Mine Planning Engineer - Underground Operations

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual performance bonuses

Career growth opportunities

Accommodation and travel allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Mine Planning Engineer to lead strategic planning for underground operations near Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will design short-, medium-, and long-term mine plans, integrating geological models, production targets, and safety standards.

You will mentor junior engineers and collaborate with production, geotechnical and exploration teams to drive optimization while ensuring compliance with South African mining regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years in mine planning, underground hard rock environments.
• Proficiency with Deswik, Vulcan or Surpac.
• Strong knowledge of mining methods, ventilation, ground support, scheduling.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain short-, medium-, and long-term mine plans for underground operations.
• Perform mine design and optimization including stope layouts and pillar design.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining areas.
• Integrate geological models and survey data into planning software.
• Ensure plans comply with safety, environmental standards and policies.
• Collaborate with production, geotechnical and exploration teams to meet targets.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for planning reviews.

Skills

Mine planning

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Related discipline

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent mining entity, is actively searching for a seasoned Mine Planning Engineer to spearhead strategic planning initiatives for its underground operations near Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This critical position requires a forward-thinking professional with extensive experience in designing and optimizing complex mine plans that ensure safety, efficiency, and economic viability. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing short-term, medium-term, and long-term mine plans, considering geological constraints, production targets, and resource utilization. You will play a vital role in shaping the operational future of the mine, implementing innovative planning methodologies, and ensuring seamless integration between design and execution. This role offers a stimulating environment for an engineer passionate about pushing the boundaries of underground mining techniques and contributing to the sustainable development of significant mineral resources. Your expertise will be crucial in maximizing resource recovery and operational output.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed short-term, medium-term, and long-term mine plans for underground operations.


• Perform mine design and optimization, including stope layouts, development sequencing, and pillar design.


• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining areas.


• Integrate geological models and survey data into mine planning software.


• Ensure mine plans comply with all safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies in Stellenbosch .


• Collaborate closely with production, geotechnical, and exploration teams to achieve production targets.


• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and cost reduction through effective mine planning.


• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for mine planning reviews.


• Provide mentorship and technical support to junior planning engineers.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.


• A minimum of 7 years of experience in mine planning, specifically within underground hard rock mining environments.


• Proficiency in mine planning software such as Deswik, Vulcan, or Surpac.


• Strong understanding of mining methods, ventilation, ground support, and production scheduling.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.


• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.


• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with diverse teams.


• Knowledge of relevant South African mining legislation and regulations.


• Experience with mine simulation and optimization techniques is advantageous.

Benefits

• This role comes with a highly competitive salary package, reflecting the senior nature of the position.


• Our client provides comprehensive benefits including medical aid, a provident fund, and annual performance bonuses.


• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a large organization are readily available.


• The role also offers a chance to work on significant mining projects in the vibrant Stellenbosch region.


• Accommodation and travel allowances may be considered for exceptional candidates.


• A collaborative work environment focused on innovation and operational excellence awaits the successful applicant.