Job Description

Roles & Responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the most senior mining operations executive, accountable for the end-to-end operational performance of the Mazoon Mining copper project a 2.5 Mtpa processing plant with six active open pits and significant exploration upside. The COO leads the asset through Mechanical Completion, Commissioning, Ramp-Up, and into sustained, safe, and reliable commercial production. The role carries full operational accountability across Mine Operations, Processing Plant, Process Engineering, Maintenance, Tailings, Utilities, and all site infrastructure, and leads the transition from a construction-led organisation to a fully functioning operating business.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

COMMISSIONING & OPERATIONAL READINESS

1. Operational Readiness & Transition Lead the seamless transition from Mechanical Completion through Cold Commissioning, Hot Commissioning, and Commercial Production. Define, implement, and execute a comprehensive Operations Readiness Plan covering staffing, training, procedures, maintenance systems, spares, logistics, and control systems. Take formal custody of the plant, mine, and all infrastructure from the Project and EPCM teams through a structured, documented handover process.
2. Plant Operations & Process Engineering Direct all Processing Plant operations to achieve optimal throughput (2.5 Mtpa design), copper recovery, and concentrate quality. Lead the Process Engineering function to drive metallurgical performance, manage reagent consumption, and resolve process deviations. Implement systematic ramp-up, stabilisation, and continuous improvement initiatives to maximise recovery rates and operating margins.

MINE, MAINTENANCE & PRODUCTION

1. Mine Operations Direct all mining activities across six open pits, including drill and blast, load and haul, and pit development. Ensure ore supply, grade control, blending, and stockpile management are aligned with plant feed requirements. Optimise mining activities to meet production targets while managing unit costs and maintaining the highest safety standards.
2. Maintenance & Reliability Establish world-class maintenance strategies including asset registers, Preventive Maintenance (PM) systems, critical spares management, and shutdown planning. Lead reliability improvement programmes to minimise unplanned downtime and extend equipment service life. Oversee the full Maintenance organisation for both mine and plant, ensuring high equipment availability.
3. Production & Cost Control Deliver approved production, recovery, cost, and reliability targets for both mine and plant. Exercise rigorous control over consumables, reagents, power, contractor expenditure, and logistics to optimise unit costs. Deliver the approved Operating Budget and adhere to the Life-of-Mine cost model.

HSE, ORGANISATION & REPORTING

1. HSE & Regulatory Compliance Maintain full accountability for site-wide HSE performance during commissioning and operational phases. Ensure compliance with all Omani regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements. Lead hazard identification, risk management, emergency response, and continuous improvement initiatives to foster a zero-harm workplace.
2. Organisation, Workforce & Reporting Build, train, and lead the full Operations organisation including Mine, Plant, Maintenance, Process Engineering, HSE, Technical Services, and Site Services. Develop succession planning, performance management, and Omanisation frameworks to build a resilient and capable workforce. Provide detailed operational, safety, and financial performance reports to the CEO and Board of Directors.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualifications in Business, Operations, or Management are an advantage.
• Certifications: Statutory mine management certification or equivalent preferred.
• Executive Leadership Programme attendance is advantageous.
• Minimum 15 years in mine and mineral processing operations.
• Proven experience in commissioning and ramp-up of large-scale mining and processing plants.
• Demonstrated track record of achieving stable production after start-up.
• Experience managing open-pit mining and copper or base-metal processing operations.
• Prior Owner's team leadership roles are preferred.