Specialist, Backfill – AngloGold Ashanti

Urgent

Job Description

OBJECTIVE OF THE ROLE

  • Manage underground voids and backfill operations within an assigned block group to support safe mine recovery and ground stability.
  • Deliver technical solutions, planning and modelling, and continuous improvement aligned with geotechnical guidance and production objectives under the Backfill & Voids Superintendent.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Champion safety and company values, maintaining at least 30% underground presence to validate designs and support operations.
  • Execute paste fill and void management in line with geotechnical guidance and operational plans, assessing and mitigating hazards for voids, barricades, and paste systems.
  • Lead technically complex block groups and challenging stope recovery scenarios requiring advanced assessment, modelling, and operational interaction.
  • Maintain and update backfill and ground control documentation, and support QA/QC for barricade construction, reticulation layout, and binder requirements.
  • Prepare Void Fill Notes and Stope Notes; collect and analyse paste fill performance data; monitor execution against plan and adjust to geotechnical and schedule changes.
  • Collaborate with geotechnical and production teams to integrate backfill into mine planning and sequencing; participate in meetings, inspections, and continuous improvement.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Education & Qualification

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
  • Current underground mine induction (or ability to obtain).
  • Possession of a recognized professional First Aid Certificate and a MINCOM Geotechnical Officer certificate of competency is desirable but not a pre-requisite.
  • Valid Ghanaian manual driver’s licence (as required by site).

Experience

  • Five years’ experience in underground hard rock mining.
  • Previous involvement in backfill and/or void management preferred.
  • Understanding of stope sequencing and interaction with geotechnical and mining plans.
  • Familiarity with backfill systems such as paste fill and cemented fill.
  • Working knowledge of mining production systems and geotechnical considerations.
  • Site-based operational and technical reporting experience.

Knowledge & Skills

  • Proficient in mining and geological software such as Deswik, Vulcan, or similar.
  • Experience with backfill or stope void modelling tools.
  • Strong data interpretation and analysis skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication across multiple disciplines.
  • Sound project planning and coordination skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to work in an underground mining environment including exposure to heat, dust, noise, and confined spaces.
  • Physically fit to undertake regular underground inspections and travel between levels.
  • Capable of wearing required PPE including respirators, cap lamps, harnesses, and hearing protection.
  • Ability to walk over uneven surfaces, climb ladders and stairs, and undertake field observations.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

  • AngloGold Ashanti offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, financial security, and overall well-being.
  • Medical insurance, employee assistance programmes, and wellbeing initiatives.
  • Company-supported pension or provident fund contributions.
  • Annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays in line with company policy.