Chief Mine Planner - Open Pit Operations

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Chief Mine Planner for our client, a leading diversified mining company operating around Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. The role oversees strategic and short-term mine planning for open pit operations, integrating geology, geotechnical data, and operations to maximize profitability while meeting safety and environmental standards.

The candidate will lead a team of mine engineers and planners, drive economic analyses, and collaborate with multiple departments to align plans

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or closely related field.
• 10+ years in open pit mine planning and design; minimum 3 years in supervisory/leadership roles.
• Expert proficiency in industry-standard mine planning software.
• Strong understanding of open pit mining methods, geotechnical principles, and resource modeling.
• Proven ability to conduct economic analyses and optimize mine plans for profitability.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in hybrid work environments with site visits to Mossel Bay, Western Cape; PE designation desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term, medium-term, and short-term mine plans for open pit operations, optimizing for value and efficiency.
• Use Deswik, Vulcan, Mine2-4D to generate pit designs, production schedules, and haulage plans.
• Conduct economic evaluations and sensitivity analyses of proposed plans.
• Collaborate with geological, geotechnical, operations, and processing teams for alignment.
• Oversee mine design parameters including slopes, equipment selection, and material handling.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets and forecasts for the mine planning department.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to mine engineers and planners.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations in mine planning.
• Review and update plans as geological models and market conditions evolve.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Mine2-4D

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading diversified mining company with significant operations in South Africa, is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Mine Planner to oversee strategic and short-term mine planning for their open pit operations near Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This senior leadership role is critical in ensuring the long-term viability and profitability of the mine by developing and implementing optimal mining sequences, schedules, and designs. You will be responsible for integrating geological, geotechnical, and operational data into robust mine plans that maximize resource utilization while adhering to safety and environmental standards. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in open pit mine planning, advanced mine design software, and a strong understanding of economic evaluation. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a key mining asset and contribute significantly to the company's strategic objectives. Our client is committed to sustainable mining practices and fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence within their workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term, medium-term, and short-term mine plans for open pit operations, optimizing for economic value and operational efficiency.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Mine2-4D) to generate pit designs, production schedules, and haulage plans.
• Conduct economic evaluations and sensitivity analyses of proposed mine plans to ensure profitability and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate closely with geological, geotechnical, operations, and processing departments to ensure alignment of mine plans with other functional areas.
• Oversee the creation of mine design parameters, including slope stability criteria, equipment selection, and material handling strategies.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets and forecasts for the mine planning department.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of mine engineers and planners.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, health, and environmental regulations in mine planning.
• Regularly review and update mine plans based on updated geological models, operational performance, and market conditions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in open pit mine planning and design, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Expert proficiency in industry-standard mine planning software packages.
• Strong understanding of open pit mining methods, geotechnical principles, and resource modeling.
• Proven ability to conduct economic analyses and optimize mine plans for profitability.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in hybrid work environments, balancing strategic planning with site visits to Mossel Bay, Western Cape .
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) designation is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive bonus structure tied to performance and mine profitability, and a robust benefits package including excellent medical aid, retirement fund, and long-term incentive plans. Opportunities for professional development, attending international mining conferences, and contributing to industry best practices are readily available. Our client fosters a dynamic work environment that balances strategic thinking with operational realities, promoting a sustainable approach to mining in the beautiful coastal region of Western Cape . This position offers significant influence and career growth within a leading mining organization. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.