Senior Mine Planning Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, seeks a Senior Mine Planning Engineer to lead the development of long- and short-term mine plans for regional projects. You will conduct feasibility studies, design layouts for open-pit and underground operations, and ensure plans are safe, economic, and deliverable by operations teams.

You will collaborate with geology and engineering to integrate data, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to budgeting and performance monitoring.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in mine planning and design, with substantial mining sector exposure.
• Proficiency in Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, or similar software.
• Strong knowledge of open-pit and/or underground mining methods, economics, geotechnical principles.
• Experience in feasibility studies and reserve calculations.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; able to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain mine plans (long-term and short-term).
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations.
• Design open-pit and underground layouts and schedules.
• Optimize designs for recovery, profitability, safety, and env compliance.
• Collaborate with geology, engineering, operations to integrate data.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations on mine planning.
• Provide guidance to junior engineers.
• Stay updated on mine planning tech and best practices.
• Assist budgeting for mine planning activities and capex.
• Monitor performance and adjust plans as needed.

Skills

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Open-pit design

Underground design

Feasibility studies

Reserves calculations

Project management

Education

Bachelor's in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the global mining industry , is actively seeking a highly competent Senior Mine Planning Engineer to join their expanding team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is integral to the strategic development and optimization of mine plans, ensuring efficient and safe extraction of resources. The Senior Mine Planning Engineer will be responsible for creating and updating long‑term and short‑term mine plans, conducting feasibility studies, and collaborating with operational teams to implement plans effectively. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute to significant mining projects in a dynamic region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive mine plans, including long‑term strategic plans and short‑term production schedules.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new mining projects and mine expansions.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software to design open‑pit and/or underground mine layouts, schedules, and reserve calculations.
• Optimize mine designs and production plans to maximize resource recovery and profitability while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate closely with geological, engineering, and operations teams to integrate data and ensure practical plan execution.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and documentation related to mine planning.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior mine planning engineers.
• Stay abreast of the latest technologies and best practices in mine planning and design.
• Assist in the budgeting process for mine planning activities and capital expenditures.
• Monitor mine performance against plans and recommend adjustments as necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in mine planning and design, with a significant portion within the mining sector .
• Demonstrated proficiency in mine planning software such as Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, or similar.
• Strong understanding of open‑pit and/or underground mining methods, economics, and geotechnical principles.
• Proven experience in conducting feasibility studies and reserve calculations.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to undertake site visits.
• Experience in blast design and production scheduling is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits program, including medical aid, retirement planning, and paid time off. The role is based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , a region known for its natural beauty and growing economic opportunities. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, exposure to diverse mining projects, and a collaborative work culture within a respected organization in the mining industry .