Long Term Mine Planning Engineer

Long Term Mine Planning Engineer

Reporting to the Sr. Principal Mine Engineer, the Long-Term Mine Planning Engineer is responsible for determining which parts of the deposit are profitable to dig and how the massive pit will evolve over decades. This role develops and maintains the Life-of-Mine (LOM) plan, conducts pit/phase optimizations, and performs trade-off studies that guide major capital investments and operational strategy.

The Long-Term Mine Planning Engineer will:

• Life of Mine (LOM) Planning
  • Pit Optimization: To determine optimum pit limits based on fluctuating copper prices and operating costs.
  • Cut-off Grade Strategy: Determine the minimum copper grade required to process material vs. sending it to a stockpile, maximizing the Net Present Value (NPV) of the project.
  • Pushback Design: Design large-scale mining "phases" or "pushbacks" that allow for continuous ore access while maintaining safe wall angles.
• Infrastructure & Waste Integration
  • Waste Rock Facilities (WRF): Long-term planning for where millions of tons of waste will go over 20 years, ensuring they don't "cover up" future ore bodies.
  • Tailings Management: Coordinating with environmental teams to ensure the tailings storage facilities (TSF) have enough capacity for the planned production rate.
  • Water, Power and Communications: Projecting the long-term utility needs as the pits deepen and the haul distances increase.
• Financial & Resource Modeling
  • Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): Forecasting when the mine will need a new multi-million dollar fleet of ultra-class trucks or a mill expansion.
  • Reserve Reporting: Working with Geologists to convert "Resources" into "Proven and Probable Reserves" for annual corporate filing and investor transparency.
• Risk & Scenario Analysis
  • "What If" Modeling: Creating alternate plans for scenarios like a 20% drop in copper prices or an unexpected delay in a specific permit.
  • Sensitivity Analysis: Testing how changes in commodity price, fuel costs, labor availability and other key value drivers impact the mine's long-term viability.

Minimum Qualifications and

Education:

• Bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree in mining engineering.
• Experience: 5+ years of proven experience in mine engineering in open pit operations, of which at least 3 years previous mine planning experience preferably in a similar operation.
• Technical Knowledge
  • Mine Planning Software Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of specialized mine planning and optimization software (e.g., Hexagon Mine Plan 3D/MPSO).
  • Optimization Principles: Theoretical and practical knowledge of open pit mine optimization principles, NPV modeling, and strategic mine design.
  • Financial Acumen: Competency in financial modeling and economic analysis, including DCF valuation and cost-benefit analysis.
• Key Competencies
  • Strategic Mindset: High proficiency in financial modeling and "big picture" engineering.
  • Advanced Software: Expertise in pit optimization and high-level scheduling software.

Other Requirements:

Physical: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities may be required for this position.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment will necessitate work near moving mechanical parts and outside weather…