The Mine Planning Engineer will develop and optimize from short-term to long-term mine plans to ensure the efficient and sustainable extraction of high-quality copper ore, prioritizing ore quality over quantity, and contributing to the overall success, safety, and profitability of mining operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Mine Planning and Design:

• Advise senior leaders, technical reviewers, managers, and peers regarding the potential economic and production impacts from changes to mine design, production timing, capital projects, and mining productivities.
• Develop detailed short-term through to long-term mine plans, incorporating strategies for managing complex sulfide and oxide ore bodies.
• Prioritize ore quality in mine planning to maximize the value of the extracted ore.
• Design pits, pit phases, and sequences, in close consultation with the geological team, that enhance ore quality and minimize dilution.
• Design waste dumps, stockpiles and ROM in close consultation with the geological team.
• Collaborate closely with geology and metallurgy teams to ensure the integration of accurate geological models and metallurgical parameters.
• Drill and blast design to be generated or peer review of the blast pattern prior to blasting.
• Consult and review blast pattern prior to blasting.
• Ensure wall controls for blasting are in place
• Establish wall monitoring controls to be installed to manage the stability of the pit walls.

Operational Support:

• Assist mine operations with execution and optimization of mine plans to support safety, production, and cost goals.
• Conduct mine efficiency studies for production, equipment, blasting, quality control, and mining recovery.
• Manage capital and mine improvement projects as required.
• Mentor junior staff and oversee survey, design, and be hands on with the mine operations.
• Production reporting of mine physicals, track site KPIs, and evaluate opportunities for improvement.
• Work with ground control engineer to plan and analyze ground conditions with adherence to ground control management plan and geology to plan and complete grade control drilling in advance of mining, and complete mine-to-mill reconciliation.
• Provide technical support to mining operations to ensure adherence to mine plans and optimize production processes.
• Monitor and analyze production data to make recommendations for improving ore quality and operational efficiency.
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits to ensure compliance with mine plans, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Implement dewatering strategy to manage wet conditions in the pit
• Road management for ore hauling
• Contract management to ensure the contractor delivers on the contract

Technical Analysis:

• Utilize mine planning software (e.g., Geovia Surpac, Whittle, Talpac, Micromine, Minesched) to model and simulate various mining scenarios.
• Evaluate different mining methods and equipment to determine the best approach for extracting high-quality ore.
• Blasting reviews and blast assessment to deliver fragmentation to increase productivity rates
• Wall controls to be compliance to the stability of the pit wall
• Investigate and implement new technologies and methodologies that can enhance ore quality and overall mine efficiency.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare and present technical reports and presentations for management and stakeholders, focusing on ore quality and mine planning strategies.
• Maintain comprehensive records of mine plans, production data, and planning activities.
• Ensure all planning activities are documented and compliant with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• In conjunction with the Geological team, ensure monthly tons and grade reconciliation are undertaken.

Project Management:

• Lead and manage mine planning projects from conception through implementation, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budget.
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure project alignment with company goals and regulations.
• Participate in feasibility studies, cost estimation, and economic evaluations with a focus on optimizing ore quality.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on optimizing ore quality.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with geology, metallurgy, and operations teams.
• Proficiency in mine planning and design software.
• Drill and blast experience
• Contractor management
• Working and operating mining equipment
• Knowledge of relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong project management skills.

Work Environment:

• This position requires regular visits to the mine site, which may involve exposure to varying weather conditions and rugged terrain.
• The role may require extended hours and occasional travel.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and work hours/days are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work hours will occasionally require overtime and nights as required by business need.

Travel

Occasional travel is expected.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the U.S.

AAP/EEO Statement 

Milford Mining Company is an equal opportunity employer.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

 Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in mine planning, preferably with experience in handling complex sulfide and oxide ore bodies.
• Proven track record of prioritizing ore quality in mine planning processes.
• Drill and blast exposure to design, blasting management and wall control.
• Experience with mine planning software such as Geovia Surpac, Whittle, Minessched, or Talpac / Fleet Management system is essential.
• Previous experience in a Junior / Senior mining company is an advantage.
• Theoretical and practical experience in ground control is essential.

Certifications:

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng) certification or eligibility for certification is preferred.