Principal Mining Engineer - Underground Operations

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund contribution

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mining Engineer in Pretoria to lead complex underground operations. You will drive strategic mine planning, oversee safety and environmental practices, and manage large budgets and teams.

The role requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Mining Engineering, 12+ years in underground mining, and proficiency with Deswik, Vulcan, and Surpac. Pr.Eng. registration with ECSA is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mining Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in underground mining, with substantial leadership roles.
• Proven expertise in underground mining methods (e.g., stoping, drifting, caving).
• Proficiency with mine planning and modeling software (Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac).
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large budgets and complex projects.
• Commitment to safety, health, and environmental best practices.
• South African work authorization; Pr.Eng. registration with ECSA desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term and short-term underground mine plans and optimize methods to boost productivity and cut costs.
• Lead and mentor a team of mining engineers, supervisors, and operational staff.
• Provide expert guidance on ground control, ventilation, and mine design; conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement in operational efficiency.
• Evaluate new mining technologies and prepare technical reports and CAPEX justifications.

Skills

Leadership

Underground mining

Project management

Safety management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the Pretoria, Gauteng mining landscape, is actively seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Mining Engineer to lead their complex underground operations. This senior role is paramount in ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective extraction of resources. The successful candidate will be responsible for strategic mine planning, operational oversight, and the implementation of advanced mining technologies. You will leverage your extensive knowledge to optimize mining methods, improve productivity, and manage significant operational budgets and teams. This is a challenging yet highly rewarding opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company's long-term success and operational excellence. You will be at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for challenging geological conditions and contributing to the sustainable development of mining projects.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and oversee the execution of long-term and short-term mine plans for underground operations. Optimize mining methods, equipment selection, and operational sequences to maximize productivity and minimize costs. Provide expert technical guidance on all aspects of underground mining, including ground control, ventilation, and mine design. Manage and mentor a team of mining engineers, supervisors, and operational staff. Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining projects or expansions. Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, environmental, and community engagement standards. Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement in operational efficiency. Stay abreast of and evaluate new mining technologies and their potential application. Prepare comprehensive technical reports, project proposals, and capital expenditure justifications.

Requirements

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mining Engineering from an accredited institution. A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in underground mining engineering, with a substantial portion in leadership roles. Proven expertise in various underground mining methods (e.g., stoping, drifting, caving). Proficiency with mine planning and modeling software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac). Strong understanding of mine surveying, ground support design, and ventilation principles. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Demonstrated ability to manage large budgets and complex projects. A strong commitment to safety, health, and environmental best practices. Must possess valid South African work authorization. Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) registration with ECSA or eligibility is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, along with performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a substantial retirement fund contribution.
• Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and international exposure are integral to this role.
• The company fosters a dynamic and innovative work environment, prioritizing employee safety and well-being.
• Assistance with relocation may be provided.