Chief Mine Planner - Open Pit Operations

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension/Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a major mining operation near Pretoria, seeks a Chief Mine Planner to lead long-, medium-, and short-term open pit planning. You will guide design optimization, scheduling, and regulatory compliance while mentoring a team of planners using Deswik, Vulcan, and Surpac.

The senior role requires a BSc or BEng in Mining Engineering, 12+ years of open pit planning experience, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• BSc or BEng in Mining Engineering required.
• Minimum 12 years of open pit planning experience.
• Proficiency with Deswik, Vulcan and Surpac essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage long-, medium-, and short-term open pit plans.
• Design benches, ramps, and pit limits for safety and economics.
• Create detailed production schedules considering equipment and constraints.
• Lead and mentor the mine planning team and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Present plans to senior management and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

BSc or BEng in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major mining operation situated near Pretoria , is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Mine Planner. This senior leadership position is responsible for the strategic, medium, and short-term planning of all open pit mining activities, ensuring efficient resource utilization, compliance with regulatory requirements, and achievement of production targets. You will lead a team of mine planners, utilizing advanced mine planning software and methodologies to optimize mine design, scheduling, and operational execution. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in maximizing the value of our client's mineral assets in the Gauteng region through effective and innovative planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain long-term, medium-term, and short-term mine plans for open pit operations.
• Oversee the design of open pit phases, including ramps, benches, and pit limits, optimizing for safety and economics.
• Create detailed production schedules, considering equipment availability, geological data, and processing constraints.
• Utilize mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac) to generate mine designs and schedules.
• Conduct mine feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new projects and expansions.
• Collaborate closely with operations, geology, and engineering departments to ensure alignment and integration of plans.
• Monitor mine performance against planned targets and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure mine plans comply with all relevant environmental, safety, and health regulations.
• Mentor and develop the mine planning team, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Present mine plans and strategies to senior management and other stakeholders.

Requirements

• BSc or BEng in Mining Engineering.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in open pit mine planning and operations.
• Extensive experience with industry-standard mine planning software packages.
• Proven ability to develop and optimize complex open pit mine designs and schedules.
• Strong understanding of open pit mining methods, equipment, and production constraints.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in mine economics and financial analysis.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng) is highly desirable.
• Experience in the Gauteng mining environment is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package with significant bonus potential, reflecting the seniority of the role. Comprehensive medical aid, a leading retirement fund, and generous annual leave are provided. Opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and career progression within a large, established mining group are abundant. The position is based in proximity to Pretoria , offering a dynamic work environment focused on operational excellence.