Principal Mining Engineer - Open Pit Design

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Retirement fund contribution

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mining Engineer in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, to lead open-pit design across multiple projects. You’ll drive pit planning, slope analyses, and scheduling using Deswik, Vulcan, and Surpac, while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring safety and regulatory standards.

The role requires 12+ years in open-pit mining, a Bachelor’s in Mining Engineering (Master’s preferred), and a professional registration or eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering
• 12+ years of progressive experience in open-pit mining and design
• Proven expertise with Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac
• Registered professional engineer (e.g., Pr Eng) or eligible

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimisation of open-pit mine plans, including pit shells, ramps, benches, and haul roads.
• Conduct detailed mineability studies, pit slope analysis, and geotechnical assessments.
• Develop short-term and long-term mine production schedules, optimising resource utilisation and minimising costs.
• Utilise advanced mine planning software for modelling and optimisation.
• Collaborate with geological, geotechnical, and environmental teams to integrate data into designs.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and the technical team.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and methodologies for open-pit mining operations.
• Ensure designs comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and proposals for stakeholders.
• Participate in mine reviews, audits, and feasibility studies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Geomechanics

Open-pit design

Strategic planning

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's in Mining Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognised mining conglomerate, is seeking a distinguished Principal Mining Engineer with extensive expertise in open-pit design to join their strategic planning team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This senior role is pivotal in shaping the future of Our client's open-pit mining operations. The Principal Mining Engineer will be responsible for the conceptualisation, design, and optimisation of pit layouts, scheduling, and mineability studies for multiple projects. You will leverage advanced modelling software and data analytics to ensure efficient, safe, and economically viable resource extraction. This position demands a deep understanding of geotechnical principles, geomechanics, and mine planning software. Our client is committed to innovation and sustainability, and the ideal candidate will drive the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance operational performance and minimise environmental impact. This is a high-impact role offering significant professional development and the opportunity to influence strategic decisions across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimisation of open-pit mine plans, including pit shells, ramps, benches, and haul roads.
• Conduct detailed mineability studies, pit slope analysis, and geotechnical assessments.
• Develop short-term and long-term mine production schedules, optimising resource utilisation and minimising costs.
• Utilise advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac) for modelling and optimisation.
• Collaborate with geological, geotechnical, and environmental teams to integrate diverse data into mine designs.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior mining engineers and the broader technical team.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and methodologies for open-pit mining operations.
• Ensure mine designs comply with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and proposals for internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in mine reviews, audits, and feasibility studies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering; a Master's degree is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in open-pit mine engineering and design.
• Proven expertise in advanced mine planning software such as Deswik, Vulcan, or Surpac.
• Strong understanding of geomechanics, geotechnical engineering, and pit slope stability analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and optimise complex mine production schedules.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Experience in project management and managing technical teams.
• A valid professional engineer registration (e.g., Pr Eng).
• Willingness to work in a hybrid capacity from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, balancing strategic work with site engagement.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary, significant annual bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as private medical insurance, life assurance, and a generous retirement fund contribution.
• Ample opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and international exposure within the mining industry.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and the chance to work on high-profile projects.
• A culture of innovation, safety, and sustainability.
• Hybrid work model offers flexibility while ensuring crucial on-site collaboration.
• Extensive support services for employee well-being.