Grade Controller
-
Permanent
JHB000272
Mining & Quarrying
KwaZulu Natal, Newcastle / Dundee
As a Grade Controller, you will be responsible for maintaining consistency and accuracy in coal grade reporting, 
optimizing the resource recovery, and minimizing waste to ensure operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities: 
Coal Stockpile Management: 
  • Monitor and manage coal stockpiles to ensure accurate segregation of different coal qualities and prevent contamination or dilution of product 
  • Oversee the correct stacking, reclaiming, and blending of coal to meet product specifications and customer requirements 
  • Track stockpile volumes, qualities, and movements, ensuring alignment between survey data, production figures, and reported tonnages 
  • Implement and maintain effective stockpile reconciliation practices between pit, plant, and dispatch to minimize losses and discrepancies 
  • Conduct routine inspections of stockpiles to identify risks such as oxidation, spontaneous combustion, or moisture variation, and implement mitigation measures 
  • Collaborate with mine planning, production, and plant teams to optimize stockpile utilization and blending strategies 
  • Ensure compliance with site procedures and best practices related to stockpile management, safety, and environmental standards 
Coal Grade Monitoring: 
  • Continuously monitor the coal quality throughout the mining process, including during extraction, processing, and transportation 
  • Ensure that the extracted coal meets required grade specifications and that any deviations are identified and addressed promptly 
  • Ensure minimal mining losses and coal dilution 
Sampling and Testing: 
  • Oversee the collection of coal samples from various points in the mining and processing chain 
  • Supervise or conduct laboratory tests on coal samples to determine parameters such as ash content, calorific value, moisture levels, sulfur content, and other relevant grade indicators 
  • Record and analyze test results, providing feedback to the mining operations team
Data Management and Reporting: 
  • Maintain accurate records of coal quality, production data, and test results 
  • Prepare and submit detailed reports on coal grade trends, quality issues, and production performance to senior management 
  • Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations regarding coal grading  

Grade Control Optimization: 
  • Identify areas for improvement in coal grade control processes and propose solutions to optimize coal quality and reduce waste 
  • Work closely with the mining engineers and geologists to adjust the mining strategy based on coal grade variability 

Quality Assurance: 
  • Collaborate with the production and processing teams to ensure that all quality assurance protocols are followed 
  • Conduct regular audits of processes, materials, and equipment to ensure compliance with the grade specifications 

Stakeholder Communication: 
  • Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, such as mining teams, engineers, and plant operators, regarding coal quality concerns and corrective actions 
  • Provide technical support and advice on coal blending strategies and quality improvements  

Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance: 
  • Ensure all grade control activities are conducted safely, adhering to company health, safety, and environmental standards 
  • Participate in safety meetings and audits and implement corrective actions where necessary 

Minimum Requirements: 
  • A degree or diploma in Mining Engineering, Geology, or a related field 
  • Additional certifications in Quality Control or relevant mining operations are a plus 
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in coal mining, with a focus on grade control, quality management, or related areas 
  • Practical experience in coal sampling, testing, and grade optimization is essential 
  • Knowledge of coal processing, blending, and quality analysis procedures 
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and report coal quality data 
  • Proficiency in using mining and laboratory software for data collection and analysis 
  • In-depth understanding of coal quality parameters and their impact on mining operations and customer satisfaction 
  • Good communication skills to interact with teams, stakeholders, and management 
  • Strong problem-solving abilities to address quality-related issues effectively 
  • Understanding of mining industry health, safety, and environmental regulations 
  • Ability to apply safety practices during coal extraction and processing
For more information please contact:
Zama Masango