Principal Mine Planning Engineer - Underground Operations

Placements24; Durban; Ibrido; ZAR 1.500.000 - 2.100.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Medical aid

Pension fund

Career progression

Descrizione del lavoro

Placements24 is currently seeking a highly experienced Principal Mine Planning Engineer for a major underground mining operation in Durban, South Africa. The role focuses on long-term strategic planning, optimization, and leadership across planning and geology teams.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with Deswik, Vulcan, and Surpac, along with strong skills in economics, project evaluation, and risk mitigation in a challenging underground environment.

Competenze

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering with 10+ years in mine planning and design, underground focus.
• Master's degree or equivalent advanced qualification is highly preferred.
• Strong leadership and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Mansioni

• Develop long-term (5+ years) and medium-term (1-5 years) underground mine plans.
• Optimize designs, schedules, and resource allocation to meet targets and financial objectives.
• Lead and mentor mine planning engineers and geology teams.

Conoscenze

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Formazione

Bachelor's in Mining Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Strumenti

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Gemcom

Descrizione del lavoro

About the Role

Our client, a significant operator in the global mining industry, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Principal Mine Planning Engineer to join their esteemed team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This senior position will be responsible for the long-term strategic planning and optimization of underground mining operations, focusing on maximizing resource utilization and economic viability. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in mine design, scheduling, forecasting, and the application of advanced mine planning software. This role demands a forward-thinking individual capable of leading complex planning initiatives and providing critical insights to guide operational strategies in the challenging underground mining environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage long-term (5+ years) and medium-term (1-5 years) mine plans for underground operations.
• Optimize mine designs, production schedules, and resource allocation to achieve strategic production targets and financial objectives.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac) for 3D modeling, mine design, and scheduling.
• Conduct feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and sensitivity analyses for proposed mining projects and expansions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to mine planning engineers and geological teams.
• Collaborate with operations, geologists, metallurgists, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and efficient execution of plans.
• Identify and assess risks and opportunities related to mine planning and provide mitigation strategies.
• Prepare comprehensive mine planning reports, presentations, and forecasts for executive management.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices, new technologies, and innovations in underground mine planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering.
• A Master's degree or equivalent advanced qualification is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in mine planning and design, with a strong emphasis on underground mining operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in long-hole, drift-and-fill, or other relevant underground mining methods.
• Advanced proficiency in leading mine planning software packages (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, Gemcom).
• Solid understanding of mine economics, financial modeling, and project evaluation techniques.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) or equivalent registration is a significant advantage.
• Experience in diverse geological settings and commodity types is beneficial.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, including an attractive base salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and pension fund contributions. This role provides significant opportunities for career progression and professional development within a leading international mining group. The position is based in Durban , a major economic hub with excellent amenities and connectivity. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and innovative work environment, offering challenging projects and rewarding career paths.