About us

K92 Mining Limited are the owners the high-grade Kainantu Gold Mine in Eastern Highlands Province. Since commencing operations in 2016, we have delivered consistent production growth. More importantly, we have contributed significantly to the economy of Papua New Guinea, more than 90% of our employees and contractors are from PNG and our local education and skills development initiatives which include scholarships, traineeships and adult literacy programs continue to bring significant benefit the communities in which we operate. 

We are now transforming the operation with a new 1.2 mtpa process plant as well as extensive construction and expansion across site that will see us triple the output from our mine by 2027. In addition to our ongoing production success, we have an extensive exploration programme across our highly prospective tenement, making K92 a great place to build a long-term career.

To support this growth, we’ve established an office in Brisbane, Australia, positioning us for continued success and further economic contributions in the regions we operate.

About the role

As K92 expands our Kainantu underground gold mine, we seek to add a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to our studies and planning team based in Brisbane. The purpose of this role is to provide strategic support and lead the group geotechnical systems including support of regular annual / life of mine plans, budgeting, and reserve estimates for all the company’s current mining assets. The role will be responsible for oversite and review of geotechnical data, models, and standards to support safe mine operations, feasibility studies, and project development / execution. This role will also support the company’s expansion through evaluation of merger and acquisitions targets.

Key / Major Accountabilities

Key accountabilities of this position include.

• Support the Kainantu Mine Stage 3 expansion project through a peer review process and auditing.
• Lead the development of geotechnical engineering models and systems for all current mining assets to support regular annual / life of mine plans, budgeting, and reserve estimates
• Systematically analyse and report on all key geotechnical data and develop a basis for engineering parameters which form the foundation of forward-looking mining plans and schedules.
• Develop and execute feasibility studies and geotechnical investigation / projects from start to finish, including scoping, design, cost estimation, and implementation.
• Work closely with onsite mine technical services team to develop mine scale risk-based approach to major mining hazards so that clearly defined procedures, management plans and monitoring tasks can be established and actioned.
• Provide technical support to the mine operations team and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review and analyse technical data to support the growth of the company through mergers and acquisitions.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements and continuously update your knowledge and skills.
• Develop a cohesive team committed to delivering the project objectives.
• Support change and drive innovation and be able to discern and select appropriate courses of action including intervention as appropriate to resolve differing views and opinions.
• Articulate direction to employees within the Engineering & Projects team.
• Actively promote an environment where all employees are engaged and valued and focussed on the continuous improvement of the business.
• Mentor and manage key positions within the project and corporate team.
• Identify, select, develop, and retain top talent within the project team which is required for long term planning and nationalisation.
• Develop the capability and provide mentoring and coaching to team members including training.
• Ensure project execution is conducted in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company standards.
• Conduct regular and thorough inspections of project areas to ensure compliance with legislation, safety, and environment standards.
• Oversee, review and audit regulatory compliance.  

About You

Ideal applicants will be degree qualified and have 10+ years of Geotechnical experience within underground settings with a proven track record of successfully leading geotechnical services in a mining environment. – preferably in PNG. In addition to this, applicants should also be able to demonstrate some or all of the following 

• Excellent technical knowledge of geotechnical engineering, geology, and mining engineering with specific experience in underground long hole open stoping mining methods highly regarded.
• Proficiency with first principal geotechnical characterization including geotechnical logging, underground mapping / testing, data analysis, quality control, and mine wide geotechnical modelling.
• Proficiency with evaluation of excavation performance for long term mining operations including the evaluation of ground support solutions, ground rehabilitation and recommendations for mine void backfill solutions.
• Experience in establishment of geotechnical monitoring systems, procedures, and management plans using a detailed risk-based approach for major hazards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a highly organized work method, and keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in project management software, such as MS Project, and mining-specific software, such as Deswik, Surpac, FLAC 3D, and the RocScience suite, along with proficiency in Excel.
• Proficiency in document control systems and procedures to ensure organization of reports and drawings.

Life at K92 

Our core values — Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Safety — are central to our operations and fundamental to our success. K92 upholds a commitment to equal opportunity, striving to ensure that every individual can reach their highest potential without experiencing discrimination.

At K92, we believe in rewarding our employees for their contributions. Alongside competitive salaries, we offer participation in both long-term and short-term incentive plans. We are committed to the continuous professional development, flexibility, hybrid work arrangements and ensuring a positive and supportive work culture for all.

If you share our values and are looking for your next career step, come join us on this exciting journey.