Senior Mine Planning Engineer – Open Pit Operations

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Provident fund

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Mine Planning Engineer to lead open-pit planning in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will develop long- and short-term plans, integrate geological data with operations, and drive safe, compliant, and efficient mining.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in mine planning, proficiency with Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac or MineSight, and strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills. You will mentor junior engineers and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering.
• 8+ years in mine planning with open-pit focus.
• Proficiency in Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac and MineSight.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Knowledge of South African mining regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term and short-term mine plans using advanced software.
• Conduct geological modelling and resource estimation validation.
• Perform economic evaluations and sensitivity analyses.
• Optimize mine layouts, scheduling and production targets.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate plans.
• Prepare technical reports, budgets and presentations for projects.
• Ensure all plans comply with safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior mine planning engineers.
• Stay current with advancements in mine planning technology.

Skills

Mine planning

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

MineSight

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Mine Planning Engineer to lead strategic planning initiatives for their open-pit mining operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for optimizing resource utilization, maximizing economic returns, and ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant mining practices. You will be responsible for developing long-term and short-term mine plans, conducting feasibility studies, and integrating geological data with operational constraints. The ideal candidate possesses a strong blend of technical expertise, analytical acumen, and leadership capabilities. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of our mining operations in a strategically important region known for its vibrant industrial landscape and coastal beauty.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive long-term and short-term mine plans using advanced mine planning software.
• Conduct detailed geological modelling and resource estimation validation.
• Perform economic evaluations and sensitivity analyses for proposed mine plans.
• Optimize mine layouts, scheduling, and production targets to maximize profitability and efficiency.
• Collaborate with geological, engineering, and operational teams to ensure seamless integration of plans.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and budgets for mine planning projects.
• Ensure all mine plans comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and assess opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior mine planning engineers.
• Stay current with advancements in mine planning technology and methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mine planning, with a significant focus on open-pit operations.
• Proficiency in industry-standard mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, MineSight).
• Strong understanding of mine surveying, geology, and geotechnical principles.
• Demonstrated experience in mine design, scheduling, and production forecasting.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of South African mining regulations and best practices.
• Experience with mineral processing interfaces is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance incentives, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, life insurance, and a provident fund. Opportunities for professional development, further training, and career progression within a leading mining group are readily available. Relocation assistance to the beautiful coastal city of Durban may be considered. Employees are part of a forward-thinking company culture that values expertise, collaboration, and operational excellence.