SUMMARY:
Diesel Mechanic – Underground Chrome Mining
POSITION INFO:
Purpose of the Position
We are seeking an experienced, qualified and safety-conscious Diesel/Earthmoving Mechanic to join an underground chrome mining operation. The successful candidate will maintain, inspect, diagnose, service and repair diesel-powered underground mining equipment and vehicles to ensure maximum availability, reliability and safe operation.
The role requires extensive experience in underground trackless and mechanised mining, as well as strong hydraulic fitting and troubleshooting capabilities.
Location: Underground Mine – Tsibeng/Moeijelijk Communities, Ga-Wannankaye District, Limpopo Province (between Polokwane and Burgersfort)
Key Responsibilities
- Perform routine, preventative and corrective maintenance on diesel-powered underground mining equipment.
- Inspect, service, maintain and repair mobile and trackless mining equipment.
- Diagnose mechanical and hydraulic faults and conduct effective repairs.
- Respond to breakdowns and identify root causes of equipment failures.
- Remove, repair, overhaul and replace defective, damaged or worn components.
- Maintain and repair engines, transmissions, differentials, axles, braking and cooling systems.
- Maintain and repair hydraulic systems, cylinders, pumps, valves, hoses and related components.
- Conduct hydraulic fault-finding and hydraulic fitting.
- Conduct post-repair inspections and testing to ensure equipment is safe and operational.
- Assist with commissioning, recommissioning, shutdowns, major maintenance and overhauls.
- Monitor equipment condition and proactively identify potential failures.
- Support production and mining teams by ensuring equipment is efficiently returned to service.
- Comply with all mine health and safety policies, procedures, standards and legal requirements.
- Apply lock-out/tag-out and isolation procedures.
- Conduct required pre-use and post-maintenance inspections.
- Report unsafe conditions, equipment defects and hazards.
- Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, inspections and training.
- Maintain good housekeeping in workshops, underground areas and around equipment.
- Complete accurate maintenance, service and repair records.
- Report recurring faults, equipment reliability concerns and outstanding maintenance requirements to supervisors.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 / Matric – Required
- Recognised Diesel Mechanic or Earthmoving Mechanic Trade Certificate – Required
- Minimum 5 years'' practical experience in a chrome plant or mining-related environment.
- Minimum 5 years'' underground trackless mining experience.
- Minimum 5 years'' underground mechanised mining experience.
- Minimum 5 years'' hydraulic fitting experience.
- Proven experience maintaining and repairing diesel-powered mobile/heavy-duty mining equipment.
- Strong mechanical and hydraulic fault-finding and diagnostic capabilities.
Additional Requirements
- Medically fit and able to obtain a mine-entry medical certificate.
- Physically fit and comfortable working underground in confined, physically demanding and challenging conditions.
- Able to obtain a clear criminal background check.
- Good verbal and written English communication skills.
- Reliable, disciplined and able to follow instructions and established procedures.
- Ability to work independently and take responsibility for assigned maintenance activities.
- Non-local candidates must be willing to relocate at their own expense.
- Willing to work shifts, overtime, weekends and public holidays when required.
- Must comply with all mine-specific safety, induction, medical, access and competency requirements.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong commitment to occupational health and safety.
- Advanced mechanical troubleshooting and fault-finding abilities.
- Strong knowledge of diesel engines, heavy-duty mobile equipment and hydraulic systems.
- Proven experience with trackless and mechanised underground mining equipment.
- Ability to accurately diagnose faults and implement effective repairs.
- Good understanding of preventative and planned maintenance.
- Strong attention to detail and technical accuracy.
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, diagrams and maintenance instructions.
- Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions.
- Strong teamwork, problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Reliable, responsible and disciplined work ethic.
- Ability to work under pressure in a production-driven environment.
- Good planning, organisation and time-management skills.
- Commitment to equipment reliability and minimising downtime.
Ideal Candidate
A qualified Diesel/Earthmoving Mechanic with extensive underground trackless and mechanised mining experience, strong hydraulic fitting and fault-finding capabilities, and proven experience working independently on heavy-duty diesel-powered mining equipment.
Underground chrome mining experience will be highly advantageous. The successful candidate must be safety-driven, technically competent, reliable and able to work effectively in demanding underground conditions.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit:
- Comprehensive and updated CV detailing relevant underground mining and mechanical experience.
- Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
- Diesel Mechanic or Earthmoving Mechanic Trade Certificate.
- Additional relevant qualifications, certificates and competencies.
- Details of relevant trackless, mechanised mining and hydraulic fitting experience.
Important: Only candidates meeting the minimum qualifications and relevant underground mining experience will be considered. Shortlisted candidates may undergo medical, criminal background, competency and mine-entry screening.
Candidates must comply with all mine safety requirements, induction procedures, site rules and operational policies.
If you do not receive feedback within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
