Principal Mine Planning Engineer

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading compensation package

Long-term incentive plans

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West is seeking a Principal Mine Planning Engineer to lead long-term strategic mine plans for complex operations, integrating open-pit and underground methods. You will head a team of mine planners and ensure plans are technically sound, safe, and environmentally responsible.

You will collaborate with geology, metallurgy, engineering and finance teams to drive optimization, risk management, and economic value while advancing planning software implementations and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mining Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 10 years in mine planning/design with lead or principal capacity.
• Proven experience in open-pit and underground mine planning techniques and optimization.
• Extensive experience with Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac and Whittle.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term strategic mine plans (5–20 years) for complex operations.
• Optimize mine designs, production schedules and resource utilization to maximize economic value.
• Lead and mentor a team of mine planning engineers and technicians.
• Conduct feasibility studies, economic evaluations and scenario analyses for mine development and expansion projects.
• Ensure compliance with mining legislation, safety regulations and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with geological, metallurgical, engineering and finance teams to integrate planning efforts.
• Implement and manage mine planning software and related technologies.
• Prepare technical reports and present plans to senior management and stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with mine plans.

Skills

Strategic mine planning

Leadership & mentoring

Financial modeling

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor or Master in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Whittle

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the mining sector, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Principal Mine Planning Engineer to join their established operations in Mahikeng, North West. This senior role is critical for developing and executing long-term strategic mine plans that optimize resource recovery, operational efficiency, and economic viability. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of both open-pit and underground mining methods, coupled with expertise in mine planning software and financial modeling. You will be responsible for leading a team of mine planners, ensuring that plans are technically sound, safe, and environmentally responsible. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of major mining projects. We are looking for a visionary leader with exceptional analytical skills, strong project management capabilities, and a proven track record in strategic mine planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term strategic mine plans (5-20 years) for complex mining operations.


• Optimize mine designs, production schedules, and resource utilization to maximize economic value.


• Lead and mentor a team of mine planning engineers and technicians.


• Conduct feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and scenario analyses for mine development and expansion projects.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining legislation, safety regulations, and environmental standards.


• Collaborate closely with geological, metallurgical, engineering, and finance teams to integrate planning efforts.


• Implement and manage mine planning software and related technologies.


• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and present plans and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.


• Identify and assess risks associated with mine plans and develop mitigation strategies.


• Stay abreast of industry best practices and technological advancements in mine planning.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Mining Engineering from an accredited institution.


• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mine planning and design, with a significant portion in a lead or principal capacity.


• Extensive experience with advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, Whittle).


• Proven expertise in open-pit and underground mine planning techniques and optimization.


• Strong financial modeling and economic evaluation skills related to mining projects.


• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.


• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.


• Willingness to travel to operational sites near Mahikeng, North West.


• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, significant bonus opportunities, and long-term incentive plans.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a generous retirement savings plan, are provided.

This role offers extensive opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and the chance to shape the future of major mining operations. The position based in Mahikeng, North West, provides a challenging and rewarding career within a respected organization committed to operational excellence and sustainable practices in the mining industry.