How to apply for Senior Underground Mine Engineer

About KoBold Metals

KoBold Metals is an AI-native mineral exploration and mine development company. It uses artificial intelligence, human intelligence, and new technology to find critical minerals like copper, lithium, and cobalt. Its first discovery, Mingomba in Zambia, is a high-grade copper deposit found for less than the industry average cost.

About the role

This senior underground mine engineer role supports development of the Mingomba copper deposit in Zambia. The position works with mine engineers, geologists, data scientists, and software engineers to apply technical rigor and new technology to underground mine development. The work is remote, full-time, and tied directly to building a world-class mine.

A typical day

A typical day likely involves remote meetings with mine engineers, geologists, and data scientists on Mingomba development tasks. You may review underground design work, sequencing plans, or technical data, and coordinate with site teams in Zambia. The role is remote, so most work happens through digital tools and scheduled calls. Ask the hiring team about specific daily routines and travel expectations.

Who KoBold Metals is looking for

• Has senior-level underground mine engineering experience, including design, planning, or operations on underground hard-rock projects.
• Has worked on copper or similar base metal deposits, ideally in African or similar remote jurisdictions.
• Can collaborate with data scientists and software engineers to integrate AI and new technology into mine development workflows.
• Is comfortable working remotely and coordinating across time zones with teams in Zambia and elsewhere.

Tips for this application

• Name Mingomba and Zambia explicitly in your application. Show you understand this is KoBold's first discovery and the focus of mine development.
• Describe your underground mine engineering work in terms of specific methods, software, and deposit types. Avoid general statements about 'mining experience'.
• If you have worked with data scientists, automation, or digital tools in mining, give a concrete example. KoBold is AI-native and looks for engineers who can work with technical teams.
• Address remote work directly. State your time zone, your experience working remotely, and your willingness to travel to Zambia or other project sites.
• Do not send a generic cover letter. Reference KoBold's goal of repeatable mineral exploration and how underground mine engineering fits into that.
• If you have African project experience or copper experience, put it in the first paragraph of your resume summary and cover letter.

What to cover in your cover letter

Explain why underground mine engineering at an AI-native company is different from your previous roles and why you want that difference. Describe a specific underground project you supported, including deposit type, stage, and your role. Show how you have worked with non-engineering teams such as data scientists or software developers. State your remote work setup and willingness to travel to Zambia.

Research before applying

• Read KoBold's public materials on the Mingomba discovery, including grade, location, and development status.
• Research KoBold's AI and data science approach to exploration and how it claims to reduce discovery cost.
• Look up Zambia's mining regulations, permitting environment, and local content requirements for copper projects.
• Check the backgrounds of KoBold's mine development and Mingomba team members on LinkedIn or the company website.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you apply underground mine engineering methods to the Mingomba deposit in Zambia?
• Describe your experience with underground mine design, sequencing, or ventilation on a hard-rock project.
• How have you worked with data scientists, software engineers, or AI tools on a mining project?
• How would you handle remote collaboration with a team based partly in Zambia and partly elsewhere?
• What do you see as the main technical risks in developing a high-grade underground copper deposit like Mingomba?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a cover letter that could apply to any mining company. KoBold is AI-native and focused on Mingomba; generic applications are easy to spot.
• Overstating remote work readiness without addressing time zone overlap with Zambia or travel willingness.
• Focusing only on exploration geology when the role is underground mine engineering for development. Keep the focus on engineering and mine development.