Gert Jacobs

๐Ÿ”๏ธ Chief HSEC Officer | ๐Ÿฆบ Mining Safety, SHEQ & Compliance Specialist | ๐Ÿ’ฃ Blasting, Dragline & Coaling Expert | 20+ Years in Mining Operations

Port Elizabeth Metropolitan Area

About

Highly accomplished Chief HSEC Officer with over 20 years of leadership experience in the South African mining sector, specializing in SHEQ management, legal compliance, blasting operations, dragline operations, and contractor governance. Proven track record of developing and implementing robust safety management systems that reduce risk, enhance operational integrity, and improve productivity across demanding mining environments. Well-versed in coaling operations, excavator/dozer control, drilling & blasting, dewatering, infrastructure development, road construction, dragline operation, and explosives compliance. Recognized for leading high-performance teams, optimizing operational workflows, and championing proactive safety cultures. Committed to advancing safe, compliant, and sustainable mining practices that protect workers, optimize resource extraction, and align with regulatory frameworks. Core strengths include: โœ… SHEQ Management & Legal Compliance โœ… Blasting Operations (Opencast) โœ… Dragline, Excavator & Dozer Operations โœ… Contractor Compliance & Pack Management โœ… Risk Assessment & Risk Mitigation โœ… Coaling Operations (Drilling, Blasting, Dewatering) โœ… Process Optimization & Safety Strategy โœ… Team Leadership & Safety Culture Development

Experience

  • ๐Ÿ”๏ธ Chief HSEC Officer at Glencore Impunzi ATC Mini Pits & Service
    2011 - 2019 ยท 8 yrs

    ๐Ÿ”น Administered time office operations, ensuring accuracy in payroll and workforce time management. ๐Ÿ”น Oversaw engineering, venter shaft, and plant operations to optimize performance and reduce downtime. ๐Ÿ”น Directed blasting operations and ensured full compliance with the Explosives Act. ๐Ÿ”น Led comprehensive coaling operations including drilling, blasting, dewatering, road construction, and infrastructure support. ๐Ÿ”น Managed dragline and overburden operations, optimizing efficiency and cycle times. ๐Ÿ”น Implemented and maintained the full SHE Management System, improving safety performance. ๐Ÿ”น Ensured contractor compliance through strict contractor pack management. ๐Ÿ”น Supervised pre-strip and re-hub operations using truck/shovel fleets. ๐Ÿ”น Maintained continuous validity of transport permit CTP126715/2011. ๐Ÿ”น Reported and analyzed safety incidents, implementing corrective actions.

  • Anglo Coal (13 yrs 1 mo)
    • ๐Ÿฆบ SHE Officer
      2006 - 2010 ยท 4 yrs

      ๐Ÿ”น Managed plant engineering safety, plant process control, and stores operations. ๐Ÿ”น Directed coaling operations including drilling, blasting, dewatering, and loading/hauling. ๐Ÿ”น Supervised dragline operations, overburden drills, and excavation processes. ๐Ÿ”น Ensured contractor compliance via pack reviews and audits. ๐Ÿ”น Led SHE training, awareness campaigns, and safety briefings. ๐Ÿ”น Maintained roads, ramps, and pumping infrastructure for operational continuity. ๐Ÿ”น Oversaw plant process flows and engineering functionality.

    • ๐Ÿ—๏ธ Dragline Operator
      2003 - 2006 ยท 3 yrs

      ๐Ÿ”น Operated dragline machinery efficiently and safely in production environments. ๐Ÿ”น Guided a team of operators, ensuring safety protocol adherence. ๐Ÿ”น Coordinated with engineering and blasting teams for operational continuity. ๐Ÿ”น Ensured compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

    • ๐ŸŽง Control Room Operator & Dewatering Crew Supervisor
      2001 - 2003 ยท 2 yrs

      ๐Ÿ”น Oversaw mine control room operations and production monitoring. ๐Ÿ”น Led dewatering teams ensuring proper water management across the mine. ๐Ÿ”น Ensured processing efficiency and timely incident communication. ๐Ÿ”น Collaborated with engineering to troubleshoot operational challenges.

  • ๐ŸŽ“ Electrical Engineering Student โ€” Library Supervisor at College
    1996 - 1997 ยท 1 yr

    (Non-mining background but included for career timeline completeness) ๐Ÿ”น Managed academic resources and improved cataloging efficiency by 15%. ๐Ÿ”น Led research workshops and supported student learning.

  • ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ Recruit at South African National Defence Force
    1994 - 1995 ยท 1 yr

    ๐Ÿ”น Conducted reconnaissance operations and intelligence gathering. ๐Ÿ”น Maintained operational readiness of military equipment. ๐Ÿ”น Executed tactical maneuvers aligned with military doctrine.