Mine Planning and Design Specialist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous leave

Home office stipend

Remote work autonomy

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Mine Planning and Design Specialist to lead long-term mine planning and layouts from a remote setting. You will work with geologists, operations managers, and global stakeholders to optimize safety, economics, and sustainability.

The role requires 10+ years in mine planning, proficiency with Deswik/Vulcan/Surpac/Datamine, and strong communication. You will develop 10–20 year plans, report findings, and guide strategic development for a global mining leader.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in mine planning and design.
• Strong understanding of geological modeling, resource estimation, and mine economics.
• Proven ability to work autonomously in a remote setting and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term mine plans (10–20 years) for multiple operations.
• Design mine layouts including pit optimization and underground access.
• Create detailed production schedules and resource allocation strategies.
• Conduct economic evaluations, feasibility studies and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with geologists and operations staff to integrate models into plans.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide remote technical support and expert guidance on planning and design.

Skills

Mine planning

Strategic thinking

Remote collaboration

Education

BSc or MSc in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Datamine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking entity in the Mining sector, is actively seeking a highly experienced Mine Planning and Design Specialist to join their remote-first team. This pivotal role focuses on developing and optimizing long-term strategic mine plans, utilizing cutting-edge software and methodologies to ensure safe, efficient, and economically viable resource extraction. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of geological data interpretation, mine layout design, production scheduling, and economic assessment. You will collaborate closely with geologists, operations managers, and other stakeholders globally, providing expert guidance from a remote setting. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to shape the future of mining operations from anywhere, contributing significantly to our client's ambitious growth and innovation objectives. The company is dedicated to leveraging technology for optimized decision-making and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine comprehensive long-term mine plans (e.g., 10-20 year horizons) for diverse mining operations.
• Design mine layouts, including pit optimization, underground access, stope design, and infrastructure placement.
• Create detailed production schedules, material movement plans, and resource allocation strategies.
• Conduct thorough economic evaluations, mineability studies, and feasibility assessments.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, Datamine) for design, simulation, and visualization.
• Collaborate with geologists to integrate geological models and resource estimates into mine plans.
• Work closely with operational teams and management to ensure plans are practical and achievable.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory changes affecting mine planning.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders worldwide.
• Provide remote technical support and expert advice on mine planning and design challenges.

Requirements

• BSc or MEng in Mining Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mine planning and design, with a significant track record of successfully developing complex mining projects.
• Advanced proficiency in industry-leading mine planning software packages (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, Datamine).
• Strong understanding of geological modeling, resource estimation, mine economics, and risk assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects in a remote work environment.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary and geographically dispersed teams.
• Must have reliable internet connectivity and a suitable home office setup for remote work.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, sustainability, and ethical mining practices.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with extensive experience and remote capability.
• Comprehensive global health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous annual leave and professional development budget.
• Home office equipment stipend and support.
• The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote, 'work from anywhere' role.
• Opportunity to influence strategic mine development for a global mining leader.
• Contribution to a company at the forefront of mining innovation and technology.