Mine Planning Engineer - Long Term

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Annual bonuses

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch near Paarl is seeking a Mine Planning Engineer to lead long-term strategic planning for open-pit and underground operations, focusing on safe, efficient extraction and economic viability.

The role requires 8+ years in mine planning, strong design and scheduling skills, and proficiency with Deswik, Vulcan, and Surpac; you will collaborate across geology, operations and engineering and mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in mine planning with emphasis on long-term strategic planning.
• Proven expertise in open-pit and/or underground mine design and scheduling.
• Advanced proficiency with industry-standard mine planning software (Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac).
• Strong understanding of geological modeling, resource estimation, and reserve reporting.
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Develop and update long-term mine plans (5–20 year horizon).
• Optimize mine designs, production schedules, and fleet requirements.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining areas or expansions.
• Liaise with geological, operational, and engineering departments to ensure integration of all aspects of mine planning.
• Perform reserve and resource modeling, including volumetric calculations and resource reporting.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac) for design and scheduling.
• Identify and assess potential risks and opportunities related to long-term mine plans.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for management and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior planning engineers and support the development of the planning team.

Skills

Analytical skills

Mathematical ability

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining company with operations in the Western Cape, is looking for a highly competent Mine Planning Engineer to focus on long-term strategic planning for their operations near Paarl, Western Cape . This pivotal role will involve developing and optimizing mine plans that ensure the safe, efficient, and economic extraction of mineral resources over the life of the mine. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of mine design principles, and proficiency in advanced mine planning software. This is an on-site position, requiring dedication to the operational environment and collaboration with site-based teams. We are committed to sustainable mining practices and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and update long-term mine plans (5-20 year horizon) for open-pit and/or underground operations.
• Optimize mine designs, production schedules, and fleet requirements to maximize resource utilization and profitability.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining areas or expansions.
• Liaise with geological, operational, and engineering departments to ensure integration of all aspects of mine planning.
• Perform reserve and resource modeling, including volumetric calculations and resource reporting.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac) for design and scheduling.
• Identify and assess potential risks and opportunities related to long-term mine plans.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for management and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior planning engineers and support the development of the planning team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in mine planning, with a strong emphasis on long-term strategic planning.
• Proven expertise in open-pit and/or underground mine design and scheduling.
• Advanced proficiency with industry-standard mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac).
• Solid understanding of geological modeling, resource estimation, and reserve reporting.
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in financial modeling and economic evaluation of mining projects is a significant advantage.
• Registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting experience and expertise.
• Opportunity to shape the future of a significant mining operation near Paarl, Western Cape .
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities.
• Annual performance bonuses.
• A commitment to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.