Senior Mining Engineer - Open Pit

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career progression

Professional development

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an experienced Senior Mining Engineer for open-pit operations. You will lead short- and long-term mine planning, oversee drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling, and drive fleet efficiency while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires strong leadership, advanced mining software skills (Deswik, Vulcan, Xpac), and the ability to optimize costs through data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in open-pit mine planning and operations.
• Proficiency in Deswik, Vulcan, or Xpac for mine planning.
• Solid knowledge of drilling, blasting, geotechnical principles, and fleet management.
• Experience with economic evaluations and mine financial modeling.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Familiarity with South African mining legislation and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement detailed short-term and long-term mine plans for open-pit operations.
• Supervise drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling to meet production targets.
• Conduct geotechnical analyses and advise on pit design and slope stability.
• Optimize fleet performance and consider equipment upgrades as needed.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations and policies.
• Prepare production forecasts, cost estimates, and management reports.
• Collaborate with survey, geology, and processing teams for integrated operations.
• Mentor junior engineers and site personnel; participate in planning reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Open-pit mining

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik

Vulcan

Xpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading operator in the mining sector and is looking for an experienced Senior Mining Engineer with expertise in open-pit operations to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is integral to the planning, execution, and optimization of surface mining activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing short-term and long-term mine plans, ensuring operational efficiency, and maintaining the highest safety standards. You will play a key role in managing drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling operations, fleet management, and geotechnical assessments. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the success of a major mining project in a beautiful coastal region. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical acumen, excellent leadership skills, and a deep understanding of open-pit mining methodologies. We seek a results-oriented professional who can effectively manage resources and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement detailed short-term and long-term mine plans for open-pit operations, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
• Manage and supervise drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling operations to meet production targets.
• Conduct geotechnical analyses and provide recommendations for slope stability and pit design modifications.
• Optimize mine fleet performance and utilization, recommending equipment upgrades or changes as needed.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Prepare production forecasts, cost estimates, and operational reports for management.
• Collaborate with survey, geology, and processing teams to ensure integrated mine operations.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions in open-pit mining activities.
• Mentor and guide junior mining engineers and site personnel.
• Participate in mine planning reviews and risk assessments.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in open-pit mine planning and operations.
• Proficiency in mine planning software such as Deswik, Vulcan, or Xpac.
• Solid understanding of drilling and blasting techniques, geotechnical principles, and fleet management.
• Experience with economic evaluations and mine financial modeling.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership and communication abilities, with the capacity to manage teams effectively.
• Familiarity with South African mining legislation and best practices.
• Valid driver's license.
• Commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits program including medical aid and a provident fund. Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career progression within the company are readily available. This position in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , offers the chance to work on significant projects within a supportive and safety-focused environment. You will be part of an organization committed to operational excellence and sustainable development in the mining industry. We provide a challenging yet rewarding career path for ambitious professionals.