Lead Mine Planning Engineer – Underground Operations

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Generous leave

Relocation assistance

Diverse projects exposure

Safety-first culture

Job summary

Placements24, Durban-based mining entity, seeks a Lead Mine Planning Engineer to oversee underground operations and develop integrated short-, medium-, and long-term plans.

The role requires 9+ years in mine planning, 4+ in leadership, and expertise in Deswik, Vulcan or Surpac; you will lead a team to optimize safety, efficiency and resource utilization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 9 years in mine planning with 4+ in leadership roles.
• Advanced proficiency in Deswik, Vulcan or Surpac.
• Strong knowledge of underground methods (LHD, drill and blast, paste fill).
• Willingness to travel to operational sites from Durban.

Responsibilities

• Develop short, medium, and long-term underground mine plans.
• Use Deswik/Vulcan/Surpac to design layouts, schedules, ventilation.
• Collaborate with geological, geotechnical and operations teams.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations.
• Forecast production and reconcile resources.
• Ensure plans meet safety and environmental standards.
• Mentor and supervise mine planning engineers.
• Evaluate mining equipment and technologies.
• Prepare reports and presentations for management.
• Identify process improvements and cost reductions.

Skills

Leadership

Mine planning software

Underground mining methods

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Desvik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized mining entity, is seeking an accomplished Lead Mine Planning Engineer to oversee their intricate underground operations . This senior role, based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is central to ensuring safe, efficient, and economically viable mine designs and production plans. You will be responsible for developing short-term, medium-term, and long-term mine plans, integrating geological data, geotechnical constraints, and operational realities. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in underground mine design software, a comprehensive understanding of various mining methods, and a proven ability to lead and mentor a team of planning engineers. This position requires strategic thinking, exceptional project management skills, and a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence in Durban . You will play a crucial role in maximizing resource utilization and ensuring the sustainability of mining activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive short, medium, and long-term mine plans for underground operations.
• Utilize mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac) to create detailed designs, including stope layouts, development schedules, and ventilation plans.
• Collaborate closely with geological, geotechnical, and operations teams to ensure integrated and optimized mine plans.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining areas and expansion projects.
• Perform production forecasting and resource reconciliation.
• Ensure mine plans adhere to strict safety regulations, environmental standards, and best practices.
• Supervise and mentor a team of mine planning engineers, fostering professional development.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate mining equipment and technologies.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and technical documentation for management and stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction within planning operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in mine planning, with at least 4 years in a leadership or supervisory role focusing on underground mining .
• Advanced proficiency in mine planning software such as Deswik, Vulcan, or Surpac.
• Solid understanding of various underground mining methods (e.g., LHD, drill and blast, paste fill).
• Demonstrated experience in longhole mining and mine fill operations is highly advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of mine ventilation, ground control, and geotechnical principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning abilities.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel to operational sites as needed from Durban .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and an attractive annual bonus.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and certifications.
• Generous leave policy.
• Relocation assistance available for successful candidates.
• Exposure to diverse underground mining projects.
• A collaborative and safety-first work culture.