Senior Mine Planning Engineer

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a major mining group in recruiting a Senior Mine Planning Engineer for its Polokwane, Limpopo operations. The role focuses on developing and optimizing long-term and short-term mine plans for open-pit and underground mining, ensuring economic viability and regulatory compliance.

You will lead design, scheduling, and optimization activities, leverage Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, and MineSight, and collaborate with geology and operations teams while mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Experience in both open-pit and underground mine planning is required.
• Strong background in mine design, scheduling, and economic evaluations.
• Proven leadership and ability to guide technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term (5+ years) and short-term mine plans for open-pit and underground operations.
• Integrate geological models into planning processes to optimize value extraction.
• Design mine layouts including pit geometry and access points; ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Perform feasibility studies and NPV analyses; use advanced planning software for simulation.
• Collaborate with geology, geotechnical, operations and engineering teams; mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Project leadership

Strategic planning

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Deswik Suite

Vulcan

Surpac

MineSight

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major mining group, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mine Planning Engineer to join their operational headquarters in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA . This key position involves the strategic development and optimization of long-term and short-term mine plans for both open-pit and underground operations. The successful candidate will possess extensive expertise in mine design, production scheduling, resource modeling integration, and the utilization of advanced mine planning software. You will play a critical role in ensuring the economic viability, technical feasibility, and safe execution of mining activities. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant contribution to strategic decision-making and operational excellence within a leading mining company.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and optimize long-term strategic mine plans (5+ years).
• Create detailed short-term mine production plans and schedules (weekly, monthly, quarterly).
• Integrate geological resource models into mine planning processes to maximize value extraction.
• Design mine layouts, including pit geometry, underground access, and production areas.
• Perform mineability studies and assess the technical and economic feasibility of extraction methods.
• Utilize advanced mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, MineSight) for design, scheduling, and simulation.
• Conduct financial analysis and economic evaluations related to mine plans, including NPV calculations.
• Collaborate closely with geological, geotechnical, operational, and engineering teams to ensure integrated mine planning.
• Ensure mine plans comply with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor actual mine performance against plan and implement adjustments as necessary.
• Prepare comprehensive mine planning reports, presentations, and technical documentation for management and stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior mine planning engineers and technical staff.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging technologies in mine planning and optimization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering; a Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mine planning and design, covering both open-pit and underground operations.
• Expert proficiency with industry-standard mine planning and scheduling software (e.g., Deswik Suite, Vulcan, Surpac, MineSight).
• Strong understanding of mine economics, resource estimation principles, and geostatistical concepts.
• Demonstrated experience in optimizing mine plans for value and operational efficiency.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex plans and analyses effectively.
• Proven leadership and team collaboration skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites periodically.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent certification is desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits program encompassing health, retirement, and life assurance.
• We provide significant opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career progression within a leading international mining organization.
• The role is based in Polokwane , offering a strategic location within a key mining region.
• Employees benefit from generous annual leave and paid time off, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Access to state-of-the-art planning software and collaboration tools ensures a stimulating work environment.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• Join a highly skilled team dedicated to maximizing resource value and operational success through expert mine planning.