Are you a senior mine planning professional looking to take full ownership of mine planning for a major emerging critical minerals project?
We are partnering with an emerging mining company to appoint a Principal Mine Planning Engineer to establish and lead the mine planning function for a multi-commodity development project progressing through pre-feasibility and into execution.
This is a hands-on, autonomous role suited to an experienced Principal Mining Engineer who enjoys building mine planning systems from the ground up and influencing strategic decisions at the front end of a project.
The Opportunity
Based in West Perth on a permanent basis, you will play a critical role in shaping the technical and economic foundation of the project. Working closely with geology, processing, and project development teams, you will ensure the mine plan is robust, integrated, and aligned with long-term project objectives.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead all mine planning activities for the pre-feasibility study (PFS) and subsequent study phases, through to readiness for operations
* Develop and evaluate multiple mine planning scenarios to support strategic decision-making and fast-track development options
* Establish mine planning frameworks, systems, standards, and methodologies from scratch
* Deliver strategic and tactical open-pit mine designs, including pit optimisations, pushbacks, haulage networks, and mining sequences
* Build and maintain mine schedules aligned with production targets, processing constraints, geotechnical inputs, and economic drivers
* Integrate geological, metallurgical, and geotechnical inputs into practical, optimised mine plans
* Provide input into mining method selection, equipment sizing, fleet requirements, and operating strategies
* Contribute to cost estimates, operating philosophies, and execution plans to PFS-level accuracy
* Identify key technical risks, opportunities, and value-improvement initiatives
* Mentor junior planners and manage external consultants as required
About You
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
* Degree in Mining Engineering (or related discipline)
* 15+ years' experience in open-pit mine planning across studies and operations
* Proven capability to independently establish and deliver mine planning systems
* Strong experience with pit optimisation, mine design, and scheduling tools (e.g. Whittle, Deswik, MineSched)
* Demonstrated involvement in PFS / DFS-level studies
* A hands-on, technically strong approach with the ability to work directly in models and designs
* Solid understanding of mining cost drivers, equipment selection, and production engineering
Highly Regarded
* Experience across contractor and owner-operator mining models
* Background in open-pit base metals operations
* Exposure to integrating mine planning with processing and metallurgical constraints
ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE PERMANENT RESIDENCY OR CITIZENSHIP WITHIN AUSTRALIA.
For more information on the position, the client or the project please click '
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David Burgwyn
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