Mine Planning Manager - Underground Operations

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Mine Planning Manager to lead underground operations planning in Klerksd, North West. You will drive long- and short-term plans, oversee geological modeling, and optimize layouts, sequencing, and capex, while guiding a diverse team and ensuring safety compliance.

The role requires a Master’s in Mining Engineering, 10+ years in underground planning (5+ in management), and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mining Engineering or related field required.
• 10+ years in underground mine planning with at least 5 years in leadership/supervisory roles.
• Proven expertise in design and planning of underground methods (narrow reef, wide reef).
• Extensive experience with industry-standard mine planning/modeling software.
• Strong geotechnical understanding applied to mine design.
• Demonstrated leadership and strong communication skills.
• Commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.
• Willingness to relocate to Klerksdorp, North West for the contract duration.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term and short-term underground mine plans.
• Oversee geological modeling and resource estimation for mine design.
• Optimize layouts, sequencing, and capex plans.
• Lead and mentor planning engineers, geologists, and surveyors.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Vulcan

Surpac

Deswik

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant force in the South African mining industry, is seeking an experienced and visionary Mine Planning Manager to lead their underground operations planning division. This senior leadership role is paramount to ensuring the strategic and efficient extraction of resources. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in underground mine design, scheduling, and long-term planning, with a strong focus on safety, productivity, and economic viability. This opportunity is based in Klerksdorp, North West , a region renowned for its rich gold deposits.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive long-term and short-term mine plans for underground operations.
• Oversee the geological modeling and resource estimation process to inform mine design.
• Optimize mine layouts, production sequencing, and capital expenditure plans.
• Manage and mentor a team of mine planning engineers, geologists, and surveyors.
• Ensure mine plans comply with all relevant safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new underground projects.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Vulcan, Surpac, Deswik) to create detailed plans and schedules.
• Collaborate closely with operations, engineering, and exploration teams to align planning activities.
• Monitor project progress against plan and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Report on mine planning activities and key performance indicators to senior management.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in underground mine planning, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in designing and planning various underground mining methods (e.g., narrow reef, wide reef).
• Extensive experience with industry-standard mine planning and modeling software.
• Strong understanding of geotechnical principles and their application to mine design.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with excellent team-building and communication skills.
• Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
• A strong commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.
• Must be willing to relocate to or reside in Klerksdorp, North West , for the duration of the contract.
• Previous experience working in the Klerksdorp, North West mining district is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary package, comprehensive private medical aid, a substantial annual bonus, and a generous provident fund.
• The company is committed to employee growth and provides opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career advancement.
• Relocation assistance will be provided to facilitate the move to Klerksdorp, North West .