Principal Mining Engineer

Fortescue; Perth; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortescue seeks a Principal Mining Engineer – LOM to lead the Life of Mine scheduling, optimization and governance. You will manage LOM inventories, run optimisation scenarios and collaborate with exploration, resource estimation and operations to align plans with business objectives.

You will drive continuous improvement, maintain data systems and deliver robust 10-year planning guidance. This role requires strong leadership, communication and advanced mining software skills in a major iron ore

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or similar with substantial experience.
• Experience in open-pit mining, preferably within iron ore.
• Experience in LOM scheduling and pit optimisation processes.
• Experience in the JORC Ore Reserve reporting process.
• Experience in cost modelling and project evaluation techniques.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in relevant software and tools listed in qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain the LOM inventory and inputs to the LOM schedule.
• Lead engagement with Studies, Finance and stakeholders to confirm planning assumptions.
• Develop and maintain portfolio LOM optimisation and scheduling model.
• Guide Senior Mining Engineers in running LOM optimisation scenarios and ensure data integrity.
• Develop the 10-year Plan Terms of Reference with key constraints.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement in LOM planning and processes.
• Maintain and improve the LOM Snowflake database and Power BI reporting.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Initiative

Open-pit mining knowledge

LOM scheduling

Pit optimisation

JORC reporting

Cost modelling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Superblock/Foundry

Blocksmith

Anvil

ATS

Microsoft Office

Vulcan

ArcGIS

Power BI

Job description

Our Opportunity

Work Location: Perth - Fortescue’s Perth office is located on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people

Flexible work options - Hybrid/WFH up to 2 days per week

Roster: Monday - Friday

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated mining professional to join our Life of Mine (LOM) team as Principal Mining Engineer – LOM.

Reporting to the Manager LOM and SMP, the Principal Mining Engineer – LOM provides technical leadership for the development, optimisation and assurance of the portfolio Life of Mine plan across hematite and magnetite deposits, integrating key mining, processing, infrastructure, capital and business constraints to support strategic planning and JORC Ore Reserve reporting.

This role works closely with exploration, resource estimation, geotechnical, hydrogeology, metallurgy, approvals, studies, infrastructure, integrated planning, operations, technical marketing, finance and the 10-year planning team to ensure the LOM plan appropriately reflects business opportunities, constraints, risks and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain the LOM inventory, incorporating approved modifying factors such as metallurgical regressions, exclusions and pit designs as inputs to the LOM schedule.
• Lead engagement with Studies, Finance and other key stakeholders to gather, challenge, align and confirm LOM planning assumptions.
• Lead the development and maintenance of the portfolio LOM optimisation and scheduling model.
• Lead and guide Senior Mining Engineers in running, reviewing and interpreting LOM optimisation and scheduling scenarios, ensuring the quality and integrity of planning outputs.
• Develop and deliver the 10-year Plan Terms of Reference, including key assumptions, constraints and planning guidance.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities across LOM planning, optimisation, scheduling and associated processes.
• Maintain and improve the LOM Snowflake database and Power BI reporting to support the management, analysis and communication of LOM schedule outputs.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or similar, with substantial experience.
• Strong knowledge of open-pit mining, preferably within iron ore.
• Experience in LOM scheduling and pit optimisation processes.
• Experience in the JORC Ore Reserve reporting process.
• Experience in cost modelling and various project evaluation techniques.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team, with a strong desire to deliver high-quality work.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong computer proficiency, with experience in Superblock/Foundry or equivalent, Blocksmith or equivalent, Anvil or equivalent, ATS, Microsoft Office, Vulcan, ArcGIS and Power BI.
• Confident verbal and written communication skills.
• Team-oriented mindset with a strong ability to take initiative.

About Us

Be part of something big. Fortescue is leading the world with our plan to decarbonise our iron ore operations, projects that harness renewable energy and the development of technology that will change our planet forever.

Our Commitment

Fortescue celebrates individual strengths and team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Our global workforce drives and promotes an inclusive culture, both within our organisation and throughout the communities we interact with. Diverse backgrounds include First Nations Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community, gender, neurodiverse, cultural diversity, all age groups, and those with an intersectional or multiple diverse characteristics.

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.