drill fleet.
- Minimize operational downtime due to consumable shortages.
- Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
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- Diriger et participer aux réunions quotidiennes d’alignement opérationnel.
- Lead and participate in daily operational alignment meetings.
- Align RDT availability with the 24-hour and weekly production plan.
- Coordinate closely with:
- Mine Planning
- Mine Operations
- Maintenance
- Survey
- Geotechnical
- Supply Chain
- RDT Suppliers
- Ensure clear communication between field operations and technical teams.
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- Monitor KPIs such as:
- Metres drilled
- Equipment availability linked to RDT performance
- Penetration rate (m/h)
- Tool consumption per meter
- Cost per meter drilled
- Tool lifespan (hours/metres)
- Hole compliance related to tool wear
- Drill-to-depth compliance
- Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions.
- Contribute to cost optimization initiatives in drilling through improved RDT management.
Job Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering
- Minimum 5 years of experience specifically in Rock Drilling Tools (RDT) supervision within an open pit mining operation.
- Proven experience managing drill fleet consumables and optimizing tool performance.
- Demonstrated experience in reducing drilling cost per meter through RDT strategies.
- Previous supervisory experience in an open pit mining environment is required.
Competencies
- Strong practical knowledge of Rock Drilling Tools systems (Top Hammer / DTH / Rotary depending on fleet).
- Solid understanding of open pit mining drilling operations.
- Strong analytical skills for KPI tracking and cost analysis.
- Proven ability to manage consumables and stock control.
- Ability to lead teams through structured communication and operational discipline.
- Strong field presence and problem-solving capability.
- Cost-conscious mindset with focus on productivity.
- Familiarity with QA/QC systems related to drilling performance.
- Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
- Self-motivated and performance-driven.
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.