Thungela Career Pathways
04
Mining career path

Mining PIT – General Manager Via Technical Services

This career path develops technically skilled professionals into strategic operational leaders, progressing toward the General Manager role through Technical Services. It emphasizes expertise in disciplines such as geology, mine planning, ventilation, and rock engineering, combined with leadership development and cross-functional exposure. As individuals advance, they take on broader responsibilities in technical oversight, project execution, and operational integration. The path prepares future GMs to lead with deep technical insight, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable mining operations.

Your journey

21 roles · 7 levels
  1. Level 1 Starting point
    Mining PIT Business Improvement PIT
  2. Level 2
    Faceboss / Shiftboss / Pit Foreman
    Faceboss Shiftboss Pit Foreman
    Asset Optimisation Officer
  3. Level 3
    Mine Overseer OC or UG. A stint in the MO role is crucial before branching out – 6 months is recommended.
    Mining Activity Engineer / Mine Planner / Planning Officer Mining
    Mining Activity Engineer Mine Planner Planning Officer Mining
    Work Management Planner Asset Optimisation Specialist
  4. Level 4
    Master Scheduler
  5. Level 5
    Section Manager OC Section Manager UG Section Manager Planning Section Manager OM Business Improvement Manager
  6. Level 6
    Mining Manager Technical Services Manager Production time is needed to move into the GM role.
  7. Level 7 Destination
    General Manager
Mining can branch out to Mine Planning, Work Management or Business Improvement.
Roles grouped together share similar traits, so you can move into any of them from the level below.
All Mining career paths