LR_Short Term - Planning Engineer Spec. (400619)

Position Summary

The Short-Term Planning Engineer Specialist is responsible for preparing and maintaining executable daily, weekly, and monthly open pit mine plans and schedules to support safe and efficient mining operations. The role requires strong hands-on proficiency in Deswik scheduling software, with experience in short-term scheduling, mining sequence development, dig plans, pit design updates, dump planning, haulage considerations, and plan compliance monitoring. The position works closely with Operations, Geology, Survey, Geotechnical, Drill & Blast, Maintenance, Processing, and Technical Services teams to ensure plans are practical, achievable, aligned with production targets, and adjusted promptly when deviations occur.

Duties and Responsibilities / KPI’s

• Core Responsibilities:
  • Expected Delivery:
    • Develop and maintain daily, weekly, monthly, and rolling three-month mine plans aligned with production targets and operational priorities.
    • Prepare executable short-term schedules for ore, waste, rehandle, stockpile, and dump movements using Deswik scheduling software.
    • Prepare practical dig plans, mining blocks, access plans, dump plans, and pit advance sequences for operational execution.
    • Translate medium-term plans into detailed short-term mining instructions for Mine Operations.
    • Update short-term mine designs as required, including ramps, benches, berms, access roads, working areas, dumps, and operational constraints.
    • Monitor plan compliance and conduct regular plan-versus-actual reconciliation using survey, dispatch, production, geology, and plant data.
    • Identify deviations in tonnes, grade, strip ratio, location, equipment movement, and mining sequence, and recommend corrective actions.
    • Work closely with Operations, Geology, Survey, Drill & Blast, Maintenance, Geotechnical, Processing, and Technical Services teams to ensure plans are safe, practical, and achievable.
    • Support haulage analysis, equipment productivity reviews, material movement planning, and operational constraint analysis.
    • Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly planning reports covering production performance, compliance to plan, variances, and corrective actions.
    • Maintain short-term planning databases, scheduling files, assumptions, reports, and planning controls with strong data integrity.
    • Ensure all plans comply with safety, geotechnical, hydrological, environmental, operational, and company planning standards.
    • Support continuous improvement in short-term planning systems, templates, reconciliation processes, and reporting tools.
    • Mentor junior planning engineers and contribute to the development of internal short-term planning capability.
  • Site safety policy and new initiatives: Actively contribute to initiatives and implement change as directed by TSD Manager
  • Pro-active safety culture: Develop and promote by the identification, development, dissemination and review of safe practices and procedures and by ensuring the awareness of team members
  • Compliance of personnel: Actively promote, monitor and enforce with safe work practices.
  • Risk identification and addressing: Ensure all health, safety and hygiene risks are identified and address in the SOP’s and Risk assessments.
  • Risk assessment: Develop standard Risk Assessments for all critical tasks.
• Key Stakeholders and Relationships to Manage:
  • Mine Maintenance Manager: Collaborate closely with Mine Maintenance Team to ensure proper Equipment scheduling.
  • Mine Operation Manager: Engage with Mine Operation Team to time deliver Plans and ensure compliance to safety and environment standards.
  • Plant Operation Manager: Engage with Crushing Plant and Concentrator Operation Team for procedural guidance and safety monitoring for production.
  • Learners and Apprentices: Build strong relationships with learners, providing mentorship and guidance throughout their learning journey.
  • Supervisors and Department Heads: Collaborate with department heads from estates, plants, and port operations to ensure process diagrams are effective.
• Measures of Success KPIs:
  • KPI measures:
    • Short-Term Plan Accuracy
      • Variance between planned and actual production for ore tonnes, waste tonnes, total movement, grade, strip ratio, and product feed.
      • Accuracy of daily, weekly, and monthly mining schedules against actual execution.
      • Accuracy of planned versus actual mining locations, bench progress, and pit face advance.
    • Timely Delivery of Plans
      • Daily, weekly, and monthly plans issued on time to Mine Operations and relevant stakeholders.
      • Rolling short-term plans maintained and updated as per planning cycle requirements.
      • Timely update of schedules when operational conditions change.
    • Plan Compliance
      • Percentage compliance to daily, weekly, and monthly mine plans.
      • Frequency and quality of plan compliance reviews with Mine Operations.
      • Number of deviations identified, explained, and corrected within the reporting period.
    • Production Target Support
      • Achievement of planned ore supply, waste movement, strip ratio, and plant feed requirements.
      • Effective short-term sequencing to support continuous ore availability and production stability.
      • Reduction in unplanned production interruptions caused by planning gaps.
    • Reconciliation and Variance Control
      • Timely completion of plan-versus-actual reconciliation.
      • Accuracy of reconciliation between planned tonnes, actual mined tonnes, survey volumes, stockpile movements, and plant feed.
      • Quality of variance explanations and corrective action plans.
    • Deswik Scheduling and Planning System Utilization
      • Effective use of Deswik for short-term scheduling, scenario analysis, and reporting.
      • Accuracy and consistency of planning data inputs and outputs.
      • Proper version control and auditability of planning files.
    • Operational Readiness
      • Quality and practicality of dig plans, dump plans, access plans, and mining sequences.
      • Alignment of mining schedule with equipment availability, drill and blast readiness, survey pickups, and grade control information.
      • Reduction in delays caused by missing or unclear planning instructions.
    • Safety and Compliance
      • Mine plans comply with safety, geotechnical, environmental, and operational standards.
      • Safe access, traffic flow, dump design, bench configuration, and mining sequence risks are considered in all short-term plans.
      • Compliance with internal planning standards and audit requirements.
    • Continuous Improvement
      • Number and quality of improvement initiatives implemented in short-term planning, reporting, reconciliation, and schedule control.
      • Improved planning efficiency, report automation, and data reliability.
      • Support and mentoring provided to junior engineers and planning team members.
• Consequences of Unsuccessful Execution:
  • Non-Compliance with MoU: Failure to comply with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) could lead to penalties or loss of contracts.

Qualifications / Experience / Technical Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in mining engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in open-pit mine planning, with strong focus on short-term production planning and scheduling.
• Strong hands-on proficiency in Deswik scheduling software is essential.
• Proven experience in preparing daily, weekly, monthly, and rolling three-month mine plans.
• Practical experience in open-pit design updates, dig plans, dump plans, stockpile planning, haulage considerations, and mining sequence development.
• Strong understanding of open-pit mining methods, production scheduling, equipment productivity, operational constraints, and plan compliance.
• Experience in plan-versus-actual reconciliation, including planned tonnes, actual mined tonnes, survey volumes, grade control data, and plant feed.
• Ability to integrate geotechnical, hydrological, environmental, operational, and safety constraints into short-term mine plans.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with ability to identify risks, explain variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Working knowledge of Maptek Vulcan, Datamine, MineSight, or similar software would be an advantage.
• Specific Skills
  • English: Must have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
  • Computer Skills: Good computer skills with the ability to use integrated management systems, word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet applications, Mine Planning and design Software.
  • Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively across all levels.
  • Reporting: Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Desirable
  • Strong Leadership and Communication skills.
  • Mine Planning and Scheduling.
  • Planning, organizing and coordination skills.
  • Creating a high-performance culture.
  • Teamwork, sound interpersonal skills and good work ethics.
• Personal Qualities / Behavioral Traits
  • Physical posture: Be physically fit and be able to pass a pre-employment medical examination.
  • Attention to Detail: Exhibits a meticulous approach to designs accuracy.
  • Adaptability: Flexible in responding to changing conditions, including updates in industry standards or shifts in Short Term Planning needs.
  • Integrity and Professionalism: Upholds high ethical standards, ensuring fairness and transparency in all interactions with stakeholders.

Working Conditions

• The role involves working both in office settings and on-site at mining facilities.
• Standard working hours are expected, with potential for extended hours or shift work depending on maintenance needs and project requirements.
• Occasional travel to different mining sites or project locations may be required.
• The position may involve physical activity, including site inspections and assessments, necessitating physical stamina and dexterity.

Health and Safety

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations, standards, and procedures.
• Participate in health, safety and environment training programs to understand potential hazards, safety procedures, and emergency protocols.
• Report any health, safety and environmental concerns, incidents, or near misses promptly to the designated supervisor or safety officer.
• Assist in identifying workplace hazards and participate in risk assessments to minimize risks to personal health and safety.
• Wear appropriate PPE as required for specific tasks or environments and ensure that it is maintained and used correctly.
• Be familiar with emergency response procedures, including evacuation routes, assembly points, and first aid protocols.
• Follow established safe work practices and procedures to prevent accidents, injuries, or illnesses.
• Operate machinery, tools, and equipment safely, following manufacturer's instructions and the AML safety guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and orderly workspace to reduce hazards and prevent accidents.
• Promote a culture of health and safety awareness among coworkers by encouraging safe behaviors and reporting unsafe conditions.
• Participate in health and safety committees or meetings as required, providing input and suggestions for improving workplace safety.