Mine Planning Manager - Open Pit Operations

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Mine Planning Manager to lead open-pit design, scheduling and optimization. This senior role requires a strategic thinker with deep experience in mine design, resource estimation and safety compliance.

You will develop long- and short-term mine plans, oversee geological modeling, manage a team of engineers and geologists, and collaborate with production and maintenance to maximize performance while controlling costs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mine planning and operations, with at least 5 years in a management capacity.
• Expertise in open-pit mining methods and use of mine design software (Deswik, MineSight, Vulcan).
• Strong knowledge of geological principles, resource estimation, and reserve definition.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent strategic planning and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and economic evaluation of mining projects.
• Strong knowledge of South African mining regulations and best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Willingness to relocate to or reside within reasonable commuting distance of Richards Bay.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term and short-term mine plans for open-pit operations.
• Oversee geological modeling, resource estimation, and mine design processes.
• Ensure mine plans are optimized for safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compliance.
• Supervise and mentor a team of mine engineers, geologists, and surveyors.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and processing departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Conduct regular mine site reviews and performance analysis, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Manage budgets and resources allocated for mine planning activities.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in mine planning and open-pit mining.
• Prepare and present mine plans and operational reports to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining legislation and company policies.

Skills

Mine planning

Leadership

Open-pit mining

Project management

Financial modeling

Geotechnical knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

MineSight

Vulcan

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining industry, has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Mine Planning Manager to oversee open-pit operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior leadership role requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in mine design, scheduling, and operational optimization. You will be responsible for developing and executing long-term and short-term mine plans that maximize resource recovery, ensure operational efficiency, and adhere to strict safety and environmental standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, excellent project management skills, and a deep understanding of geological modeling, resource estimation, and open-pit mining techniques. This position is crucial for the sustained success and profitability of our client's extensive mining activities in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage long-term and short-term mine plans for open-pit operations.
• Oversee the geological modeling, resource estimation, and mine design processes.
• Ensure mine plans are optimized for safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compliance.
• Supervise and mentor a team of mine engineers, geologists, and surveyors.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and processing departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Conduct regular mine site reviews and performance analysis, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Manage budgets and resources allocated for mine planning activities.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in mine planning and open-pit mining.
• Prepare and present mine plans and operational reports to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining legislation and company policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mine planning and operations, with at least 5 years in a management capacity.
• Proven expertise in open-pit mining methods and mine design software (e.g., Deswik, MineSight, Vulcan).
• Strong understanding of geological principles, resource estimation, and reserve definition.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent strategic planning and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and economic evaluation of mining projects.
• Strong knowledge of South African mining regulations and best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Willingness to relocate to or reside within reasonable commuting distance of Richards Bay .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, and a substantial retirement fund.
• We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, including training programs and support for advanced education.
• Employees work in a dynamic environment with a strong focus on safety, innovation, and operational excellence.
• This role comes with significant responsibility and the potential for career advancement within a leading mining organization.
• Additional benefits include relocation assistance and opportunities to contribute to impactful projects in the KwaZulu-Natal region.