Lead Mine Planning Engineer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a premier mining enterprise in Durban to appoint a Lead Mine Planning Engineer. The role focuses on developing long-, medium-, and short-term plans that optimize resources and profitability.

You will integrate geological models, lead cross-functional teams, and ensure plans are feasible, safe, and compliant. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in mine planning, strong leadership, and hands-on experience with Deswik, Vulcan, and Surpac, plus solid understanding of

Qualifications

• Degree in Mining Engineering or related field.
• At least 10 years in mine planning/design with leadership experience.
• Proficient with Deswik, Vulcan or Surpac; knowledge of open-pit/underground methods.
• Experience with resource estimation and cost-conscious planning.
• Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-, medium-, and short-term mine plans.
• Utilize Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac to generate optimal layouts and schedules.
• Collaborate with geology to integrate resource models into plans.
• Ensure plans are technically feasible and executable with operations and engineering teams.
• Conduct economic evaluations and feasibility studies for development projects.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process optimization.
• Perform sensitivity analyses and risk assessments on forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior staff and present plans to senior management.
• Prepare detailed production reports for management.

Skills

Mine planning

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Leadership

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier mining enterprise, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Mine Planning Engineer to spearhead mine planning initiatives in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior role is crucial for developing and executing strategic mine plans that optimize resource utilization, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure long-term profitability. You will be responsible for long-range, medium-range, and short-range mine plans, working closely with geological, engineering, and operational teams to integrate diverse technical data. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of mine planning software, open-pit and/or underground mining methods, and a strong understanding of economic factors influencing mine development. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead significant planning efforts within a progressive mining organization in the scenic region of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive long-term, medium-term, and short-term mine plans.
• Utilise advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac) to generate optimal mine layouts, schedules, and production targets.
• Collaborate with geological teams to interpret resource models and integrate them into mine designs.
• Work with operations and engineering teams to ensure plans are technically feasible and operationally executable.
• Conduct economic evaluations and feasibility studies for mine development and expansion projects.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction within the mining plan.
• Perform sensitivity analyses and risk assessments related to mine plans and production forecasts.
• Ensure mine plans comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor and guide junior mine planning engineers and technical staff.
• Prepare and present detailed mine plans and production reports to senior management.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in mine planning and design, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proficiency in industry-standard mine planning software packages.
• Solid understanding of both open-pit and underground mining principles and economics.
• Experience in resource estimation and its integration into mine planning.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to interpret complex geological and technical data.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and budget control.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , for this office-based role.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive health coverage, and retirement savings plans. Employees will have access to continuous professional development opportunities, including training on the latest mine planning technologies and methodologies. The role provides a chance to work on significant projects within a company that is committed to operational excellence and employee growth in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . Enjoy working in a collaborative environment with a clear path for career advancement and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the success of major mining operations.