Chief Mining Engineer - Underground Operations

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

International exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Mining Engineer to lead all underground mining operations near Bloemfontein, ensuring safe, efficient extraction of minerals. You will steer mine design, planning, ventilation, and safety programs while managing a large engineering team and budgets.

The role requires a PE registration (Pr. Eng.), 15+ years of underground mining experience with leadership responsibilities, and a track record of delivering technical excellence and cost improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 15+ years in underground mining engineering with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Extensive experience with underground mining methods (e.g., LHD, drill and blast, sub-level caving, block caving).
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall technical leadership and strategic direction for all underground mining operations.
• Develop and implement long-term and short-term mine plans, optimizing production, costs, and safety.
• Oversee mine design, development, ventilation, ground support, and dewatering systems.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, fostering a strong safety culture.
• Manage the mine engineering department budget and capital expenditure planning.
• Evaluate and implement new mining technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Liaise with geological and processing departments to ensure integrated mine-to-mill optimization.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic assessments for new underground projects and expansions.
• Mentor and develop the mining engineering team, fostering professional growth and succession planning.
• Report on mining operations performance to senior management and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Team management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Datamine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the global mining sector , is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Mining Engineer to oversee all aspects of their underground mining operations near Bloemfontein, Free State . This is a pivotal leadership position responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective extraction of mineral resources. You will lead a team of mining engineers and technical personnel, driving innovation in underground mining methods and technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of complex underground environments, mine design, ventilation, rock mechanics, and mine safety management. This role requires strong leadership capabilities, exceptional technical acumen, and a commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall technical leadership and strategic direction for all underground mining operations.
• Develop and implement long-term and short-term mine plans, optimizing production, costs, and safety.
• Oversee mine design, development, ventilation, ground support, and dewatering systems.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, fostering a strong safety culture.
• Manage the mine engineering department budget and capital expenditure planning.
• Evaluate and implement new mining technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Liaise with geological and processing departments to ensure integrated mine-to-mill optimization.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic assessments for new underground projects and expansions.
• Mentor and develop the mining engineering team, fostering professional growth and succession planning.
• Report on mining operations performance to senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering.
• A Master's degree is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in underground mining engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Extensive experience with various underground mining methods (e.g., LHD, drill and blast, sub-level caving, block caving).
• Proficiency in mine planning and design software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, Datamine).
• Strong knowledge of mine ventilation, ground control, and rock mechanics principles.
• Proven track record in managing large budgets and capital projects.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Experience in managing complex safety programs and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and performance bonuses. This is a unique opportunity to lead significant underground mining operations and shape the future of the company. You will work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and international exposure. We prioritize employee well-being and provide a safe and stimulating work setting.