Lead Mining Engineer - Open Pit Operations

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Provident fund

Career development opportunities

Housing options

Company transport services

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a major mining group, is seeking a Lead Mining Engineer to oversee open pit operations near Rustenburg, North West. You will lead mine planning, design, and execution for large-scale surface mining, ensuring safe, cost-effective extraction and regulatory compliance.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mining Engineering, 10+ years in open pit mining with 3+ in leadership, and hands-on experience with Deswik, Vulcan or Minesight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering from a recognized institution.
• 10+ years in open pit mining, with at least 3 years in a supervisory/leadership role.
• Experience with Deswik, Vulcan or Minesight required.
• Knowledge of geotechnical assessment and slope stability analysis.
• Understanding of drilling, blasting and loading/haulage operations.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with South African mining legislation; ECSA registration desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute short- and long-term mine plans for open pit operations.
• Oversee design and implementation of mine layouts, slopes, haul roads, dewatering.
• Lead and mentor engineers, geologists and survey personnel.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Optimize drilling, blasting, loading and hauling processes.
• Collaborate with geology, maintenance and processing teams.
• Evaluate new mining technologies and equipment for performance gains.
• Prepare technical reports, budgets and production forecasts for senior management.
• Foster a strong safety culture and promote best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team mentoring

Budget management

Strategic planning

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Minesight

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity within the South African mining industry, is actively recruiting for a Lead Mining Engineer to oversee and optimize open pit operations at their flagship mine near Rustenburg, North West . This critical role demands a seasoned professional with extensive experience in mine planning, design, and execution for large-scale surface operations. You will be responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective extraction of mineral resources, while adhering to stringent environmental regulations and company standards. The Lead Mining Engineer will manage a team of mining engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. This is a challenging yet rewarding position for an individual passionate about driving innovation and achieving peak performance in a demanding mining environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute short-term and long-term mine plans for open pit operations, ensuring alignment with production targets and resource management goals.
• Oversee the design and implementation of mine layouts, pit slopes, haul roads, and dewatering systems.
• Manage and mentor a team of mining engineers, geologists, and survey personnel, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mine developments and expansions.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations, actively participating in safety meetings and risk assessments.
• Optimize mine production processes, including drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling, to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with other departments, including geology, engineering, maintenance, and processing, to ensure integrated mine operations.
• Evaluate and recommend new mining technologies and equipment to improve operational performance.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, budgets, and production forecasts for senior management.
• Foster a strong safety culture and promote best practices in all aspects of mining operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in open pit mining operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of mine planning software such as Deswik, Vulcan, or Minesight.
• Proven experience in geotechnical assessment, slope stability analysis, and mine design.
• Strong understanding of drilling, blasting, and loading/hauling equipment and techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, resources, and project timelines effectively.
• Knowledge of relevant South African mining legislation and environmental standards.
• Professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is highly desirable.
• Commitment to promoting a safe and sustainable mining environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, along with performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits scheme. This includes private medical aid, a substantial provident fund, and opportunities for further professional development and career advancement within the organization.

The role is based at a modern mining facility near Rustenburg , providing access to excellent amenities. Employees benefit from subsidized housing options and access to company transport services. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a leading mining house and make a significant contribution to its success.