Mine Planning Engineer

South32; Mount Isa City; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave 26 weeks full-paid

Share plans participation

14% superannuation

Additional annual leave up to 4 weeks

Job summary

South32's Cannington operation in northwest Queensland seeks a Mine Planning Engineer to drive strategic and operational mine planning for safe, sustainable underground production.

This permanent role operates on an 8:6 roster, FIFO from Brisbane/Townsville/Cairns or DIDO from Mount Isa region. You will develop design plans, collaborate with Geology and Geotechnical teams, and optimise sequences to improve safety, cost control and value.

Qualifications

• Experience in underground hard rock drill-and-blast, both in principle and practice.
• Strong planning skills with value creation and risk-based decision making.
• Ability to analyse historical stope performance to optimise future designs.

Responsibilities

• Develop timely design plans for the Mining team, including stope shapes and drill-and-blast strategies.
• Collaborate with Geology and Geotechnical teams to ensure designs suit geological conditions.
• Monitor and adjust mining sequences and stope shapes to optimise value and ensure adherence to key drivers.
• Enhance mine planning processes to improve safety, profitability and cost control while managing and communicating risks.

Skills

Underground drill-and-blast

Planning skills

Stope design analysis

Deswik software experience

Education

Mining Engineering (degree or equivalent)

Tools

Deswik

Job description

At South32, we're meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there's no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we're making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

Whatever career path you choose, we'll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

ABOUT CANNINGTON

Our Cannington operation is one of the world's largest producers of silver and lead. Located in northwest Queensland, Cannington boasts an underground mine and processing facility situated approximately 800 kilometres west of Townsville and a concentrate handling facility at the Port of Townsville.

Flights are direct to the onsite airport, and the mine is only 3.5 km from camp—the perfect distance for a sunset walk or run home along a purpose-built walking track. The onsite accommodation includes meal services, sports/gym facilities, swimming pool, music room, and social area.

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

• 26 weeks full-paid, or 52 weeks half-paid parental leave for primary carers
• The opportunity to become a shareholder of South32 through our share plans
• 14% superannuation contributions
• Ability to purchase up to 4 weeks of additional annual leave

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role is a permanent position on an 8:6 roster, FIFO from Brisbane, Townsville/Cairns, or DIDO from Mount Isa, Cloncurry and McKinlay Shires.

As the Mine Planning Engineer, you will be responsible for driving strategic and operational mine planning to ensure smooth execution of the Cannington mine plan. Focus on safe, sustainable practices and well-designed plans to optimise underground production efficiently.

Other key responsibilities include, but aren't limited to:

• Develop timely design plans for the Mining team, including stope shapes and drill and blast strategies.
• Collaborate with Geology and Geotechnical teams to ensure designs are suitable for geological conditions.
• Monitor and adjust mining sequences and stope shapes to optimise value and ensure adherence to key drivers.
• Enhance mine planning processes to improve safety, profitability, and cost control while managing and communicating risks

ABOUT YOU

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:

• Comprehensive knowledge of underground hard rock drill‑and‑blast, both in principle and practice
• Strong planning skills with a focus on value creation and risk‑based decision making
• Ability to analyse historical stope performance to optimise future stope designs
• Proficient in mining software, with preferred experience in Deswik

Qualifications for this position are:

• Tertiary qualification in Mining Engineering or related discipline, or significant relevant industry experience

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

This job advert will close on Thursday 20th August 2026.

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