Mine Planning Manager - Underground Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Private medical aid

Top-tier pension fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an accomplished Mine Planning Manager to head the planning department in Pietermaritzburg, overseeing 5+ year and 1–2 year underground plans. You will lead a team of planners and engineers, driving efficient designs, schedules, and resource management while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires a strong technical background, leadership, and strategic mindset to shape the future of underground mining operations in KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field.
• Master’s degree or PGDip is advantageous.
• Strong background in underground mine planning and design.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term (5+ year) and medium-term (1–2 year) mine plans for underground operations.
• Oversee detailed mine designs including stope layouts, access development, and ventilation.
• Coordinate with geology, survey, engineering, and operations teams for alignment of plans.
• Optimize production schedules to meet ore grade, volume, and cost targets while ensuring safety.
• Conduct feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and sensitivity analyses for planning.
• Manage the mine planning budget and allocate resources efficiently.
• Lead and develop the mine planning team to high performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Mine planning

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Staff management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Master’s degree or PGDip advantageous

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

StopeMaster

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading underground mining operation, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Mine Planning Manager to lead their planning department in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior leadership role is responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive, long-term mine plans that optimize resource utilization, ensure operational safety, and maximize economic value. The successful candidate will oversee a team of mine planners and engineers, driving best practices in mine design, scheduling, and resource management for underground operations. This is a critical position within a significant mining enterprise, offering the opportunity to shape the future of mining activities in the Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal region. The role demands exceptional technical acumen, strong leadership, and a forward-thinking approach to mine development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage long-term (5+ year) and medium-term (1-2 year) mine plans for underground operations.
• Oversee the creation of detailed mine designs, including stope layouts, access development, and ventilation systems.
• Coordinate with geological, survey, engineering, and operational teams to ensure alignment and integration of mine plans.
• Optimize production schedules to meet ore grade, volume, and cost targets while ensuring mine stability and safety.
• Conduct feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and sensitivity analyses for mine planning initiatives.
• Manage the mine planning budget and ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the mine planning team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in underground mine planning and design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related field. A Master's degree or PGDip is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in underground mine planning and design, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in using advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, StopeMaster, Surpac).
• Strong understanding of mining methods, ground support principles, and ventilation engineering for underground operations.
• Demonstrated experience in resource estimation, mine valuation, and economic analysis.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Experience in the Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal mining landscape or similar geological settings is preferred.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary package, including substantial bonuses, long-term incentives, and comprehensive benefits such as private medical aid, life insurance, and a top-tier pension fund.
• The company provides significant opportunities for professional development, international exposure, and career advancement.
• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates moving to Pietermaritzburg .

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and rewarding work environment.