Remote Principal Mining Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Remote work tools and resources

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mining Engineer to lead strategic mine planning, design oversight, and optimization for global projects. This fully remote role demands expert guidance across open-pit and underground operations, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and innovation.

You will mentor teams, drive feasibility studies, and collaborate with senior management to shape long-term plans while ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• 12+ years of extensive experience in mine planning, design, and operations in the mining sector.
• Expertise in open-pit and/or underground mining methods.
• Proficiency with Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac or similar software.
• Proven ability to conduct technical and economic feasibility studies.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills for remote collaboration.
• Leadership experience mentoring engineering teams.
• Ability to manage workload independently in a remote setting.
• Solid understanding of mine safety regulations and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and refinement of long-term mine plans and production schedules.
• Provide technical oversight and validation for mine designs (open-pit/underground).
• Develop and implement advanced mine modeling and optimization techniques.
• Conduct feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and technical due diligence.
• Ensure compliance with mining regulations, safety standards, and environmental practices globally.
• Mentor and guide a team of engineers and geologists via remote tools.
• Act as technical advisor to senior management on mine engineering matters.
• Identify opportunities for technological innovation in planning and design.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation for stakeholders.
• Foster a strong safety culture across all mine planning activities.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Communication

Analytical thinking

Strategic planning

Mentoring

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the mining industry , is seeking a highly experienced and forward-thinking Principal Mining Engineer to join their expanding operations. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility for the right candidate. The role is centered around providing expert strategic and technical guidance on mine planning, design, and optimization across diverse international mining projects. The Principal Mining Engineer will be a key contributor to innovation, ensuring the adoption of best practices and cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and economic viability. This is an exceptional opportunity to leverage your extensive expertise from the comfort of your chosen location, impacting major mining ventures worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and refinement of long-term mine plans and production schedules.
• Provide expert technical oversight and validation for mine designs, including open-pit and underground operations.
• Develop and implement advanced mine modeling and optimization techniques using industry-standard software.
• Conduct feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and technical due diligence for new projects and expansions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining regulations, safety standards, and environmental best practices globally.
• Mentor and guide a team of mining engineers and geologists through remote collaboration tools.
• Act as a technical authority and advisor to senior management on all matters related to mine engineering.
• Identify opportunities for technological innovation and process improvement in mine planning and operations.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Foster a strong safety culture and ensure the integration of safety principles into all aspects of mine planning and design.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years of extensive experience in mine planning, design, and operations within the mining sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in open-pit and/or underground mining methods.
• Advanced proficiency in mine planning software such as Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, or similar.
• Proven experience in conducting technical and economic feasibility studies.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate remotely.
• Strong leadership qualities and experience mentoring engineering teams.
• Must be self-disciplined, highly organized, and capable of managing workload independently in a remote setting.
• Solid understanding of mine safety regulations and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, along with comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits. Our client is committed to supporting their remote workforce with the necessary tools and resources for success. This position provides an exceptional opportunity for work-life balance and the ability to contribute to significant global mining projects without the need for relocation. Employees will benefit from continuous learning opportunities and career progression within a leading international organization. The impact of your work will be felt across multiple international operations.