Mine Planning Engineer - Open Pit Operations

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Performance-based bonuses

Growth opportunities

Strong safety culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mine Planning Engineer to develop and optimize open pit plans for Mossel Bay operations in the Western Cape. You will design pit layouts, create block models, and drive short- and long-term schedules ensuring safe, compliant, and cost-effective extraction.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Mining Engineering with 5+ years in mine planning, strong software proficiency, and the ability to collaborate across departments in a coastal, active mining environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering required.
• 5+ years of experience in mine planning, open pit preferred.
• Proficiency with MineSight, Deswik and Surpac.
• Knowledge of open pit mining methods, equipment, and practices.
• Experience with geostatistics and block modeling.
• Geotechnical principles for slope stability knowledge.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain short-term and long-term mine plans for open pit operations.
• Use MineSight/Deswik/Surpac to design pit outlines and block models.
• Incorporate geotechnical findings into mine designs.
• Prepare production schedules considering equipment and ore grades.
• Work with geology and operations teams for plan alignment.
• Analyze performance data and adjust plans as needed.
• Ensure safety, environmental standards, and company policies are followed.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations for management.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

MineSight

Deswik

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the Mining industry, is seeking a proficient and results-oriented Mine Planning Engineer to contribute to their open pit operations in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This role is integral to the development and execution of short-term and long-term mine plans, ensuring efficient extraction of resources while optimizing safety, environmental compliance, and economic viability. The successful candidate will utilize advanced mine planning software to design pit layouts, optimize schedules, and manage resource utilization. This is an excellent opportunity to join a reputable company and play a key role in shaping the future of a significant mining operation. We are looking for a dedicated professional with strong technical skills and a commitment to excellence in mine planning and execution within the challenging coastal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain integrated short-term and long-term mine plans for open pit operations.
• Utilize mine planning software (e.g., MineSight, Deswik, Surpac) to design pit outlines, create block models, and optimize mine sequences.
• Conduct geotechnical assessments and incorporate findings into mine designs.
• Perform detailed production scheduling, considering equipment availability, ore grade, and material movement targets.
• Collaborate closely with geological, operations, and engineering teams to ensure alignment and efficient execution of plans.
• Analyze operational data and mine performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and adjust plans accordingly.
• Ensure all mine plans comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for management review.
• Assist in the evaluation and selection of mining equipment and technologies.
• Contribute to budgeting and cost control efforts related to mine planning and operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mine planning, specifically within open pit mining environments.
• Proficiency in industry-standard mine planning and modeling software (e.g., MineSight, Deswik, Surpac).
• Solid understanding of open pit mining methods, equipment, and operational practices.
• Experience with geostatistical analysis and block modeling.
• Knowledge of geotechnical principles as they apply to open pit slope stability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Willingness to travel to operational sites as needed.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, a retirement savings plan, and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a well-established mining company are provided.
• Employees benefit from a strong safety culture and a supportive team environment.
• This role is based in the scenic coastal region of Western Cape.