Principal Engineer - Mine Planning

Kinross Gold Corporation; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mining corporation seeks a Principal Mine Planning Engineer to optimize the value of its assets through detailed design and scheduling. The role requires significant experience in strategic planning and risk management, with a strong focus on open-pit operations. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Mining Engineering and be proficient in mine planning software, demonstrating strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in the mining industry, especially open-pit operations.
• At least 4 years in technical services or operations roles.
• Proven ability to iterate mine designs using mining software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review mine plans, including design, scheduling, and cost estimates.
• Lead technical projects, defining goals and managing resources.
• Coordinate with senior management to communicate operational information.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Risk Management

Communication

Team Leadership

Education

Degree in Mining Engineering

Professional Engineer designation

Tools

Xeras mine planning software

Job description

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Hybrid Work Environment (3 days in office, 2 days remote with flexible hours)

Dress Code Business Casual

Location Downtown Toronto, Outside of Union Station (TTC & GO accessible)

A Great Place to Work

Job Description

The purpose of the Principal Mine Planning Engineer (OP) role is to optimize the value of Kinross’ assets (operating and development) through mine design, mine scheduling, and trade-off studies. The Principal Mine Planning Engineer will lead the process and perform detailed design, scheduling, and costing iterations to ensure our Life-of-Mine plans are optimized and realistic. They will work closely with site-based Technical Services teams to ensure the quality and adherence to the short/medium-term plans.

Job Responsibilities

1. Manage mine planning activities using advanced knowledge

• Develop and review mine plans, including design, scheduling, and cost estimates for operating mines or projects.
• Perform strategic life-of-mine scenario analysis to optimize NPV and ensure safe operations within acceptable accuracy and timelines.
• Think strategically and explore opportunities in mining projects.
• Conduct risk analysis and develop mitigation plans.
• Lead technical projects, defining goals, managing risks, resources, and delegating tasks.
• Evaluate costs, engineering data, and mine planning data.
• Act as a change agent in mine engineering and planning, assessing readiness and implementing strategies.
• Identify and remove barriers to project success, escalating issues as needed.
• Become proficient in Xeras mine planning software and coordinate cash flow spreadsheet preparation.
• Assist in auditing and updating preliminary LOM plans.
• Support scoping, PFS, feasibility studies, and due diligence activities, including designing open pit and underground mines, costs, and schedules.
• Provide technical support across Kinross mines and departments.
• Develop and implement procedures related to mine planning.
• Participate in resource estimation studies for LOM planning.
• Assess mining and processing methods, costs, and ore estimates.
• Identify key success factors and issues impacting economic viability.
• Participate in technical audits and ensure best practices.
• Provide leadership to internal teams and external consultants.
• Manage professional services contracts with consultants.

2. Advise management on mine planning activities

• Prepare business cases and reports on projects, acquisitions, divestments, and initiatives; present findings to stakeholders.
• Summarize financial data and communicate results effectively.
• Review industry best practices and recommend improvements.
• Influence leadership and stakeholders to support change efforts for competitive advantage.
• Coordinate with senior management and departments to communicate operational and project information impacting business results.

Education and Experience

• Degree in Mining Engineering
• Professional Engineer designation or eligibility to obtain it
• Strong safety commitment and risk management understanding
• Knowledge of resource estimation from drill-hole data to block models
• Understanding of NI 43-101, JORC, SK 1300 reports
• Experience with open-pit mining operations and optimization
• Understanding of mine plan cost drivers and equipment selection
• Proficiency in cash flow analysis tools
• Excellent communication, reporting, and presentation skills
• Team-oriented with good listening skills
• Proven ability to iterate mine designs using mining software
• Ability to think strategically and drive value
• At least 1 year in short-term planning or operations
• At least 2 years in long-term planning at a site or as a consultant
• At least 4 years in technical services or operations roles
• Minimum 8 years in the mining industry, especially open-pit operations
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~30%)