Lead Mine Planning Engineer

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Disability insurance

Retirement planning

Career progression

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Lead Mine Planning Engineer in Sandton, Gauteng. This senior role drives long-term mine plans (5–20 years), optimizing open-pit and underground designs, schedules, and resource use.

You will mentor a team of engineers, collaborate with geology, survey, and operations, and ensure safe, compliant planning across large-scale mining operations in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or related field.
• Master’s degree is advantageous for this senior role.
• Minimum 10 years in mine planning/design with 3+ years in lead/supervisory position.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term (5–20 years) mine plans for open-pit and underground operations.
• Utilize Deswik, Vulcan, Leapfrog to design optimized mines and schedules.
• Perform feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new projects and extensions.
• Lead and mentor a team of mine planning engineers.
• Collaborate with geology, survey and operations to ensure data integration.
• Conduct sensitivity analyses and scenario planning to assess risks.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Presentation

Analytical

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering

Master’s degree (advantageous)

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Leapfrog

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent global entity in the mining sector, is actively seeking a highly experienced and motivated Lead Mine Planning Engineer to spearhead their strategic planning initiatives in Sandton, Gauteng. This senior role is pivotal in developing and executing long-term mine plans that optimize resource extraction, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure the economic viability of extensive mining operations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mine design principles, advanced planning software, and the ability to manage complex projects from conceptualization through to implementation. You will be instrumental in guiding a team of talented engineers and collaborating closely with various departments to achieve strategic mining objectives within the South African context. This position represents a significant opportunity to shape the future of a major mining operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term strategic mine plans (5-20 years) for both open-pit and underground operations.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Leapfrog) to create optimized mine designs, production schedules, and resource utilization plans.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining projects and extensions.
• Lead and mentor a team of mine planning engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering professional development.
• Collaborate with geology, survey, and operations teams to ensure accurate data integration and alignment of plans.
• Perform sensitivity analyses and scenario planning to assess risks and opportunities associated with mine plans.
• Develop and manage mine sequencing, stope design, and material handling strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements specific to Sandton and the broader mining industry.
• Present mine plans and strategic recommendations to senior management and key stakeholders.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in mine planning and design, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role within the mining sector.
• Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard mine planning software suites.
• Strong knowledge of open-pit and/or underground mining methods and their associated planning considerations.
• Excellent understanding of mine economics, resource modeling, and feasibility study processes.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex plans to diverse audiences.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) registration is highly preferred.
• Experience within the Gauteng mining environment is a strong asset.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the role.
• Comprehensive medical aid, disability insurance, and retirement planning benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and career progression.
• Exposure to large-scale, complex mining projects.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment within a leading international company.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.