Principal Mining Engineer - Open Pit

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus potential based on performance

Relocation assistance

International travel opportunities

Subsidized accommodation and meals on‑

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Mining Engineer (Open-Pit) to lead long- and short-term open-pit mine planning at a flagship site near Pretoria, Gauteng. You will optimize designs for ore recovery, efficiency, and cost, while guiding junior engineers and coordinating with geology, geotech, and processing teams.

You will manage complex projects, review feasibility studies, and drive best-in-class planning software implementation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or closely related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in open-pit mining operations and planning.
• Expertise in mine design, scheduling and optimization software (Deswik, Vulcan).
• Strong understanding of geotechnical, surveying and blasting techniques.
• Proven leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of long-term and short-term open-pit mine plans.
• Optimize mine designs for ore recovery, equipment utilization and cost efficiency.
• Conduct feasibility studies, technical reviews and economic evaluations for new projects and expansions.
• Oversee implementation of mine planning and scheduling software (Deswik, Vulcan, MineMax).
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level mining engineers.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with geologists to define ore bodies and optimize mine models.
• Work with operations teams to ensure effective execution of mine plans.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies to improve open-pit mining operations.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Analytical

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

MineMax

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent international mining company, is seeking an exceptional Principal Mining Engineer specializing in open-pit operations. This critical role is based at their flagship mine site near Pretoria, Gauteng. As a Principal Engineer, you will provide strategic direction and expert technical leadership for all aspects of open-pit mine design, planning, and execution. Your responsibilities will encompass optimizing mine plans for safety, efficiency, and economic value, mentoring junior engineers, and championing innovative mining methodologies. You will collaborate closely with geology, geotech, and processing teams to ensure integrated mine-to-mill optimization. This position requires a deep understanding of open-pit mining techniques, scheduling software, and a proven ability to manage complex projects in a challenging operational environment. We are looking for a visionary leader who can drive operational excellence and contribute significantly to the company's long-term success. This is a demanding but highly rewarding role for a seasoned professional.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of long-term and short-term open-pit mine plans.
• Optimize mine designs for ore recovery, equipment utilization, and cost efficiency.
• Conduct feasibility studies, technical reviews, and economic evaluations for new projects and expansions.
• Oversee the implementation of mine planning and scheduling software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, MineMax).
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level mining engineers.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with geologists to define ore bodies and optimize mine models.
• Work closely with operations teams to ensure effective execution of mine plans.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and methodologies to improve open-pit mining operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in open-pit mining operations and planning.
• Demonstrated expertise in mine design, scheduling, and optimization software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan).
• Strong understanding of geotechnical principles, mine surveying, and blasting techniques.
• Proven leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences.
• Experience in managing project budgets and timelines.
• Must be willing to relocate or reside within commuting distance of Pretoria.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Relocation assistance if required.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Subsidized accommodation and meals on site.
• Significant career advancement opportunities within a global organization.