Safety Manager-Underground Mine -Papua New Guinea

Location: Central Province, Papua New Guinea 

Reports To: Executive Manager – Mining Operations / General Manager 

Direct Reports: HSE Officers, Safety Supervisors, Training Coordinators

Our client is an international mining organisation currently revitalising a long-established gold operation in Papua New Guinea. With a renewed investment strategy, the company is focused on building a high-performance, safety-driven and technologically advanced mining environment. As they expand their exploration and production capabilities, they are strengthening their technical teams to support the next phase of operational growth. They are now seeking an experienced Safety Manager to join their team in Port Moresby, a high-grade underground gold operation in Papua New Guinea.

1. Position Overview

The Safety Manager is responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Health, Safety, and Emergency Management systems across all Tolu Minerals operations.

This includes full oversight of:

• Underground mining operations

• Surface and processing plant operations

• Exploration and drilling activities

• Road transport corridor (Tapini Junction to Mine Site)

• Airstrip and aviation interface (where applicable)

• Construction, maintenance, and camp operations

The role ensures compliance with PNG regulatory requirements, international best practices, and company standards, while driving a proactive safety culture focused on risk prevention, accountability, and operational excellence.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Safety Leadership & Culture

• Lead and embed a “zero harm” safety culture across all operations

• Provide visible leadership through regular site engagement, toolbox talks, and safety interactions

• Drive behavior-based safety programs and workforce accountability

• Mentor and develop supervisors to take ownership of safety performance

2.2 HSE Management System

• Develop, implement, and maintain the site-wide HSE Management System (HSEMS)

• Ensure alignment with:

  • PNG Mining Act & Regulations

  • PNG Workplace Health & Safety requirements

  • International standards (ISO 45001 aligned practices)

• Maintain all policies, SOPs, risk registers, and safety documentation

2.3 Risk Management

• Lead site-wide hazard identification and risk assessments (HIRA/JSA/JHA)

• Maintain and continuously update the Risk Register

• Ensure critical controls are defined, implemented, and verified

• Oversee high-risk activities, including:

  • Underground operations (ground control, ventilation, explosives)

  • Lifting operations and cranage

  • Confined space entry

  • Work at heights

  • Fuel handling and hazardous materials

2.4 Underground Mining Safety

• Ensure compliance with underground safety standards including:

  • Ventilation management and monitoring

  • Ground support and geotechnical controls

  • Emergency refuge chambers and escape routes

  • Explosives handling and blast clearance procedures

• Conduct regular underground inspections and audits

2.5 Surface Operations & Processing Plant

• Oversee safety compliance across:

  • Processing plant operations

  • Workshops and maintenance areas

  • Power generation and fuel systems

  • Camp and accommodation facilities

• Ensure safe systems for plant isolation, maintenance, and operation

2.6 Road Transport & Logistics Safety

• Develop and enforce road safety management plans for:

  • Tapini Junction to Mine Site access road

  • Heavy vehicle and equipment movement

• Implement:

  • Driver competency programs

  • Journey management systems

  • Fatigue management controls

• Monitor contractor compliance for all logistics providers

2.7 Incident Management & Investigation

• Lead all incident investigations (including near misses, MTIs, LTIs, and high-potential incidents)

• Ensure root cause analysis is conducted (ICAM or equivalent)

• Track and close out corrective actions

• Report incidents to regulators as required

2.8 Emergency Response & Crisis Management

• Develop and maintain the Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

• Coordinate emergency response teams and conduct regular drills

• Oversee readiness for:

  • Underground emergencies

  • Medical evacuations (medevac)

  • Fire and hazardous incidents

• Interface with external agencies (police, medical, aviation)

2.9 Training & Competency

• Ensure all personnel complete required site inductions and safety training

• Implement competency frameworks for:

  • Underground workers

  • Equipment operators

  • Drivers and logistics personnel

• Promote programs such as local workforce development and inclusion initiatives

2.10 Contractor & Compliance Management

• Ensure all contractors comply with Tolu Minerals safety standards

• Review and approve contractor HSE plans, SWMS, and risk assessments

• Conduct regular contractor audits and performance reviews

2.11 Audits, Reporting & Governance

• Conduct internal HSE audits and inspections

• Lead external audits (regulators, clients, independent auditors)

• Provide weekly and monthly HSE reports covering:

  • Safety statistics (LTI, MTI, TRIFR)

  • Leading indicators

  • Key risks and mitigation measures

• Support executive and board-level reporting

3. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Zero fatalities and reduction in LTIs/MTIs

• TRIFR improvement year-on-year

• % of corrective actions closed on time (>95%)

• Compliance with audit requirements

• Training and competency compliance (>95%)

• Contractor safety performance alignment

4. Qualifications & Experience

Mandatory:

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety, Mining Engineering, or related field

• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in mining safety roles

• Proven experience in underground mining operations

• Strong knowledge of PNG mining and safety regulations

Preferred:

• ICAM or equivalent investigation certification

• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor or equivalent

• First Aid / Emergency Response qualifications

5. Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and communication skills

• High level of risk awareness and decision-making capability

• Experience in remote and logistically complex operations

• Ability to influence across all levels of the organisation

• Strong reporting, documentation, and compliance capability

6. Working Conditions

Site-based role on a rotational roster

• Exposure to:

  • Underground mining environments

  • Remote logistics and challenging terrain

  • High-risk operational activities

7. Authority & Accountability

• Authority to stop work on any unsafe activity

• Direct accountability for site-wide safety performance

• Oversight of all HSE personnel and systems

8. Additional Expectations

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in safety systems

• Promote local workforce participation and training

• Maintain strong engagement with regulators and stakeholders

• Align safety performance with broader operational and production objectives