Grade Controller – Sandfire Motheo

January 23, 2026

Job Description

Grade Controller 1 Ref:271

31-Jan-2026

Geology

Motheo Copper Mine, Ghanzi, BOTSWANA

This position is responsible for ensuring methodical sampling and sample preparations for Grade Control, Diamond and Blast-hole drilling; Ore-mark-out and Spotting.

This position is responsible for ensuring methodical sampling and sample preparations for Grade Control, Diamond and Blast-hole drilling; Ore-mark-out and Spotting; as well as ensuring that the Geology Laydown and RoM Pad housekeeping are conducted to as per the Company’s specifications, following set procedures and standards.

Key Performance Areas

  • Ensure effective sampling and sample preparation processes are followed.
  • To ensure samples are split, collected and packaged as directed by the SFR sampling procedure.
  • To ensure sampling equipment is well looked after and ready for use at any time.
  • Ensure sampling consumables e.g. sieves, chip trays, sample bags, markers and tags are prepared well in time before drilling/sampling.
  • Ensure holes pegged by survey are not disturbed before drilling.
  • Ensure that the holes are drilled according to the planned surveys and report any non-compliance to the Geology Technicians guided by the relevant procedure.
  • Ensure sample sheets and drill-maps are correct and checked against pegged holes before actual sampling and that data has been captured and validated before samples are bagged for submitting to the laboratory.
  • Ensure that ore block polygon demarcation consumables e.g. coloured tapes, and flitch maps are prepared well in time before ore blasts and mark-out.
  • To ensure that ore blocks are marked out as per relevant procedure.
  • Ensure correct colour coded material card boards are visible in the ore haulage trucks before the trucks leave the ore block being mined.
  • To ensure safe conditions at the ROM pad and implement corrective actions where necessary prior to commencement of daily task (actively part-take in JHAs and take 5s). reporting any defects to the ROM pad supervisor and Geology Technicians.
  • Ensure that all stockpiling and re-handling is carried out as prescribed by standard procedures and protocols, with correct colour coded material sign boards in place for identification of individual ore stockpiles.
  • Ensure material is mined from correct location to correct destination by keeping continuous communication between RM pad and the in-pit grade controller.
  • Inform supervisors of ROM pad situation and prioritise activities to safely maximise production of plant feed.
  • Act as communication link between Process plant, ROM Pad operations and Mining Teams.
  • Keeping records of all documents as evidence of daily Tally of Ore feeding, RoM ore stockpiling, Blending and Down times of equipment.
  • Ensure deviations are reported promptly.
  • To ensure proper changeover/handover between shifts.
  • Other duties as per operational requirements and as assigned by supervision.
  • Ensure compliance to Sandfire’s Safety, Health and Environment standards & procedures.

Qualifications:  

  • JC or BGCSE (highly desirable)
  • Valid Light Duty Vehicles Driver’s License.

Experience:

  • At least 1 year of open pit mining experience with Geological sampling & production exposure.

Behavioural Competencies:

  • Team Player.
  • Proactive.
  • Time Management
  • Attention to detail
  • Effective Communication Skills
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Decisive
  • Tenacious
Bonada

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