Principal Mining Engineer - Mine Planning & Design (Remote)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Home office support

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mining Engineer (remote) to lead mine planning and design initiatives for open-pit and underground operations. You will translate geological data into robust designs, develop long‑term plans, and guide feasibility studies from a distributed, global team.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in mining planning, strong leadership, and proficiency with Deswik, Vulcan, and Surpac. Remote work is supported, with a focus on delivering value from anywhere.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mining Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in mine planning, design, and operations with diverse methods.
• Experience with Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac and other planning tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize long-term mine plans and production schedules.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for projects and expansions.
• Design mine layouts, ventilation, dewatering plans, and access for open-pit/underground mines.
• Lead and mentor junior engineers in a remote, distributed team environment.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for executive stakeholders.
• Contribute to mine closure planning and rehabilitation strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Distributed teams

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the global mining industry, is seeking an exceptional Principal Mining Engineer with a strong focus on Mine Planning and Design. This position is designed for a seasoned professional looking to make a significant impact in a fully remote capacity. As a remote-first organization, we empower our engineers to excel from anywhere, providing the tools and collaborative environment needed for success. You will be responsible for the strategic planning, design, and optimization of underground and open-pit mining operations. Your expertise will guide the development of long- term mine plans, feasibility studies, and mine infrastructure designs. This role demands a forward-thinking approach, leveraging cutting-edge technology and best practices to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective mining operations. You will play a crucial role in translating geological data into robust mineable designs, contributing to the company's strategic objectives and sustained profitability. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and a deep understanding of the entire mine lifecycle, from exploration to closure.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize long-term mine plans, including production schedules, equipment selection, and resource utilization strategies.


• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining projects and expansions.


• Design and detail mine layouts, ventilation systems, dewatering plans, and access routes for both open-pit and underground mines.


• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac) to create detailed 3D models and optimize mine designs.


• Perform geotechnical and geomechanical assessments to inform mine design and stability considerations.


• Collaborate closely with exploration, operations, and processing teams in a distributed environment.


• Ensure all mine planning and design activities comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental best practices relevant to Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA operations.


• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and intermediate mining engineers.


• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and documentation for executive management and stakeholders.


• Contribute to mine closure planning and rehabilitation strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mining Engineering or a related field.


• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in mine planning, design, and operations, with a strong emphasis on diverse mining methods.


• Extensive experience with leading mine planning software packages.


• Proven track record in conducting feasibility studies and developing detailed mine plans.


• Deep understanding of mining economics, project management, and risk assessment.


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


• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with experience managing distributed teams.


• Ability to work independently and proactively in a remote setup.


• Knowledge of ventilation, ground control, and mine surveying principles.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.


• Fully remote work arrangement with comprehensive home office support.


• Exceptional opportunities for professional growth and advancement.


• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of global mining projects.


• Be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of remote mining engineering.


• Access to advanced technological tools and resources.


• Contribute to significant projects impacting the mining landscape.