Principal Mining Engineer - Open Pit

Placements24; Graafwater; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 represents a leading mining client in Western Cape seeking a Principal Mining Engineer (Open Pit) to lead strategic planning, design, and optimization of open-pit operations in Paarl. You will guide asset performance, capital projects, and safety initiatives while working with geology, survey, and operations teams.

The ideal candidate will bring 12+ years in open-pit mining, strong leadership, and proficiency in Deswik/Vulcan/Mine2-4D with a track record of large-scale mine

Qualifications

• BSc/BEng in Mining Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 12 years of open-pit mining experience, with senior/principal exposure.
• Professional registration (Pr.Eng) with ECSA is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of long- and short-term open-pit mine plans.
• Optimize mine designs, scheduling, and production targets for value.
• Conduct feasibility studies and technical reviews for new/open-pit projects.
• Oversee selection and implementation of mining equipment/tech.
• Manage geotechnical considerations, slope stability, and safety protocols.
• Mentor junior and intermediate mining engineers.
• Collaborate with geology/survey for accurate resource modeling.
• Develop and manage mining budget and CAPEX forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with mining regulations and environmental standards.

Skills

Open pit mining

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Mine planning

Geotechnical awareness

Communication

Education

BSc/BEng in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Mine2-4D

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the mining industry , is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mining Engineer specializing in Open Pit operations to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape . This senior role involves leading the strategic planning, design, and optimization of open-pit mining activities. You will be instrumental in ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and profitability by applying advanced mining engineering principles and innovative technologies. The Principal Mining Engineer will oversee mine planning processes, resource utilization, and capital expenditure projects, working closely with multidisciplinary teams including geology, survey, and operations. This is a key leadership position requiring a visionary approach to open-pit mining challenges and opportunities within the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of long-term and short-term open-pit mine plans.
• Optimize mine designs, scheduling, and production targets to maximize resource extraction and economic value.
• Conduct feasibility studies and technical reviews for new open-pit projects and expansions.
• Oversee the selection and implementation of mining equipment and technologies.
• Manage geotechnical considerations, slope stability analysis, and mine safety protocols.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and intermediate mining engineers.
• Collaborate with geological and survey teams to ensure accurate resource modeling and mine reconciliation.
• Develop and manage the mining engineering budget and capital expenditure forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining regulations and environmental standards.

Requirements

• BSc/BEng in Mining Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in open-pit mining engineering, with a significant portion in a senior or principal role.
• Demonstrated expertise in mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Mine2-4D) and optimization techniques.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and managing large-scale open-pit mines.
• Strong understanding of geotechnical engineering, blast design, and mine productivity metrics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Experience in the Western Cape mining landscape is an advantage.
• Ability to conduct site visits and fieldwork as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a substantial performance bonus structure, comprehensive medical aid, and a robust retirement plan.
• We provide significant opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and the chance to lead impactful projects in the picturesque region of Paarl, Western Cape .
• Relocation assistance is available for successful candidates.