About the Role
Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mining Engineer to lead mine planning and design activities for their operations near George, Western Cape. This role is integral to ensuring the safe, efficient, and profitable extraction of resources. You will be responsible for developing short-term and long-term mine plans, optimizing mine layouts, and overseeing the implementation of drilling and blasting strategies. This position requires a deep understanding of various mining methods, geological modelling, and production forecasting. We are looking for a proactive and skilled engineer who can translate geological data into practical, executable mine plans, driving operational excellence in a challenging environment. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in maximizing resource value and ensuring operational continuity.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, review, and update short-term (daily, weekly, monthly) and long-term (annual, life-of-mine) mine plans and schedules.
- Design mine layouts, including pit designs for open-pit operations or stope designs for underground mines, optimizing for safety, economics, and resource recovery.
- Prepare detailed drilling and blasting plans, ensuring compliance with safety standards and geological parameters.
- Utilize mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac) to generate mine models, optimize designs, and produce production forecasts.
- Conduct mine feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and sensitivity analyses for new projects and existing operations.
- Collaborate with geological, engineering, and operations teams to ensure alignment between planning and execution.
- Monitor mine performance against plans, identifying deviations and implementing corrective actions.
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for regulatory submissions and internal reviews.
- Provide technical mentorship to junior mining engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of planning processes.
Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering from an accredited institution.
- A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mine planning and design, preferably within operations.
- Proficiency with leading mine planning and design software packages (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, Datamine).
- Strong understanding of open-pit and/or underground mining methods, economics, and operational constraints.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and work effectively in a team environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and concisely.
- EIZ (Engineering Council of South Africa) registration or eligibility is a strong advantage.
Benefits
- Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance bonuses, medical aid, and retirement fund contributions.
- This role is based on-site in the beautiful George region of the Western Cape, providing a fantastic lifestyle opportunity.
- The company invests in employee development, offering opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
- You will work with a dedicated and experienced team, contributing to significant mining projects and enjoying the benefits of working for a stable and respected mining entity.