Specialist, Backfill

Location: Ashanti Region, Ghana
Employment Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: 03 July 2026

Company Profile

AngloGold Ashanti is one of the world’s leading gold mining companies, committed to responsible mining, operational excellence, sustainability, and creating lasting value for stakeholders. With operations across multiple countries, we leverage innovation, technical expertise, and a strong safety culture to deliver world-class mining performance while supporting the development of our people and communities.

We are seeking an experienced and technically skilled Specialist, Backfill to join our Mining Technical Services team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to safe and efficient underground mining operations through the effective management of backfill systems, void control, and geotechnical integration.

Role Purpose

The Specialist, Backfill will provide technical leadership and operational support for underground backfill and void management activities. The successful candidate will ensure safe, effective, and efficient paste fill execution while collaborating closely with mining, geotechnical, and production teams to optimize stope recovery, ground stability, and mine sequencing.

Key Responsibilities

Backfill and Void Management

• Execute backfill and void management activities in accordance with approved operational plans and geotechnical requirements.
• Assess, identify, and mitigate risks associated with underground voids, barricades, and paste fill systems.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve backfill performance, stope recovery, and operational efficiency.
• Lead technically complex block groups and challenging stope recovery projects requiring advanced engineering assessment and modelling.
• Monitor backfill operations and ensure compliance with operational standards and technical specifications.
• Evaluate paste fill performance and recommend improvements to enhance safety and productivity.

Technical Planning and Engineering Support

• Prepare and maintain Void Fill Notes, Stope Notes, and other technical documentation.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret backfill performance data to support operational decision-making.
• Monitor execution of backfill activities against mine plans and adjust recommendations in response to geotechnical, operational, and scheduling changes.
• Support quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes for barricade construction, reticulation systems, and binder requirements.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of backfill standards, procedures, and technical guidelines.

Collaboration and Operational Integration

• Work closely with geotechnical, mining, planning, and production teams to integrate backfill requirements into mine plans and production schedules.
• Participate in operational meetings, technical reviews, inspections, and site audits.
• Provide technical advice and recommendations to support safe and efficient underground mining activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing mine performance, safety, and resource recovery.

Safety Leadership and Compliance

• Champion AngloGold Ashanti’s safety culture, values, and operational standards.
• Maintain a minimum of 30% underground presence to validate designs, monitor execution, and support operational teams.
• Conduct regular underground inspections and field assessments to verify compliance with engineering standards and safety requirements.
• Promote proactive risk identification and management across all backfill and void management activities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and mining best practices.

Qualifications

Education and Professional Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or an equivalent engineering discipline.
• Current underground mine induction certification or the ability to obtain one.
• A recognized First Aid Certificate is desirable.
• MINCOM Geotechnical Officer Certificate of Competency will be an advantage but is not mandatory.
• Valid Ghanaian Manual Driver’s Licence, where required by site operations.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in underground hard rock mining.
• Experience in backfill management, paste fill systems, and/or underground void management is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of underground stope sequencing and its interaction with geotechnical and mine planning requirements.
• Experience working with cemented fill, paste fill, or similar backfill technologies.
• Knowledge of underground mining production systems and geotechnical principles.
• Experience preparing technical reports and supporting site-based operational decision-making.

Knowledge and Technical Skills

• Proficiency in mining and geological software such as Deswik, Vulcan, or equivalent applications.
• Experience using backfill modelling and stope void analysis tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation capabilities.
• Ability to assess complex underground mining conditions and provide practical engineering solutions.
• Sound project planning, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work effectively in an underground mining environment with exposure to dust, heat, noise, vibration, and confined spaces.
• Physically fit to conduct regular underground inspections and travel between mining levels.
• Ability to wear and work comfortably with required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, cap lamps, harnesses, and hearing protection.
• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces, climb ladders and stairs, and conduct field-based technical assessments.

Behavioural Competencies

We are looking for professionals who demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.
• Sound technical judgement and decision-making abilities.
• Initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Accountability and reliability.
• Attention to detail and quality focus.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic mining environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset and commitment to innovation.

Benefits

AngloGold Ashanti offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employees’ professional growth, health, financial security, and overall wellbeing, including:

• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) and wellbeing initiatives.
• Company-supported pension or provident fund contributions.
• Annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays in accordance with company policy.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities within a global mining organization.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking on the Application Button.