Principal Mine Planning Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Hybrid work model

Health, life & disability insurance

Pension and share options

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mine Planning Engineer to lead strategic planning from the Richards Bay office. The role involves developing long-term mine plans (5–20 years), optimizing resource use, and ensuring project viability.

You will guide multidisciplinary teams, provide technical direction, and shape the strategic direction of mining assets. The position entails mentoring engineers, staying updated on planning software like Deswik/Vulcan/Surpac, and delivering value through

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 15+ years in mine planning and design, with principal/lead experience.
• Expertise in strategic planning, resource modeling, and economic analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term mine plans (5–20 years) and optimize resource extraction.
• Oversee feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and risk assessments.
• Lead detailed production scheduling with constraints and market considerations.
• Collaborate with exploration, geology, operations, and processing teams.
• Mentor junior planning engineers and promote technical excellence.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Economic analysis

Resource modeling

Stakeholder influence

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a highly experienced Principal Mine Planning Engineer to lead strategic planning initiatives from their Richards Bay office, utilizing a hybrid work model. This senior position is responsible for developing long-term mine plans, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring the economic viability of mining projects. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, provide expert technical direction, and contribute to the overall strategic direction of the company's mining assets. This is an opportunity to shape the future of our mining operations through innovative and sustainable planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive long-term mine plans (5-20 years), optimizing resource extraction and mine layout.
• Conduct feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and risk assessments for new mining projects and expansion initiatives.
• Oversee the generation of detailed production schedules, considering operational constraints, geological data, and market conditions.
• Collaborate closely with exploration, geology, operations, and processing departments to ensure integrated mine planning.
• Mentor and guide junior and intermediate planning engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.
• Stay abreast of industry advancements in mining technology, planning software, and best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in mine planning and design, with significant experience in a principal or lead role .
• Expertise in strategic mine planning, resource modeling, and economic analysis for various deposit types.
• Proficiency with advanced mine planning software packages (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac).
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and the ability to influence stakeholders across different departments.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, suitable for reporting to executive management.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including base salary and significant bonus potential.
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting work-life integration.
• Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance.
• Generous pension scheme and share purchase options.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and significant professional development opportunities.