Job Description

We’re looking for a talented Mine Planner who shares our values and our belief in a better future for mining. Could you be one of them?

Thungela Resources [Thungela means “to ignite” in isiZulu] is a leading South African thermal coal business, focused exclusively on thermal coal production. It is one of the largest pure-play producers and exporters of thermal coal in South Africa based on aggregate coal reserves and marketable coal production. Thungela focuses on exporting its thermal coal portfolio mainly to the Indian, Asian, Southeast Asian, Middle East and North African markets.

The purpose of a Mine Planner is to draw up short and medium term plans as well as more strategic and Life of Mine plans, with the guidance of the Section Manager: Planning and Divisional Mine Planning in consultation with the production team, ensuring plans are practical and effective by working with the operational teams.

The focus areas for this role will be to manage and co-ordinate the following:

• Develop plans and schedules that optimise assets within the constraints of practical considerations for the operations.
• Assist in the development of mine plans and schedules for the operation in support of the overall business plan / strategy and preparations of effective mine plans and schedules: 5-year, 2 years forecast as well as Annual, Monthly and Weekly forecast
• Compare budget production with historical figures and predicted figures in terms of both quality and quantity, develop realistic alternatives and recommend cost alternatives.
• Provide Technical expertise to production teams and production meetings
• Ensure compliance of Legal and Operational standards, policies and procedures with regards to Mine Planning through overseeing integrated risk management in the design of Mining blocks.
• Assess Risks / Critical points on life of Mine Plan and liaise with Operational teams to ensure Plans, Schedules and Operations are aligned
• Run Life of Mine model to develop schedules, moves and block rankings, and strategic dyke work
• Ensure reasonable production profile for as long as possible and integration of planning and scheduling with Operations
• Assist with compilation of the Annual Budget Presentations and documentation.
• Assist and Participate in the effective asset optimisation of the operations Mine Planning Processes and Capabilities
• Financial Budgeting & Management

Qualifications

• B Tech / Diploma / Degree in Mining Engineering or a related (NQF 7)
• Mine Managers Certificate of Competency (UG) would be advantageous
• Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) would be advantageous
• Basic experience in a Mining production environment if in possession of a Degree
• In-depth experience in a Mining Production environment if in possession of a Diploma
• Experience in a Mine Planning Environment will be an advantage
• Experience in Mine Planning software will be advantageous

Knowledge and Experience

• Extensive operational experience in both underground and opencast coal mining environment (minimum 8 years) and in-depth knowledge of various mining methods and mining technologies
• In-depth Mine Planning / Design experience
• An in-depth knowledge of legislation relating to the mining industry. E.g. MHSA, MPRDA and Environmental Legislation
• Sound knowledge of Operational Codes of Practices and procedures, and relevant policies, standards and guidelines
• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Operational value chain in Underground and Opencast Operations
• A good knowledge of Mining, Value Based Management and Asset Optimisation linked to the strategy
• Aware of Best Practices and New Technologies relating to Mine Planning and Design and Mining Operations
• High level of computer literacy including MS Office, and good technical knowledge and skills in various software packages (especially in Mine Planning programmes and Design models)
• High regard to Safety, Regulations and Standard
• Valid Drivers License

Additional Information

What we offer

When you join Thungela, you can expect to enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. But more than this, you’ll find yourself in an environment where the opportunities for learning and growth are second to none. From technical training to leadership programmes, we bring out the best in our people. There are plenty of opportunities to move onwards and upwards too. We’re a large, successful multinational company – and we’re still growing all the time.

Who we are?

Thungela is a pure play coal mining business. Our portfolio of world-class mining operations provides the metals and minerals that make modern life possible. We use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and mine, process, move and market our products to our customers around the world.

Inclusion and Diversity

Thungela is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential.

How we are committed to your safety

Nothing is more important to us than ensuring you return home safely after a day’s work. To make that happen, we have the most rigorous safety standards in the industry. Not only that, we’re also continually investing in new technologies – from drones to data analytics – that are helping to make mining safer.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. You will have the opportunity to upload your CV and other relevant documentation as part of this process.