Lead Mine Planning Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, seeks a Lead Mine Planning Engineer to oversee short-, medium-, and long-term mine design and scheduling. You will mentor a team of planning engineers and drive feasibility studies, pit optimization, and cost-effective planning while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires a strategic leader with deep mining knowledge, collaboration across departments, and a commitment to continuous improvement and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• 10+ years in mine planning/engineering, with 3+ in lead roles.
• Open-pit or underground planning experience.
• Proficiency in Deswik, Surpac, MinePlan or MineScape.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Hybrid work arrangement in Pretoria, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize short-, medium-, and long-term mine plans and schedules.
• Lead and mentor a team of mine planning engineers.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new projects.
• Ensure plans meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with geology, survey, and operations teams to integrate data.
• Perform mine design including pit optimization and tailings planning.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Manage external consultants and contractors as needed.
• Stay current with mining technologies and best practices.
• Champion safety and continuous improvement within the planning department.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

Deswik

Surpac

MinePlan

MineScape

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent mining organization, is seeking an accomplished Lead Mine Planning Engineer to enhance their operational capabilities in Pretoria, Gauteng . This leadership position is crucial for developing and implementing innovative, safe, and cost-effective mine plans that maximize resource utilization and profitability. You will oversee a team of planning engineers, guiding them in short-term, medium-term, and long-term mine design and scheduling. The role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of mining methods, geological constraints, and economic factors. You will collaborate closely with operations, geology, and engineering departments to ensure seamless integration of planning activities with production realities. This is a significant career opportunity for a seasoned professional looking to make a substantial impact on a major mining enterprise. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, technological adoption, and the highest standards of mine safety and environmental stewardship. We are looking for an individual who can drive efficiency and excellence in all facets of mine planning and design, ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of our operations. The role also involves significant stakeholder engagement and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and optimize short, medium, and long-term mine plans and schedules.
• Lead and mentor a team of mine planning engineers, fostering their professional development.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mine projects and expansions.
• Ensure mine plans comply with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Surpac, MinePlan) for design and scheduling.
• Collaborate with geology, survey, and operations teams to integrate data and ensure plan accuracy.
• Perform mine design including pit optimization, haul road design, and tailings management planning.
• Develop production forecasts and track performance against plans.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and cost reductions through effective planning.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Manage external consultants and contractors as required for specific planning projects.
• Stay current with mining technologies, software, and best practices in mine planning.
• Champion a culture of safety and continuous improvement within the planning department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mine planning and engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proven experience in open-pit or underground mine planning, depending on the company's focus.
• Expertise in mine planning software such as Deswik, Surpac, MineScape, or MinePlan.
• Strong understanding of mining methods, rock mechanics, and geological modeling.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise across different departments.
• Experience in mine economics and feasibility studies.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations relevant to mining operations.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities in Pretoria, Gauteng .
• Professional registration with a relevant body is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, provident fund, performance-based bonuses, and ample opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• This role provides the chance to work on significant mining projects, influence strategic planning, and lead a talented team.
• We are committed to fostering a sustainable and safe working environment that values innovation and employee well-being.