Mine Planning Engineer - Platinum Group Metals

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Relocation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, is seeking a Mine Planning Engineer to oversee strategic and short-term planning for PGM underground operations. You will develop optimized mine designs, production schedules, and ventilation plans, using Deswik, Vulcan, or Surpac.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelors in Mining Engineering with 7+ years of underground planning experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and willingness to travel to site as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years experience in mine planning, underground PGM focus ideal.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-, mid-, and short-term mine plans within constraints.
• Optimize layouts, sequencing, and equipment use to maximize recovery.
• Design and schedule using Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac or equivalents.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new areas.
• Collaborate with operations, geology, and engineering teams.
• Prepare technical reports, layouts, and regulatory submissions.
• Ensure compliance with mining laws, safety and environmental policies.
• Develop ventilation and dewatering plans for safe underground work.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve planning efficiency.

Skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining operator with extensive operations in George, Western Cape, is looking for a skilled Mine Planning Engineer to oversee the strategic and short-term planning of their platinum group metals (PGM) operations. This role is crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and cost-effective resource extraction. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in underground mining methods and advanced mine planning software. You will be instrumental in developing optimized mine designs, production schedules, and ventilation plans that align with the company's long-term objectives and sustainability goals. This position offers a compelling opportunity to contribute to significant PGM projects in a region known for its rich mineral endowment. The company is committed to technological advancement and operational excellence, providing a stimulating environment for professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term, medium-term, and short-term mine plans, considering geological, geotechnical, and operational constraints.
• Optimize mine layouts, production sequencing, and equipment utilization to maximize PGM recovery and minimize costs.
• Perform mine design and scheduling using industry-standard software such as Deswik, Vulcan, or similar.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining areas or development projects within the George region.
• Collaborate closely with mine operations, geology, and engineering departments to ensure alignment and successful implementation of plans.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and mine layouts for internal review and regulatory submissions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies in Western Cape.
• Develop and manage ventilation and dewatering plans to ensure safe and efficient underground working conditions.
• Evaluate new mining technologies and methodologies to improve planning efficiency and operational outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in mine planning, with a significant focus on underground PGM operations.
• Demonstrated proficiency in advanced mine planning and modeling software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac).
• Strong understanding of underground mining methods, particularly those applicable to narrow-reef or PGM deposits.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex geological and technical data.
• Proven experience in developing and executing short-to-medium term mine plans.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., ECSA) is advantageous.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to site locations and attend industry-related events.

Benefits

• This role comes with a competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent medical aid, a generous retirement annuity, and potential for relocation assistance to the picturesque George area.
• Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, exposure to diverse mining challenges, and the chance to work within a forward-thinking and safety-conscious organization in South Africa.