Principal Mining Engineer - Resource Development

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonuses

Medical aid

Life insurance

Pension fund

Generous leave

Professional development support

Accommodation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Principal Mining Engineer in Klerksdorp, North West. This senior role leads resource development, strategic mine planning, feasibility analyses, and technology-driven optimization for both underground and open-pit operations.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and uphold safety and environmental standards. The position emphasizes leadership, innovation, and delivering sustainable mining solutions in a major regional operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field.
• Master's degree or professional certifications desirable.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive mining experience in planning, design, and resource development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of long-term and short-term mine plans using geological data and economic parameters.
• Design detailed underground and open-pit mine layouts, sequencing, scheduling, and equipment selection.
• Conduct feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and sensitivity analyses for new projects and expansions.
• Apply advanced modeling to optimize production and resource recovery.
• Oversee geotechnical investigations, surveying, and ventilation design while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Team communication

Strategic planning

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Master's degree desirable

Pr. Eng. advantageous

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Mining Engineer to lead resource development initiatives for their operations in Klerksdorp, North West. This senior role is pivotal in driving the strategic planning and execution of underground and open-pit mining projects, focusing on optimizing resource extraction, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term mine sustainability. You will be responsible for advanced mine design, mine planning, feasibility studies, and implementing innovative mining technologies. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in various mining methods, geological interpretation, mine surveying, and the application of advanced modeling software. You will play a key role in mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance are met. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on major mining projects in the North West Province, a region renowned for its rich mineral resources. Our client is committed to operational excellence and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in mining engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of long-term and short-term mine plans, incorporating geological data and economic parameters.
• Conduct detailed mine designs for both underground and open-pit operations, including sequencing, scheduling, and equipment selection.
• Perform comprehensive feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and sensitivity analyses for new mining projects and expansions.
• Apply advanced mine modeling and simulation software to optimize mine layouts, production rates, and resource recovery.
• Oversee and guide geotechnical investigations, mine surveying, and ventilation design.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety regulations, environmental standards, and best practices in all mining activities.
• Mentor and develop a team of mining engineers and technicians, fostering technical excellence.
• Collaborate effectively with geologists, metallurgists, surveyors, and other technical specialists.
• Evaluate and recommend new mining technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and operational reviews for senior management and stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making regarding resource acquisition and mine development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related field.
• A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mining engineering, with a significant focus on mine planning, design, and resource development.
• Proven track record in managing complex mining projects from exploration through to production.
• Extensive knowledge of various underground and open-pit mining methods, equipment, and technologies.
• Proficiency in mine planning software such as Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, or similar.
• Strong understanding of mine economics, feasibility studies, and project finance.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of South African mining regulations, safety standards, and environmental legislation.
• Ability to work effectively on-site in Klerksdorp and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is a strong advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package including annual bonuses and long-term incentives.
• Opportunity to lead significant mining development projects in a key region.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and pension fund benefits.
• Generous leave provisions and potential for flexible working arrangements where feasible.
• Professional development, training, and conference attendance support.
• Accommodation assistance or site-specific allowances may be provided.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment within a leading mining organization.