Principal Mining Engineer - Operations Planning

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Pension fund

Relocation assistance

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mining Engineer in Durban to lead strategic mine planning and operational excellence. You will guide open-pit and underground projects, optimize designs and schedules, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance in a dynamic mining environment.

The role emphasizes leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration across site teams. Your experience with large-scale planning, feasibility studies and advanced software will be essential to drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in mine planning and operations management.
• Experience with open-pit and/or underground mining methods and technologies.
• Proficiency in industry-standard mine planning software and strong safety/regulatory knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic and operational mine plans for open-pit and underground operations.
• Optimize designs, production schedules and resource allocation for efficiency and profitability.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new projects and expansions.
• Ensure compliance with mining regulations, safety standards and environmental policies.
• Lead and mentor a team of mining engineers and staff, driving continuous improvement.
• Monitor KPIs and collaborate with geology, engineering and maintenance teams.
• Utilize Deswik, Vulcan or Leapfrog for detailed modeling and simulations.
• Provide expert guidance on mine design, blasting, ventilation and ground support.
• Oversee closure and rehabilitation planning.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Project management

Safety management

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Leapfrog

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity within the mining industry, is seeking to appoint a highly accomplished Principal Mining Engineer to oversee critical operations planning from their Durban, KwaZulu-Natal office. This senior role demands extensive experience in strategic mine planning, operational efficiency, and safety management within complex mining environments. The Principal Mining Engineer will be responsible for developing and implementing long-term and short-term mine plans, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring the safe and efficient extraction of minerals. This position offers a significant leadership opportunity, working closely with site management and technical teams to drive operational excellence. If you are a seasoned mining professional looking to make a substantial impact in a challenging and dynamic setting, this role in Durban is an ideal next step in your career.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategic and operational mine plans for both open-pit and underground operations.
• Optimize mine designs, production schedules, and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and profitability.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining projects and expansions.
• Ensure compliance with all mining regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies.
• Lead and mentor a team of mining engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and identify areas for enhancement.
• Collaborate with geology, engineering, and maintenance departments to ensure integrated mine operations.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Leapfrog) to create detailed models and simulations.
• Provide expert technical guidance on mine design, blasting, ventilation, and ground support.
• Oversee the mine closure and rehabilitation planning process.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mine planning and operations management.
• Demonstrated expertise in open-pit and/or underground mining methods and technologies.
• Proficiency in industry-standard mine planning and design software.
• Strong understanding of mine safety regulations and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver results within specified timelines and budgets.
• Experience in mentoring and developing junior engineering staff.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding operational environment.
• Professional registration with a relevant engineering council is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including annual bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and pension fund benefits.
• Employees are provided with extensive training and development opportunities, including support for further education and professional certifications.
• Relocation assistance is available for candidates relocating to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal .
• The company promotes a strong safety culture and provides access to cutting-edge mining technology and equipment.
• Additional benefits include regular performance reviews and career advancement pathways within a stable and growing organization in the vibrant city of Durban .