Principal Mine Engineer (Open Pit)

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 2,400,000 - 3,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Leave allowances

International travel

Professional development

Stable Rustenburg base

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Principal Mine Engineer to lead open-pit mine planning and execution from Rustenburg, North West. You will develop strategic plans, oversee design and scheduling, and guide technical teams to ensure safe, efficient resource extraction.

You will apply Deswik/Vulcan/MineSight proficiency, manage risk, and ensure compliance with SA mining regulations. A Pr.Eng is highly desirable, with extensive experience in large-scale projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or closely related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in mine engineering, with emphasis on open-pit operations.
• Proven experience in strategic mine planning, mine design, and production scheduling.
• Advanced proficiency in Deswik, Vulcan, MineSight, or similar software.
• Strong grasp of geotechnical principles, slope stability, and pit design.
• Demonstrated leadership, with ability to mentor engineering teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Pr.Eng registration or eligibility with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Experience in the South African mining regulatory framework is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, and scheduling of open-pit mine operations.
• Develop strategic, short-, medium-, and long-term mine plans.
• Oversee geotechnical assessments and slope stability analyses.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software to optimize layouts and sequencing.
• Manage mining engineering teams and provide mentorship and performance feedback.
• Conduct economic evaluations of mining proposals and assist capex justifications.
• Ensure compliance with mining regulations, safety standards, and environmental laws.
• Coordinate with operations, geologists, metallurgists, and consultants for integrated delivery.
• Identify opportunities for technological innovation in planning and operations.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies for mining activities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Decision making

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

MineSight

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned leader in the mining industry, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Mine Engineer to spearhead the planning and execution of complex open-pit mining operations. Based in the heart of South Africa's mining region, Rustenburg, North West , this critical role demands exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of mine design, optimization, and safety. You will be responsible for developing and implementing innovative mining strategies that maximize resource extraction while adhering to the highest safety and environmental standards. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on large-scale projects and shape the future of our client's operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, and scheduling of open-pit mine operations, ensuring efficient and safe extraction of resources.
• Develop and implement strategic mine plans, including short-term, medium-term, and long-term mine development.
• Oversee geotechnical assessments, slope stability analysis, and pit wall design to ensure operational safety and efficiency.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, MineMax, Vulcan) to optimize mine layouts, production sequencing, and equipment utilization.
• Manage mine engineering teams, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
• Conduct economic evaluations of mining proposals and assist in capital expenditure justifications.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining regulations, safety standards, and environmental legislation.
• Liaise with operational managers, geologists, metallurgists, and external consultants to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Identify opportunities for technological innovation and process improvement within mine planning and operations.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies for mining operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mine engineering, with a significant focus on open-pit operations.
• Proven experience in strategic mine planning, mine design, and production scheduling.
• Advanced proficiency in mine planning and design software packages such as Deswik, Vulcan, MineSight, or similar.
• Strong understanding of geotechnical principles, slope stability analysis, and pit design.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to manage and mentor engineering teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• A professional engineer (Pr.Eng) registration or eligibility for registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Experience working within the South African mining legislative framework is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary package, including performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a top-tier retirement fund, and generous leave allowances.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development are abundant.
• This role is based in Rustenburg, North West , offering a stable and direct contribution to significant mining projects.
• Employees are part of a collaborative and innovative work environment focused on excellence.