Electrical Foreman

  • Northern Cape, South Africa
  • Full-Time
  • On-Site
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Job Description:

Job Purpose

To supervise and coordinate all electrical maintenance activities across the zinc mine's surface operations, ensuring safe execution of work, regulatory compliance, asset reliability, and minimal equipment downtime. The Electrical Foreman leads a team of electricians, oversees planned and breakdown maintenance, and ensures electrical systems operate efficiently to support production targets.

Key Responsibilities

  • Electrical Maintenance Supervision
  • Lead a team of artisans, electricians, and assistants in daily electrical tasks.
  • Allocate work, manage schedules, and ensure proper execution of maintenance plans.

Oversee electrical maintenance for:

  • Crushing & milling equipment
  • Flotation circuits
  • Conveyors & pumping systems
  • HV & LV distribution
  • MCCs, VSDs, soft starters
  • Lighting & earthing systems
  • Substations & switchgear

Fault-Finding & Breakdown Management

  • Respond to electrical breakdowns and coordinate timely repairs.
  • Perform root cause analysis and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
  • Support operations to minimize downtime and maintain production stability

Compliance, Safety & Legal Requirements

  • Enforce compliance with the Mine Health & Safety Act (MHSA) and mine engineering standards.
  • Ensure proper implementation of:
  • Lock-out/Tag-out
  • Permit-to-work systems
  • Electrical safety procedures
  • Hazard Identification & Risk Assessments (HIRA)
  • Maintain electrical equipment in accordance with statutory requirements.

Planned & Preventative Maintenance

  • Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules.
  • Maintain up-to-date records of inspections, tests, and maintenance activities.
  • Ensure all equipment is serviced, calibrated, and functioning within specification.

Inventory & Asset Management

  • Manage spares, tools, and consumables for electrical infrastructure.
  • Ensure inventory levels meet operational needs.
  • Support asset life-cycle management and equipment upgrades.

Coordination & Communication

Liaise with:

  • Production teams
  • Mechanical & control engineering departments
  • Instrumentation technicians
  • Contractors and external service providers
  • Ensure effective communication of electrical risks, downtime, and work progress.

Training & Staff Development

  • Mentor and develop electricians and apprentices.
  • Conduct competency assessments and on-the-job training.
  • Promote a culture of safety, reliability, and technical excellence.

Documentation & Reporting

  • Provide shift and weekly maintenance reports.
  • Maintain electrical drawings, schematics, and documentation.
  • Report equipment failures, safety incidents, and statutory compliance issues.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of:

  • High Voltage (HV) and Low Voltage (LV) systems
  • MCCs, VSDs, soft starters
  • Industrial motors, transformers, and switchgear
  • Conveyor and crusher electrical systems
  • Process plant equipment (crushers, mills, pumps, thickeners)
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical diagrams and P&IDs.
  • Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting capabilities.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Minimum Requirements
  • Trade Test: Electrician (Red Seal).
  • 5+ years electrical maintenance experience in mining or heavy industry.
  • 2+ years in a supervisory or foreman role.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Proven experience with HV/LV systems and mining electrical infrastructure.

Preferred

  • N6 or Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
  • Experience in zinc, lead, copper, or base metals processing.
  • Foreman/leadership training (e.g., Supervisor Certificate).
  • Experience with PLC/SCADA interfaces and industrial networks is an advantage.

Physical & Environmental Conditions

  • Work in both plant and field environments (noise, dust, vibration).
  • Must be medically fit for duty, including working at heights.
  • Required to be on standby, respond to after-hours breakdowns, and work shifts if necessary.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Electrical system reliability and equipment uptime.
  • Safety compliance with zero incidents.
  • Execution of preventative maintenance schedules.
  • Quality and timeliness of repairs and maintenance.
  • Availability of critical electrical infrastructure.
  • Team performance and skill development.
  • Shut effectiveness.