John Kasonde
Chingola
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at Konkola Copper Mines, adept in strategic planning and operations management. Excelled in enhancing safety and efficiency, achieving significant cost reductions. Skilled in team leadership and problem-solving, consistently met production targets through innovative strategies and effective staff development.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Underground Manager - Shafts/Dewatering
Konkola Copper Mines, Plc
2023.10 - Current
- Managing operational responsibilities for all Nchanga Underground shafts and Dewatering infrastructure with emphasis on safe operation and effective maintenance.
- Leading the execution of Safety, Health and Environmental policies of KCM and ensuring compliance with Mines Safety Department and Environmental Management Agency.
- Reviewing safety procedures to create safe working conditions and practices for team members.
- Maximizing performance by monitoring daily activities on shafts operations and dewatering activities.
- Controlling costs to keep business operating within budget and increase productivity.
- Communicated clearly with employees, and stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward set goals.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
Assistant Underground Manager - Dev/Production
Konkola Copper Mines, Plc
2013.02 - 2023.09
- Ensured safe Development and Production by enforcing the observance of safety and Mining Regulations and ensuring conditions of the workplace are conducive for men and equipment.
- Coordinated resource allocation and utilization to ensure production targets are met safely and cost effectively.
- Controlled mining operations ensuring compliance to Mining and Explosives Regulations.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget.
- Monitored and analyzed development and production performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Achieved sectional targets by developing and executing strategic plans.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
Assistant Underground Manager - Backshifts
Konkola Copper Mines, Plc
2012.01 - 2013.01
- Supervised production line operations during Afternoon and Night shifts to meet departmental set targets.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and contributed in maintaining high safety and healthy standards by ensuring men adhered to safety procedures.
- Communicated clearly with Dayshift and other stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established business goals.
- Coordinated shift startups and changeovers.
Graduate Mining Engineer
Konkola Copper Mines, Plc
2007.06 - 2011.12
- Underwent an intensive graduate development program with exposure and practical experience on all mining operations across KCM business.
- Obtained hands-on training on mining operations and obtained Blasting Licence and other permits plus First Aid training.
- Carried out supervisory roles at Section and Shift Boss level on drilling and blasting operations.
- Trained in Basic and Advanced supervisory and Principles of Management.
- Appointed as Mine Captain in charge of drilling and blasting while maximizing mineral extraction.
- Optimized extraction processes for increased efficiency and cost savings.
- Supervised mining crews, fostering teamwork and adherence to safety procedures.
- Collaborated with geologists to analyze geological data, resulting in accurate mine planning.
- Improved mine safety by implementing risk assessments and hazard identification initiatives.
Graduate Mining Engineer
Mopani Copper Mines Plc
2006.04 - 2007.06
- Joined Mopani Copper Mines straight from University and underwent a graduate development program for a year and half, during which period;
- Monitored daily production metrics, identifying bottlenecks and opportunities for process improvements.
- Designed and executed mine ventilation systems, ensuring a safe working environment for all workers.
- Assisted senior engineers with geological modeling tasks using advanced software tools that contributed to more efficient decision-making processes.
- Performed thorough risk assessments on long-term and short-term mine plans and designs.
Education
Bachelor Of Engineering - Mining
The Copperbelt University
Kitwe, Zambia07.2006
Certificate Of Education - Grade 12 School Leaving Certificate
Hillcrest Technical High School
Livingstone, Zambia12.1999
Grade 9 School Certificate - Junior Secondary School Certificate
Munali Junior Secondary School
12.1996
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Time Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Problem-Solving
- Staff Management
- Strategic Planning
- Operations Management
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
- Performance Management
- Staff Development
Languages
Bemba
Advanced (C1)
English
Advanced (C1)
Nyanja
Upper intermediate (B2)
Timeline
Assistant Underground Manager - Shafts/Dewatering
Konkola Copper Mines, Plc
2023.10 - Current
Assistant Underground Manager - Dev/Production
Konkola Copper Mines, Plc
2013.02 - 2023.09
Assistant Underground Manager - Backshifts
Konkola Copper Mines, Plc
2012.01 - 2013.01
Graduate Mining Engineer
Konkola Copper Mines, Plc
2007.06 - 2011.12
Graduate Mining Engineer
Mopani Copper Mines Plc
2006.04 - 2007.06
Bachelor Of Engineering - Mining
The Copperbelt University
Certificate Of Education - Grade 12 School Leaving Certificate
Hillcrest Technical High School
Grade 9 School Certificate - Junior Secondary School Certificate
Munali Junior Secondary School
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