Lead Mine Planning Engineer - Open Pit Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mine Planning Engineer to spearhead Open-pit planning in the Cape Town region. You will develop long-, medium-, and short-term mine plans, optimise pit designs, and lead a multidisciplinary team to improve safety, efficiency and profitability.

Using Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac and Whittle, you will model resources and schedules, run feasibility studies, and present plans to senior management. A strong leadership track record and SA mining experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited university.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mine planning, with at least 5 years in a lead or senior engineer role within open-pit operations.
• Extensive experience with industry-standard mine planning and design software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, Whittle).
• Proven ability to develop and implement detailed mine production schedules and optimize pit designs.
• Strong understanding of mine economics, financial modeling, and project evaluation.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, comfortable engaging with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience in the South African mining context is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to spend time on site, understanding the operational realities in and around Cape Town.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term, medium-term, and short-term mine plans for open-pit operations, adhering to best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Optimize mine designs, pit limits, and haul road networks to maximize resource recovery and minimize costs.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac) for geometric design, scheduling, and geological modeling integration.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new projects and expansion opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with geological teams to ensure accurate resource models are incorporated into planning processes.
• Liaise with production and engineering departments to ensure seamless execution of mine plans and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies for equipment utilization, material handling, and waste management.
• Ensure all mine planning activities comply with stringent health, safety, and environmental standards within Western Cape .
• Mentor and guide junior mine planning engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
• Present mine plans, schedules, and technical reports to senior management and stakeholders.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Mine Planning Engineer to spearhead their open-pit mining operations in the picturesque region of Cape Town, Western Cape . This pivotal position involves the strategic long-term planning and optimization of mining activities to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and profitability. The Lead Mine Planning Engineer will be responsible for developing innovative mine designs, production schedules, and resource utilization strategies. This role requires a strong technical background, exceptional leadership qualities, and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, including operations, geology, and engineering departments. If you are a forward-thinking mining professional looking to make a significant impact in a scenic and dynamic environment, this opportunity in Cape Town is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term, medium-term, and short-term mine plans for open-pit operations, adhering to best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Optimize mine designs, pit limits, and haul road networks to maximize resource recovery and minimize costs.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac) for geometric design, scheduling, and geological modeling integration.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new projects and expansion opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with geological teams to ensure accurate resource models are incorporated into planning processes.
• Liaise with production and engineering departments to ensure seamless execution of mine plans and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies for equipment utilization, material handling, and waste management.
• Ensure all mine planning activities comply with stringent health, safety, and environmental standards within Western Cape .
• Mentor and guide junior mine planning engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
• Present mine plans, schedules, and technical reports to senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited university.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mine planning, with at least 5 years in a lead or senior engineer role within open-pit operations.
• Extensive experience with industry-standard mine planning and design software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, Whittle).
• Proven ability to develop and implement detailed mine production schedules and optimize pit designs.
• Strong understanding of mine economics, financial modeling, and project evaluation.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, comfortable engaging with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience in the South African mining context is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to spend time on site, understanding the operational realities in and around Cape Town .

Benefits

• This role offers an attractive salary package, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, pension fund, and life insurance.
• Our client is committed to employee development, providing ample opportunities for professional growth, training, and career progression.
• Employees benefit from working in a forward-thinking company that prioritizes innovation and sustainability.
• Access to state-of-the-art technology and a collaborative work environment are hallmarks of this position.
• Potential for flexible working arrangements is also part of the attractive offering in Western Cape .