Chifeng Gold’s Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML) operates the Sepon Gold and Copper Operation, located in Vilabouly District, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR. Since operations commenced in 2003, LXML Sepon has produced over 1.1 million tonnes of copper cathode and over 53 tonnes of gold. In 2022, Sepon produced 6,600 tonnes of copper and 6.7 tonnes of gold. In 2023, our planned production forecast is over 6 tonnes of gold and 7,000 tonnes of copper.

LXML is now positioning itself for future growth.  With the re-commencement of gold production at Sepon in 2020, and a number of other feasibility studies, a ramp up in exploration and merging and acquisition activity underway, the future for LXML and the Sepon operation is unlimited in potential and opportunity.

To support our operation, we are seeking a qualified candidate in the position of Superintendent – Underground Mine Planning.

Reporting directly to the Manager - Mining Operations, this role will be responsible for the medium and long-term Mine Planning function, providing technical expertise in Underground Mine Planning strategy and Life of Mine. The incumbent will work with relevant departments and consultants to complete multiple feasibility studies and provide the best mine plan scenario, mine design, identify opportunities to reduce costs, and continue various feasibility studies to extend or add value to the business. This role will be engaged in optimizing and improving mine design to maximize the value and future growth of the mine.

Key responsibilities include:

• Timely production of blast masters and plans, long-term plans, forecasts, budgets, and Reserves.
• Cut-off grade strategy and cost parameters to be used in mine planning.
• Reporting, budget preparation, forecasting, and costing.
• Validation of mine planning assumptions.
• Optimization of scheduling inputs.
• Implementing the most effective and efficient approach to improve mine planning and the mining process, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Aligning mine and life of asset plans.
• Project management and prioritization of resources to achieve agreed business objectives.
• Competency with JORC Code (2012) reporting requirements and experience in gold deposits.
• Being aware of underground mine design and planning of activities for the potential impacts on Health, Safety, and Environment of the operations, as well as any potential adverse impacts on the local communities.
• Critically reviewing processes, systems, and implementing changes to continuously improve and create sustainable systems for LXML that support localization.
• Coaching and developing Lao staff to be competent in People, Resourcing, and Scheduling tasks of their role.
• Demonstrating commitment to safety through visible leadership in the field daily with Lao nationals, creating and developing a safe work culture.

 Qualifications, skills and experience:

• Technical qualification/degree in an applicable functional discipline (Tertiary degree in Mine Engineering or equivalent). Preferably post-tertiary qualifications in a technical or management capacity.
• Business acumen and sound knowledge of mining cost drivers.
• Proven technical knowledge and skills in the mining industry, including embedding safe design, risk identification, and mitigation in all aspects of mine planning and execution.
• Ability to work in a production environment, especially with open pit and underground optimization, design, and scheduling.
• Strong planning, project development, prioritization, and leadership skills.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities – the ability to critically review a technical problem and articulate how one issue may be part of a larger system through the application of recognized tools.
• Experienced users of Vulcan, Whittle, and Deswik applications.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to program VBA.
• Awareness of geological, geotechnical, hydrogeology, and environmental considerations impacting mine designs and schedules.
• More than 10-15 years of experience working in mine design, grade control, mine operating systems, design, or feasibility study work.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other technical services functions, including geology, mining engineering, hydrogeology, geotechnical, and survey.

This is a fixed term position based in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, offering an attractive 5 days on/2 days off; 4 days on/3 days off FIFO roster to Sepon Mine.  A FIFO roster from point of hire may also be considered for the right candidate. The onsite camp facilities at Sepon include fully serviced air-conditioned rooms, dining halls, convenience store, gym and sporting facilities, and a fully equipped medical centre. An attractive expatriate salary package including a perfomance based incentive and other benefits is on offer.  Full relocation and living support such as rental assistance, dependent education support and medical insurance coverage is provided. 

To express your interest in this role, please submit your updated CV and Cover Letter to Recruitment@LXML.LA. Indicate on the subject line of the email: Application for (Position title), (First and Last Name) before the closing date of 31 July 2023.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview and your submitted documents will be retained on file.

Phonsinuan Village, P.O. Box 4486, Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel: +856 21 268 200, NalaoVillage, Kaisone District, Savannakhet Tel: +856 41 212686