JOSHUA HAZELL
Lusaka
Summary
Dynamic mining professional with extensive experience at First Quantum Minerals, excelling in strategic mine planning and operational turnarounds. Proven track record in enhancing productivity and efficiency, including a 28% cost reduction through innovative scheduling. Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills drive successful project execution and team development in high-stakes environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
GROUP TECHNICAL SERVICES & BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER
RABOTEC GHANA LTD – GHANA & GUINEA
01.2023 - Current
- Leading technical services and business improvement across Rabotec’s mining operations in Ghana and Guinea.
- Supporting strategic mine planning, equipment optimisation, and operational readiness across multiple sites.
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives, cost efficiency, and productivity enhancements aligned with the company’s growth strategy.
- Advising senior management on technical risk, operational KPIs, and long-term planning initiatives.
- Coordinating cross-border operational strategies, contract mining models, and team development across engineering functions.
Mine Operations Strategic Planning Superintendent
FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS – KALUMBILA MINE, NICKEL ENTERPRISE PROJECT
04.2022 - Current
- Spearheaded the start-up and full-scale operations of the Enterprise Nickel Project, overseeing strategic planning, load & haul, and mine infrastructure development.
- Implemented Smart Fleet Management Systems, improving fleet efficiency and real-time data integration.
- Led a team of 250+ personnel to deliver production targets, infrastructure development, and overburden removal.
- Guided short- and medium-term mine planning and resource scheduling in alignment with safety and productivity goals.
Business Improvement / Operations Manager
KAVS EQUIPMENT LIMITED – KITWE
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Directed start-up of Nama Gold-Cobalt Project and conducted feasibility studies at Bwana Mkubwa Mine.
- Secured new mining contracts at Lonshi (Jubilee Metals) and Lumwana Mine (Lubwe Pit).
- Re-engineered operational workflows and advised project leads on risk, cost, and contract performance.
Various Roles
BARRICK GOLD – LUMWANA MINE
11.2015 - 09.2021
- Acting Projects & Business Improvement Superintendent: Achieved production increase from 90Mt to 111Mt; reduced truck cycle times by 20%.
- Strategic Mine Planning Engineer: Oversaw 103Mt annual production, developed Basalt Quarry, mentored junior engineers.
- Medium-Term Planning Engineer: Achieved 28% cost reduction through pit redesigns and improved scheduling.
- Short-Term Planning Engineer: Increased mine plan compliance by 22%; transitioned planning software to Deswik OPTS.
Mine Manager
KEREN MOTORS LTD / DAEWOO ENGINEERING
01.2015 - 11.2015
- Developed and commissioned Kazungula Quarry Project from greenfield to operational stage.
- Improved equipment efficiency by 40% and reduced injuries by 40% through safety training and operations mentoring.
Mine Operations Superintendent
TEICHMANN AFRICA – KANSANSHI MINE
06.2011 - 01.2015
- Delivered 27Mt annual production, exceeded targets by 15%, and led workforce optimisation and cost reduction initiatives.
Mining Engineer
TEICHMANN AFRICA – TENKE FUNGURUME MINE (DRC)
05.2013 - 05.2014
- Led short-term planning and construction of haul roads, dams, and tailings infrastructure in high-volume pit operations.
Mining Engineer
FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS – KANSANSHI MINE
01.2010 - 06.2011
- Designed and executed short-term mine plans; managed drill & blast activities and modular fleet integration.
Mine Planning Engineer
CNMC LUANSHYA COPPER MINES
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Produced pit designs, development schedules, and operational layouts to guide mine expansion.
Undergraduate Trainee
FQML KANSANSHI MINE – UNDERGRADUATE TRAINEE
10.2007 - 12.2008
- Assisted in short-term planning, survey work, and safety reporting during academic industrial placement.
Education
MBA - Project Management
07.2025
Bachelor of Science - Mining Engineering
The Copperbelt University
Zambia01.2008
Skills
- Strategic Mine Planning & Execution
- Life-of-Mine Scheduling
- Drill & Blast Optimisation
- Pit & Dump Design
- Dewatering & Haul Road Planning
- Open Pit Mining Operations
- End-to-End Production Leadership
- Load & Haul Optimisation
- Mining Plant Construction
- Grade Control
- Project & Business Improvement
- Feasibility Studies
- Operational Turnarounds
- Contract Mining Management
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- KPIs & Process Audits
- Technology Integration
- Deswik
- Vulcan
- Surpac
- MineSched
- SAP
- Modular
- Smart Fleet
- Microsoft Project
- Leadership & Compliance
- Team Management
- Safety Governance
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Mentorship & Training
- Regulatory Compliance
- Project management
- Strategic planning
- Data analysis
Certification
- Member, Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) – No. 420301152004068
- Registered Engineer, Engineering Registration Board (ERB) – No. 220301152004068
- Blasting Licence (All Mining Operations) – Chamber of Mines, Zambia
- Advanced First Aid Certification – Chamber of Mines Zambia Council
- Supervisor Competency Certificate – First Quantum Minerals
CAREER OBJECTIVE
To leverage over 16 years of technical and executive experience in mine engineering and operations to contribute strategic leadership and innovation to a forward-thinking mining organisation. I seek to drive operational excellence, optimise resource efficiency, and lead high-impact mining projects across Africa and globally, while fostering safety, compliance, and professional development in multidisciplinary teams.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
GROUP TECHNICAL SERVICES & BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER
RABOTEC GHANA LTD – GHANA & GUINEA
01.2023 - Current
Mine Operations Strategic Planning Superintendent
FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS – KALUMBILA MINE, NICKEL ENTERPRISE PROJECT
04.2022 - Current
Business Improvement / Operations Manager
KAVS EQUIPMENT LIMITED – KITWE
09.2021 - 04.2022
Various Roles
BARRICK GOLD – LUMWANA MINE
11.2015 - 09.2021
Mine Manager
KEREN MOTORS LTD / DAEWOO ENGINEERING
01.2015 - 11.2015
Mining Engineer
TEICHMANN AFRICA – TENKE FUNGURUME MINE (DRC)
05.2013 - 05.2014
Mine Operations Superintendent
TEICHMANN AFRICA – KANSANSHI MINE
06.2011 - 01.2015
Mining Engineer
FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS – KANSANSHI MINE
01.2010 - 06.2011
Mine Planning Engineer
CNMC LUANSHYA COPPER MINES
01.2009 - 01.2010
Undergraduate Trainee
FQML KANSANSHI MINE – UNDERGRADUATE TRAINEE
10.2007 - 12.2008
MBA - Project Management
Bachelor of Science - Mining Engineering
The Copperbelt University
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