Remote Chief Mine Planning Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Mine Planning Engineer for a fully remote leadership role. You will oversee long-term planning across multiple mining assets, driving value through optimized designs, schedules, and feasibility studies while leading a global team of engineers, geologists, and surveyors.

The role requires a strong background in open-pit/underground mining, mastery of Deswik/Surpac/Vulcan/MineSight, and a proven track record in safety and sustainability.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive mine planning experience with at least 5 years in a senior/leadership role.
• Extensive hands-on use of advanced mine planning software (Deswik, Surpac, Vulcan, MineSight).
• Strong understanding of mine economics, financial modeling, and risk assessment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and remote team management skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 10%).

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage long-term mine plans (5–20 years) for multiple assets.
• Optimize designs, scheduling, and production to maximize NPV and asset value.
• Conduct feasibility, pre-feasibility, and conceptual designs.
• Oversee reserve reporting in line with JORC/NI 43-101.
• Lead and mentor a distributed team of engineers, geologists, and surveyors.
• Evaluate new mining technologies and methodologies.
• Coordinate with operations, corporate stakeholders, and external consultants.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare technical reports and executive-level presentations.
• Manage mine planning software suites and databases.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Remote team management

Mine planning expertise

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Surpac

Vulcan

MineSight

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major international mining conglomerate, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Chief Mine Planning Engineer for a fully remote position. This is a senior leadership role where you will oversee the strategic long-term planning and optimization of multiple mining operations across various commodities. You will be responsible for developing robust mine plans that maximize economic value, ensure operational safety, and minimize environmental impact. This role requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in open-pit and/or underground mining, a deep understanding of mine design software, and the ability to lead and inspire a global team of mine engineers. As a remote employee, you will leverage advanced communication technologies to collaborate effectively with stakeholders worldwide. We are seeking an individual with a proven ability to drive innovation in mine planning and deliver exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage long-term mine plans (5-20 years) for multiple mining assets.
• Optimize mine designs, scheduling, and production strategies to maximize NPV and asset value.
• Conduct feasibility studies, pre-feasibility studies, and conceptual mine designs.
• Oversee reserve definition and reporting, ensuring compliance with international standards (e.g., JORC, NI 43-101).
• Lead and mentor a team of remote mine planning engineers, geologists, and surveyors.
• Evaluate and recommend new mining technologies and methodologies.
• Liaise with operational teams, corporate stakeholders, and external consultants.
• Ensure all mine plans comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations for executive leadership.
• Manage the technical aspects of mine planning software suites and databases.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mine planning and design, with at least 5 years in a senior or leadership role.
• Extensive experience with advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Surpac, Vulcan, MineSight).
• Proven track record in developing successful mine plans for both open-pit and underground operations.
• Strong understanding of mine economics, financial modeling, and risk assessment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage a remote, global team.
• Strategic thinking and exceptional problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.
• Ability to travel occasionally for critical meetings or site visits (less than 10%).

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering a highly competitive executive-level salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive global health benefits. Our client provides significant opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and career advancement within a global organization. You will benefit from the flexibility and autonomy of a remote work environment, enabling excellent work-life integration. This role allows you to shape the future of mining operations from anywhere in the world, working with a leading company that values innovation and expertise. Join a team dedicated to responsible and efficient resource extraction.