Principal Mining Engineer - Open Pit Leadership, Durban

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive package

Medical aid

Relocation assistance

Career development

Tech-enabled environment

Flexible leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Principal Mining Engineer specialized in surface mining to lead strategic open-pit planning across KwaZulu-Natal. The role requires deep experience, strong leadership, and a track record of delivering safe, cost-efficient designs and schedules.

You will mentor multidisciplinary teams, oversee feasibility studies, optimize layouts, and drive innovation with Surpac, MinePlan and Deswik, while ensuring regulatory compliance and stakeholder alignment across multiple

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering; a Master's degree is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive open-pit mining experience with leadership of complex operations.
• Experience with open-pit mine design, plan optimization, and equipment fleets.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term and short-term strategic mine plans for open-pit operations in the Durban area.
• Oversee the design and optimization of mine layouts, including pit phasing, haul roads, and waste dump management.
• Conduct feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and risk assessments for new surface mining projects.
• Implement and manage mine production scheduling and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
• Lead and mentor a team of mining engineers, geologists, and surveyors, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Ensure adherence to safety, health, and environmental regulations throughout all activities in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Evaluate and implement new mining technologies, equipment, and methodologies to enhance performance.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, operational teams, and senior management to ensure project success.
• Monitor performance against targets and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to capital expenditure proposals and project justifications.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Master's degree

Tools

Surpac

MinePlan

Deswik

Job description

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Principal Mining Engineer specialized in surface mining to lead strategic open-pit planning across KwaZulu-Natal. The role requires deep experience, strong leadership, and a track record of delivering safe, cost-efficient designs and schedules.

You will mentor multidisciplinary teams, oversee feasibility studies, optimize layouts, and drive innovation with Surpac, MinePlan and Deswik, while ensuring regulatory compliance and stakeholder alignment across multiple