Principal Mining Engineer - Surface Operations

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

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining house with significant operations in **Durban**, is seeking to appoint a distinguished Principal Mining Engineer with a specialization in surface mining operations. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of open-pit mine planning, design, and optimization. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future of our surface mining ventures, driving efficiency, safety, and profitability across multiple sites. Based in **Durban**, you will lead a team of highly skilled mining engineers, providing technical oversight and mentorship. We are looking for an individual with exceptional analytical skills, a proven ability to manage large-scale projects, and a commitment to adopting innovative technologies in the field of surface mining. This is a career-defining opportunity to influence major mining projects within the **KwaZulu-Natal** region and contribute to the sustainable development of the mining sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute 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 and results-oriented environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, and environmental regulations throughout all surface mining activities in **KwaZulu-Natal**.
• Evaluate and implement new mining technologies, equipment, and methodologies to enhance operational performance.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, operational teams, and senior management, to ensure alignment and project success.
• Monitor operational performance against targets, identifying deviations and implementing corrective actions.
• Contribute to the development of capital expenditure proposals and project justifications.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related field.
• A Master's degree is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in open-pit mining engineering, with a significant track record of leading complex operations.
• Expertise in mine planning software such as Surpac, MinePlan, Deswik, or similar.
• Strong knowledge of mine design principles, blasting, fleet management, and mine economics.
• Proven leadership capabilities with experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a demanding environment.
• Strong understanding of South African mining legislation and environmental best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) registration is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• An executive-level compensation package including a substantial bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life assurance, and retirement fund benefits.
• Relocation assistance to the **Durban** region.
• Significant opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Involvement in high-impact, strategic mining projects within **KwaZulu-Natal**.
• Access to state-of-the-art technology and advanced mining techniques.
• A challenging yet rewarding work environment within a respected industry leader.
• Generous annual leave and flexible work arrangements where possible.