Lead Mine Planning Engineer - Open Pit Operations

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Professional development

Leadership growth

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a major mining client in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, to hire a Lead Mine Planning Engineer. The role oversees strategic and tactical open-pit planning, ensuring safe, economical designs and schedules while leading the planning team.

Hybrid work arrangement is offered. You will manage short- and long-term mine plans, use Deswik/Vulcan/XACT for design and scheduling, evaluate scenarios, and work with geology and operations to deliver feasible, compliant

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant entity in the global mining landscape, is seeking an experienced Lead Mine Planning Engineer to join their progressive team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This leadership role is integral to the strategic and tactical planning of open-pit mining operations, ensuring optimal resource extraction, mine design, and production scheduling. You will be responsible for developing and implementing innovative mine plans that maximize economic viability while adhering to the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility. The ideal candidate will possess advanced skills in mine design software, a deep understanding of open-pit mining methodologies, and proven experience in leading planning teams. This is a key position offering substantial influence over major mining projects in the Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and manage short-term and long-term mine plans for open-pit operations.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, XACT) for pit design, scheduling, and haulage optimization.
• Conduct economic evaluations of various mining scenarios and optimize life-of-mine plans.
• Collaborate with geology, geotechnical, and operations teams to ensure integrated and feasible mine designs.
• Develop detailed production schedules and coordinate with operational departments to ensure efficient execution.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to mine planning and production.
• Mentor and guide a team of mine planning engineers and technicians.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in mine planning processes and technologies.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.
• Prepare and present mine planning reports, budgets, and forecasts to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in mine planning, with a significant focus on open-pit operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in using industry-standard mine planning and design software.
• Strong understanding of open-pit mining methods, equipment capabilities, and operational constraints.
• Proven experience in resource modeling integration and life-of-mine planning.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in or managing projects within the Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape region is desirable.
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and sustainable mining practices.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund contributions.

• performance bonuses
• comprehensive medical aid
• retirement fund contributions
• hybrid work arrangement
• professional development
• leadership growth
• career advancement

This role is based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, providing access to significant mining activities.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between office-based work and remote flexibility.

Excellent opportunities exist for professional development, leadership growth, and career advancement within a reputable mining organization.