Francisco Facela

With nearly 30 years of experience and several mining qualifications, I have built a career leading underground mining operations across block cave, mine development, shaft sinking, and production environments. My experience spans statutory leadership appointments, production delivery, workforce supervision, drill and blast activities, and the coordination of people, equipment, and resources within complex underground mining operations. Throughout my career, I have progressed from operational mining roles to Shift Boss leadership positions through consistent performance, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to safety.

I bring extensive experience in underground production, SHEQ compliance, team development, and operational planning, supported by recognised statutory appointments including Reg. 2.15.1 Shift Boss and Reg. 4.4.1 Miner/Coordinator. My leadership approach focuses on building accountable teams, maintaining safe working environments, and delivering sustainable production results in demanding mining conditions.

Shift Boss (Reg. 2.15.1) - Murray & Roberts Cementation - Bedfordview, Gauteng

(2023-08)

Mining Method: Bottom of mine Development at Venetia Underground Project.

• Lead underground mining crews to safely execute daily production plans while maintaining compliance with mine standards, regulations, and operational requirements
• Coordinate closely with operations and maintenance teams to maximise equipment availability and minimise production interruptions
• Monitor production performance and compile shift and daily reports to support operational decision-making
• Drive achievement of production targets through effective workforce deployment, task allocation, and continuous operational monitoring
• Manage people, equipment, and resources across the shift to ensure safe, efficient, and productive mining activities
• Enforce SHEQ standards and procedures, maintaining a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance across all work areas
• Identify, communicate, and escalate operational risks, equipment issues, and critical incidents to support proactive problem resolution
• Maintain effective communication between crews, supervisors, and management to ensure alignment with operational objectives
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, safety performance, and operational efficiency
• Provide leadership, coaching, and guidance to underground personnel to strengthen team performance and accountability

Developer (Reg. 4.4(1) & 14.1(1)) - Anglo American (Amandelbult Platinum) - Rustenburg, Northwest

(2022-05 - 2023-07)

Mining Method: Conventional Development Mining

• Supervised development crews to ensure safe, productive, and efficient execution of underground development activities
• Led drilling, blasting, support installation, and development operations in accordance with mine plans and production schedules
• Maintained compliance with SHEQ standards and ensured all activities met operational and statutory requirements
• Coordinated the safe development of haulages and crosscuts while maintaining quality and adherence to mine specifications
• Monitored the installation of services, ventilation infrastructure, and associated underground support systems
• Ensured rail installations complied with mine engineering standards and operational requirements
• Conducted workplace inspections and risk assessments to identify hazards and implement corrective actions
• Monitored workforce performance, work quality, and productivity to achieve planned development targets
• Prepared operational reports and communicated progress, risks, and production requirements to supervisors and management
• Promoted a strong safety culture through leadership, coaching, and consistent enforcement of mining standards and procedures

Shift Boss (Reg. 2.15.1) - Palabora Mining Company - Phalaborwa, Limpopo

(2013-06 - 2021-10)

Mining Method: Block Cave Mining (Massive Mining)

• Directed underground mining operations to achieve planned production targets while maintaining strict adherence to safety and operational standards
• Coordinated mining crews, equipment, and resources to ensure efficient execution of daily mining activities
• Worked closely with maintenance and operational departments to maximise equipment utilisation and minimise downtime
• Monitored production performance and prepared accurate shift and daily operational reports for management review
• Maintained compliance with SHEQ policies, procedures, and statutory mining regulations across all work areas
• Identified operational risks and implemented corrective actions to maintain safe and productive working conditions
• Managed workforce performance through effective supervision, communication, and accountability measures
• Ensured timely communication and escalation of critical operational issues to minimise production disruptions
• Supported continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, productivity, and operational efficiency
• Fostered a culture of teamwork, discipline, and operational excellence within the underground mining environment

Miner/Coordinator (Reg. 4.4.1) - Palabora Mining Company (Rio Tinto) - Phalaborwa, Limpopo

(2011-02 - 2013-05)

Mining Method: Block Cave Mining (Massive Mining)

• Supervised underground mining crews to ensure safe, efficient, and productive execution of daily mining activities
• Directed drilling, blasting, lashing, ground support, and maintenance operations in accordance with production plans and operational requirements
• Identified workplace hazards and implemented immediate corrective actions to maintain a safe working environment
• Maintained full compliance with SHEQ standards, mining regulations, and company operational procedures
• Managed mobile mining equipment and fixed plant activities to optimise equipment performance and operational efficiency
• Compiled detailed shift reports covering production performance, ground conditions, equipment availability, stock levels, and maintenance requirements
• Coordinated workforce activities and allocated resources to achieve planned production targets and operational objectives
• Controlled explosive and consumable stock levels while maintaining accurate records and regulatory compliance
• Monitored underground conditions and proactively addressed operational challenges to minimise downtime and production interruptions
• Provided leadership, coaching, and operational guidance to crews, contributing to safe production delivery and team performance

Mining/Development Coach - Palabora Mining Company - Phalaborwa, Limpopo

(2010 - 2011)

Dispatcher - Palabora Mining Company - Phalaborwa, Limpopo

(2007 - 2009)

Equipment Operator (Medium Reach Rig Operator) - Palabora Mining Company - Phalaborwa

(2004 - 2007)

Drill Rig and Bolter Operator - Brand Rill Torrex - Rustenburg, North West

(2002 - 2004)

Drill Rig and Bolter Operator - Shaft Sinkers (Palabora Mining) - Phalaborwa, Limpopo

(1999 - 2002)

Shaft Timberman - Shaft Sinkers (Palabora Mining) - Phalaborwa, Limpopo

(1997 - 1999)

Stope Team Member/Winch Driver - Saaiplaas 5 - Welkom, Free State

(1996 - 1997)

Competent A & B Certificate - Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) (2007)

Underground Blasting Certificate for Scheduled Mines - Department of Minerals and Energy (2009)

Modular Mining IntelliMine Dispatch/Control Room System: Level 1 & Level 2 Certification - Mining-in-House (PMC) (2006)

First Aid Training Certificate – Level 1 - Murray and Roberts Academy (2023)