Chief Mining Engineer - Open Pit Operations

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Relocation assistance

Medical insurance

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay seeks a Chief Mining Engineer to lead all open pit mining engineering activities, directing planning, design, and execution to achieve safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The role requires managing a team of mining engineers, geologists and survey personnel while driving innovation and sustainable practices.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in open pit mining, strong leadership, and a track record of delivering long- and short-term plans, feasibility

Qualifications

• BSc or BEng in Mining Engineering.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee long-term and short-term mine plans for open pit operations.
• Ensure the safe and efficient execution of drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling activities.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for mine development projects.
• Manage the mining engineering department budget and capital expenditure planning.
• Implement and monitor KPIs for mining operations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to the engineering and operational teams.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Open pit mining

Project management

Mentorship

Education

BSc in Mining Engineering

BEng in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Xact

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Chief Mining Engineer to direct all open pit mining engineering activities at their operations near Mossel Bay. This senior leadership role is responsible for the planning, design, and execution of all mining operations to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. You will oversee a team of mining engineers, geologists, and survey personnel, driving innovation and best practices in open pit mining methods. This is a critical position for an individual passionate about operational excellence and sustainable resource development in a challenging coastal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee long-term and short-term mine plans for open pit operations.
• Ensure the safe and efficient execution of drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling activities.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for mine development projects.
• Manage the mining engineering department budget and capital expenditure planning.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for mining operations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to the engineering and operational teams.

Requirements

• BSc or BEng in Mining Engineering.
• Professional registration (Pr.Eng) with ECSA or equivalent.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in open pit mining engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior management or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Xact).
• Strong understanding of mine design principles, slope stability, and blast design.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and decision‑making skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and substantial annual bonus.
• Comprehensive medical, retirement, and life insurance coverage.
• Housing allowance and relocation assistance available.
• Professional development programs and opportunities for advancement.
• A leadership role within a reputable mining organization focused on sustainable practices.