Senior Mine Planning Engineer - Open Pit Operations

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Relocation assistance

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mine Planning Engineer to develop and optimize life-of-mine and annual plans for open-pit operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role requires strong proficiency with Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac and XACT, and close collaboration with geology, survey and operations teams.

You will produce optimized pit designs, schedules and production targets while ensuring safety, cost efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in mine planning, with open-pit emphasis.
• Proficiency in Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac and XACT.
• Strong knowledge of open-pit mining methods and planning processes.
• Experience with economic evaluation and financial modeling in mining.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term (life-of-mine) and short-term mine plans for open-pit operations.
• Use Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac and XACT to optimize pit designs and production sequences.
• Incorporate geological models, reserves and constraints into planning.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for expansions.
• Collaborate with geology, survey and operations teams to ensure accurate models.
• Prepare planning reports and presentations for management.

Skills

Mine planning

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

BSc in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Surpac

XACT

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major diversified mining group, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Mine Planning Engineer to contribute to their operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for developing and optimizing long-term and short-term mine plans for their open-pit operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and economic viability. The successful candidate will leverage advanced mine planning software and geological data to design optimal pit layouts, schedules, and production targets. You will work closely with geology, survey, and operations teams to translate strategic goals into practical, executable mine plans. This position offers a significant opportunity to influence mine performance and shape the future of resource extraction in a key South African mining hub. We are looking for a proactive and analytical engineer with a deep understanding of open-pit mining principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term (life-of-mine) and short-term (annual, quarterly, weekly) mine plans for open-pit operations.


• Utilize mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, XACT) to optimize pit designs, haul roads, and production sequences.


• Integrate geological models, reserve data, and operational constraints into mine planning processes.


• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for potential mine expansions or new projects.


• Collaborate with survey teams to ensure accurate mine models and as-built data.


• Work closely with the operations department to ensure efficient execution of mine plans.


• Perform mine modeling, reserve calculations, and production forecasting.


• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements in mining operations.


• Prepare detailed mine planning reports and presentations for management review.


• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations related to mine planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering or a related field.


• A minimum of 6 years of experience in mine planning, with a significant focus on open-pit operations.


• Proficiency in industry-standard mine planning and design software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, XACT).


• Strong understanding of open-pit mining methods, including drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling.


• Solid knowledge of geological interpretation, resource modeling, and reserve estimation principles.


• Experience with economic evaluation and financial modeling related to mine planning.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.


• Familiarity with operations in the KwaZulu-Natal mining region is advantageous.


• Must be registered or eligible for registration with a relevant professional body.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package designed to attract top talent, complemented by an annual performance bonus. Comprehensive medical aid, life cover, and retirement fund benefits are included. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between on-site mine planning and operational engagement near Richards Bay , and potential for remote strategic analysis. Excellent opportunities for professional growth, advanced training, and career progression within a leading mining corporation are available. The position provides exposure to diverse commodity types and innovative mining techniques. Relocation assistance is available for qualifying candidates.