Mine Planning Engineer - Open Pit Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

retirement fund contributions

Relocation support

Career development opportunities

Training and development programs

Dynamic work environment

Exposure to diverse mining projects

Sustainable mining practices

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mine Planning Engineer for our client in George, Western Cape. The role focuses on developing long- and short-term open pit mine plans using industry-standard software, optimizing designs, and ensuring safety and environmental standards.

You will work with geologists, surveyors, and operations managers to achieve production targets, conduct feasibility studies, and mentor junior engineers. This position offers relocation support and opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years of mine planning experience in open pit operations.
• Proficient in Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, or similar software.
• Strong knowledge of open pit mining methods and equipment.
• Experience with geotechnical slope stability analysis.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term and short-term mine plans using industry-standard mine planning software.
• Optimize open pit designs considering ore recovery, waste removal, and equipment productivity.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining phases or projects.
• Create detailed blast designs, pit slope analysis, and sequencing plans.
• Collaborate with geological and geotechnical teams to integrate resource models into mine plans.
• Monitor plan adherence and adjust to meet production targets.
• Ensure planning activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and manage mine budgets, forecasting CAPEX and OPEX.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to management and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical development.

Skills

Mining engineering

Open pit planning

Geotechnical analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading diversified mining company, is looking for a skilled and innovative Mine Planning Engineer to join their operations in George, Western Cape. This role is crucial for optimizing the long-term and short-term strategic planning of their open pit mining activities. You will be responsible for developing mine plans that maximize resource extraction, ensure operational efficiency, and uphold the highest safety and environmental standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills in mine design software, a deep understanding of open pit mining methodologies, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of a significant mining project and contribute to sustainable resource development. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including geologists, surveyors, and operations managers, to achieve production targets and strategic objectives. Our client values continuous improvement and encourages creative solutions to complex mining challenges in the George region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term and short-term mine plans using industry-standard mine planning software.
• Optimize mine designs for open pit operations, considering ore recovery, waste removal, and equipment productivity.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining phases or projects.
• Create detailed blast designs, pit slope analysis, and sequencing plans.
• Collaborate with geological and geotechnical teams to integrate resource models and stability data into mine plans.
• Monitor mine plan adherence and implement adjustments as necessary to meet production targets.
• Ensure all planning activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and manage mine budgets, forecasting capital and operational expenditures.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to management and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's technical development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mine planning, specifically within open pit operations.
• Proficiency in mine planning software such as Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, or similar.
• Strong understanding of open pit mining methods, equipment, and operational constraints.
• Experience with geotechnical considerations and slope stability analysis.
• Knowledge of mineral processing and its integration with mine planning.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous leave entitlement and company-provided accommodation options.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization.
• Training and development programs to enhance technical and leadership skills.
• A dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and operational excellence.
• Exposure to diverse mining projects and geological settings.
• Commitment to sustainable mining practices and community engagement.
• Relocation support for candidates relocating to George, Western Cape.
• Regular site visits and engagement with operational teams.