Senior Mine Planning Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Annual leave

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mine Planning Engineer for our client in Durban, South Africa. You will develop short-term and long-term plans for open-pit and underground operations, optimize designs and schedules, and lead technical analyses to improve ore recovery and reduce costs.

You will collaborate with exploration, geology, operations and processing teams, prepare reports, and mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mine planning, with a focus on mining industry.
• Professional registration with ECSA or equivalent is preferred.
• Proficiency in Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac and Datamine software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and maintain short-term and long-term mine plans.
• Optimize mine designs, production schedules, and fleet selection.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new projects.
• Perform geotechnical and geohydrological analyses for design and stability.
• Utilize mine planning software for 3D modeling and scheduling.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated planning.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and budget inputs.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical support.
• Monitor performance against plan and propose corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards in mine planning.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

7+ years of mining planning experience

Professional registration with ECSA or equivalent

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Datamine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining sector, is looking for a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mine Planning Engineer to join their team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for the strategic development and execution of efficient, safe, and cost-effective mining plans for both open-pit and underground operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing short-term and long-term mine plans, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring alignment with production targets and economic objectives. We are seeking an individual with a strong analytical mindset, exceptional technical skills in mine design software, and a proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant projects within a reputable organization known for its commitment to operational excellence and sustainable mining practices in South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and maintain short-term (e.g., monthly, quarterly) and long-term (e.g., 5-year, life-of-mine) mine plans.
• Optimize mine designs, production schedules, and fleet selection to maximize ore recovery and minimize costs.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining projects or expansions.
• Perform detailed geotechnical and geohydrological analysis in relation to mine design and stability.
• Utilize mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Datamine) for 3D modeling, pit optimization, and scheduling.
• Collaborate with exploration, geology, operations, and processing departments to ensure integrated mine planning.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and budget inputs related to mine planning activities.
• Identify and implement innovative planning techniques and technologies to enhance mine efficiency and safety.
• Monitor mine performance against plan and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practice standards in mine planning.
• Mentor junior mine planning engineers and provide technical support.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional registration with ECSA or equivalent is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mine planning, with a strong focus on the mining industry .
• Proficiency in industry-standard mine planning and design software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, Datamine).
• Solid understanding of open-pit and/or underground mining methods, economics, and optimization techniques.
• Experience with geotechnical considerations and their integration into mine plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in the South African mining context is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel to operational sites occasionally.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• A stimulating work environment with opportunities for career growth.
• Exposure to diverse mining projects within a leading company.
• Potential for flexible work arrangements, depending on operational needs.