Mining Engineer

University of Fort Hare; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare seeks a Mining Engineer to plan, design, and optimise mining operations in Mpumalanga. You will develop mine plans, ensure regulatory compliance, and implement engineering solutions to boost productivity, safety, and cost efficiency.

The role requires strong technical expertise in mining engineering, SA legislation knowledge, and experience with modern planning/design software. MMCC, Blasting Certificate, ECSA registration, and deep-level mining expertise are highly

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in mining engineering from an accredited university.
• Professional registration or eligible for registration where applicable.
• Knowledge of SA mining legislation and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement short-, medium-, and long-term mine plans to optimise production.
• Design mining layouts, schedules and extraction methods for efficiency and safety.
• Monitor operations and recommend engineering improvements for productivity and cost control.
• Ensure compliance with MHSA, MPRDA, and company policies.
• Apply strata control, ventilation management, and geotechnical risk mitigation as needed.
• Conduct technical analyses and feasibility studies for planning and capital projects.
• Utilise Datamine, Surpac, Studio 5D Planner, or Deswik to develop accurate mine designs.
• Track performance against plans and implement corrective actions for variances.

Skills

Mine planning

Regulatory knowledge

Geotechnical risk assessment

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering

Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering

Bachelor of Technology in Mining Engineering

Tools

Datamine

Surpac

Studio 5D Planner

Deswik

Job description

Job Title: Mining Engineer

Location: Mpumalanga

Will be responsible for planning, designing, and optimising mining operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable extraction of mineral resources. The role supports operational performance by developing mine plans, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and implementing engineering solutions that enhance productivity, safety, and cost effectiveness. The successful candidate will possess strong technical expertise in mining engineering, sound knowledge of South African mining legislation, and experience in modern mine planning and design systems.

• Academic Degree:A Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) inMining Engineeringfrom an accredited university.
• Alternative Route:A Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or Advanced Diploma in Mining Engineering from a university of technology is also accepted.
• Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency (MMCC):The ultimate qualification required to legally manage and oversee mine workings.
• Blasting Certificate:Required early in your career to legally conduct or supervise blasting operations underground or on surface mines.
• ECSA Registration: professional engineer (Pr.Eng) or professional engineering technologist (Pr.Tech.Eng).
• Deep-Level Mining Expertise:South African gold mines are among the deepest in the world; expertise in seismic activity management, shaft sinking, and high-temperature ventilation is highly valued.
• Legal Compliance:A strong working command of theMine Health and Safety Act (MHSA)and the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA).
• Software Proficiency:Experience with mine planning and design software such as Datamine, Surpac, Studio 5D Planner, or Deswik.

Minimum Requirements:

• Academic Degree:A Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) inMining Engineeringfrom an accredited university.
• Alternative Route:A Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or Advanced Diploma in Mining Engineering from a university of technology is also accepted.
• Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency (MMCC):The ultimate qualification required to legally manage and oversee mine workings.
• Blasting Certificate:Required early in your career to legally conduct or supervise blasting operations underground or on surface mines.
• Strata Control / Rock Engineering Certificates:specializing in deep-level gold mine stability.
• ECSA Registration: professional engineer (Pr.Eng) or professional engineering technologist (Pr.Tech.Eng).
• Deep-Level Mining Expertise:South African gold mines are among the deepest in the world; expertise in seismic activity management, shaft sinking, and high-temperature ventilation is highly valued.
• Legal Compliance:A strong working command of theMine Health and Safety Act (MHSA)and the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA).
• Software Proficiency:Experience with mine planning and design software such as Datamine, Surpac, Studio 5D Planner, or Deswik.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement short-, medium-, and long-term mine plans to achieve production targets and optimise resource extraction.
• Design and evaluate mining layouts, production schedules, and extraction methods to maximise operational efficiency and ore recovery.
• Monitor mining operations and recommend engineering improvements to enhance productivity, safety, and cost performance.
• Ensure compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), and all applicable regulations, standards, and company policies.
• Apply sound engineering principles to support safe mining practices, including strata control, ventilation management, and geotechnical risk mitigation where applicable.
• Conduct technical analyses and feasibility assessments to support operational planning, mine development, and capital projects.
• Utilise mine planning and design software, including Datamine, Surpac, Studio 5D Planner, Deswik, or equivalent systems, to develop accurate mine designs and production plans.
• Monitor production performance against approved plans and implement corrective actions to address operational variances.