Mineral Resources Specialist Mine Planner (North West) at Samancor Chrome

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

• Apply appropriate mine planning software to develop medium, long term and Life of Mine designs and associated schedules to optimise the exploitation of the lease area. The time frame for this role will range from 3 months to Life of Mine planning.

BALANCED SCORECARD PILLARS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY

• Identify and assess level of issue based risk exposures in area of responsibility by considering exposures to business, financial, legal issues, people, equipment, material, environment, processes, etc.
• Consider the level of risk, apply mitigation and implement control measures for residual risk (set objectives, minimum requirements, etc.)
• Manage SHEQ compliance within the Process through effective use of the Toolbox
• Utilise the Integrated Management System (IMS) to initiate, investigate and report SHEQ status

CUSTOMERS 

• Ensure Customer Satisfaction

BUSINESS PROCESSES 

Mineral Resources Data & Information

• Review geological resource and structural models data and attributes as input for mine planning.

Mine Planning

• Compile and recommend medium and long term mine planning scenario options consistent with the achievement of production targets.
• Optimise the exploitation of the lease area.
• Ensure the correlation of short to medium and long term plans and vice versa.
• Ensure the correlation of scenarios to the practicality of implementation and associated financial plans.
• Gather input required for mine scenario plans.
• Track actual performance against selected scenarios.
• Liaise with various disciplines relating to planning scenarios (HR, Geology, Rock Engineering, Ventilation etc.)
• Create and update medium- and long-term plans in Deswik.CAD.
• Create and update medium and long term schedules using Deswik Interactive Scheduler.
• Analyse, manipulate and interpret data and information on a section basis and use the information to identify risks and trends.
• Compile and present budget plans and schedules for the mines.
• Ensure the accuracy of design and scheduling data captured in Deswik.
• Formulate and implement alternative mine layouts and schedules.
• Incorporate strategy changes with regards to mining methods, technology and methodology into mine designs and schedules for the operations.
• Compliance with organisational best practices, mine design criteria, scheduling parameters and modifying factors to ensure effective operational execution of the strategic planning function.
• Compile different trade-off studies related to the mines as input into feasibility studies.
• Determine required ore distribution and efficiencies.
• Management of planning protocols for each operational area.
• Participate in the construction of standardised mine planning platforms in collaboration with Technical Services and Operational Management teams.
• Adherence to and effective application of mining platforms and mine planning technologies.
• Mine plans to be aligned with the operation’s drive towards zero harm, Technical Services and Corporate Strategy as well as legal requirements.
• Maintenance of designs and schedules to be aligned to approved changes.
• Application and utilisation of standard mine planning techniques and practices (conventional and mechanised).
• Monitor the adherence of mining operations to mine plans and designs.
• Mine plans to be relevant, consistent and accurate in respect of the ore body characteristics and operational requirements.
• Mine plans and designs to be reviewed regularly in order to optimise and maximise the mining throughputs.
• Planning non-compliances or irregularities to be escalated for action.
• Reporting of mine design and scheduling information in Deswik.
• Test and implement software enhancement and support systems for design and scheduling.
• Implement and improve on new and existing systems and procedures.
• Maintain planning software systems through continuous updating of data on systems, ensuring data availability and integrity.
• Oversee the maintenance of data and information in the database.
• Monthly planning meeting attendance.
• Control the naming convention on the mine.

Daily Production Management System

• Organisational structure set-up.
• Calendar set-up.
• User assignment with securities

GROWTH

• Manage Continuous Improvement through Operational Excellence

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES: 4

• Safety Leadership
• Innovation
• Planning, Organising & Control
• Results Orientation
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Relating & Networking
• Change Leadership
• Business Acumen

WORKPLACE COMPETENCIES:

Systems:

• Microsoft Programs
• Samancor Chrome Systems (IMS, EBMS, Chromedoc, SAP, Coupa, MES)
• Planning systems knowledge.
• Software:  CAD Software, General Mine Planning and Scheduling Software.

Job Skills:

• Required training as per training matrix
• Soft Skills as identified per department / level

Knowledge:

• Demonstrate an understanding of operational mine planning using mine planning software (short term, long term).
• Demonstrate an understanding of Mineral Resource environment or discipline.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications: 

• Degree or National Diploma in Mineral Resources Survey/ Mineral Resources Management / BEng in Mining
• 4 years’ relevant experience

Additional qualifications: 

• Chamber of Mines Certificate – Advanced
• 4 Year’s relevant C-Upper experience

Closing date: 06 March 2026