Principal Mining Engineer - Underground Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Annual leave

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mining Engineer to spearhead underground operations in Upington, Northern Cape. This senior role drives innovation, safety, and efficiency across all underground activities, developing strategies and managing large-scale projects.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in underground mining, expertise in rock mechanics, and proficiency with Deswik, Surpac and Mine2-4D. Pr.Eng.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive underground mining experience, with senior/principal exposure.
• Extensive experience with underground mining methods and technologies.
• Proficient in mine planning/design software.
• Strong knowledge of rock mechanics, ventilation, and safety principles.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee long-term and short-term mine plans for underground operations in Upington.
• Lead feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and project development for new underground mining ventures.
• Implement and optimize advanced underground mining methods (e.g., cut and fill, longhole stoping).
• Manage geotechnical assessments and ensure mine stability and safety protocols are followed.
• Utilize mine planning and design software (Deswik, Surpac, Mine2-4D) to optimize layouts, production schedules, and ventilation systems.
• Provide expert technical advice on equipment selection, maintenance, and operational efficiency.
• Mentor and develop a team of mining engineers and technical personnel.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies.
• Collaborate with geology, processing, and maintenance to achieve operational synergy.

Skills

Leadership

Rock mechanics

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Surpac

Mine2-4D

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the global mining sector, is looking for an accomplished Principal Mining Engineer to spearhead their underground operations based in Upington, Northern Cape. This senior role is instrumental in driving innovation, efficiency, and safety across all underground mining activities. You will be responsible for developing and implementing cutting-edge mining strategies, managing large-scale projects, and providing expert technical guidance. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of underground mining techniques, rock mechanics, and mine planning software. We are seeking a strategic thinker and a proven leader who can inspire a team and deliver exceptional results in a challenging environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of our client's underground mining endeavors and contribute to significant operational advancements. The role requires a blend of technical expertise and strong leadership capabilities, with a focus on sustainable and profitable mining practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the execution of long-term and short-term mine plans for underground operations in Upington.
• Lead feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and project development for new underground mining ventures.
• Implement and optimize advanced underground mining methods (e.g., cut and fill, longhole stoping).
• Manage geotechnical assessments and ensure mine stability and safety protocols are rigorously followed.
• Utilize mine planning and design software (e.g., Deswik, Surpac, Mine2-4D) to optimize mine layouts, production schedules, and ventilation systems.
• Provide expert technical advice on equipment selection, maintenance, and operational efficiency.
• Mentor and develop a team of mining engineers and technical personnel, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies.
• Collaborate with other departments, including geology, processing, and maintenance, to achieve operational synergy.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in underground mining engineering, with a significant portion in a senior or principal role.
• Extensive experience with various underground mining methods and technologies.
• Proficiency in industry-standard mine planning, design, and simulation software.
• Strong knowledge of rock mechanics, ventilation, and mine safety principles.
• Exceptional leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) or equivalent professional accreditation is highly desirable.
• Commitment to working in Upington, Northern Cape, with a hybrid work arrangement as needed.

Benefits

• This position offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the role.
• Comprehensive medical aid, robust retirement fund contributions, and generous annual leave are provided.
• Opportunities for advanced training, international conferences, and career progression within a global organization are extensive.
• Our client is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and rewarding work environment in Upington.