Mine Planning Engineer - Underground Operations

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 128,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mine Planning Engineer for an underground operation in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on developing short- and medium-term mine plans, optimizing layouts, sequencing, and ensuring safety and cost efficiency.

You will collaborate with geologists, surveyors and production teams to translate geological models into practical plans and support budgeting and performance monitoring in a growing mining region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering is required
• Minimum of 5 years in mine planning and design with underground focus
• Proficiency in Deswik, MineSight, Surpac or similar
• Strong analytical, scheduling and optimization skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed short-term (daily/weekly/monthly) and medium-term (quarterly/annual) mine plans for underground operations.
• Optimize mine layouts, production schedules and stope sequencing to maximize ore recovery and minimize dilution.
• Collaborate with geological teams to integrate updated resource models into plans.
• Work with production to ensure effective plan execution and provide support.
• Prepare technical reports, plans and schedules for management review.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent name in the mining sector , is actively seeking a skilled Mine Planning Engineer to join their operations. This role is based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , a region with a developing mining landscape. The Mine Planning Engineer will be responsible for developing and optimizing short-term and medium-term mine plans for underground operations, ensuring efficient resource extraction, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This position requires a strong technical background in mine design, excellent analytical skills, and a thorough understanding of underground mining methodologies. You will work collaboratively with geologists, surveyors, and production teams to translate geological models into practical and achievable mine plans. Our client is committed to operational excellence and sustainable mining practices, making this an excellent opportunity for a dedicated mining professional to contribute to a growing operation and advance their career in a key mining region of South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed short-term (daily, weekly, monthly) and medium-term (quarterly, annual) mine plans for underground operations.
• Optimize mine layouts, production schedules, and stope sequencing to maximize ore recovery and minimize dilution.
• Collaborate with geological teams to integrate updated resource models into mine plans.
• Work closely with production personnel to ensure effective implementation of mine plans and provide necessary support.
• Perform mine design activities, including access development, ore pass systems, and ventilation layouts.
• Conduct cycle time analysis and productivity studies to identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure mine plans comply with all safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Prepare technical reports, plans, and schedules for management review.
• Assist in the development of operational budgets and monitor performance against them.
• Utilize mine planning software to create and update plans and visualize operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mine planning and design, with a significant focus on underground mining operations .
• Proficiency in mine planning software such as Deswik, MineSight, Surpac, or similar.
• Solid understanding of underground mining methods, equipment, and operational constraints.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex scheduling and optimization tasks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with various teams.
• Experience in the Eastern Cape region or with similar geological conditions is a plus.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration or eligibility is advantageous.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance-based incentives, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and training are provided.
• The company values employee growth and offers clear career progression pathways.
• Relocation assistance to Queenstown is available for qualified candidates.
• This role provides the chance to make a significant impact in a developing mining area and enjoy the community lifestyle of the Eastern Cape.