Mine Planning Engineer - Underground Operations

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life assurance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mine Planning Engineer to join a leading mining operation in Gauteng (Tembisa). The role focuses on developing short-term and long-term underground mine plans, using Deswik, Vulcan and Surpac to optimize layouts and schedules.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering and at least 6 years of underground planning experience, with a strong safety mindset and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of underground mine planning and operations experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and team collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain short-term (weekly/monthly) and long-term (annual/5-year) mine plans.
• Design and optimize underground mine layouts, including access routes, stopes, and pillars.
• Use Deswik, Vulcan and Surpac for 3D modeling and scheduling.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining areas.
• Collaborate with operations, geological, and engineering teams to ensure plan alignment.
• Perform geotechnical assessments and input into ground support designs.
• Monitor progress and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Prepare technical documentation, presentations, and budget forecasts.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the Mining industry, is looking for a skilled Mine Planning Engineer to join their operational team in Tembisa, Gauteng . This role is integral to optimizing underground mining operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in mine design, planning software, and rock mechanics. You will be responsible for developing short-term and long-term mine plans, coordinating with production teams, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a major mining operation and to advance your career in mine engineering within a challenging yet rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain short-term (weekly/monthly) and long-term (annual/5-year) mine plans.
• Design and optimize underground mine layouts, including access routes, stopes, and pillars.
• Utilize mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac) for 3D modeling and production scheduling.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining areas.
• Collaborate closely with operations, geological, and engineering departments to ensure alignment of plans.
• Perform geotechnical assessments and input into ground support designs.
• Monitor production progress against planned schedules and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure all mine plans comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Prepare technical documentation, presentations, and budget forecasts related to mine planning.
• Investigate and propose innovative solutions to improve mining efficiency and reduce costs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in underground mine planning and operations.
• Proficiency in industry-standard mine planning and modeling software.
• Solid understanding of mining methods, rock mechanics, and ventilation principles.
• Experience with geostatistics and resource modeling concepts is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities to effectively liaise with various teams.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
• Commitment to safety, health, and environmental best practices.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive benefits including medical aid, a provident fund, and life assurance. Opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning are emphasized, with support for further training and development. The company culture promotes teamwork, innovation, and a strong safety focus. Employees will have access to cutting-edge technology and a supportive management team. This role is based in Gauteng , offering a stable and challenging career within a leading mining enterprise.