Mine Planning Engineer

Location: Milford

A growing copper mining operation in Southern Utah is seeking a hands-on Mine Planning Engineer to play a key role in the safe, efficient, and profitable extraction of high-quality copper ore.

This is an excellent opportunity for a mining engineer who enjoys being close to the operation - not just building plans from behind a desk, but working directly with geology, metallurgy, operations, drilling, blasting, ground control, contractors, and site leadership to make the mine plan successful in the field.

Mine Planning & Design

You will develop short-, medium-, and long-term mine plans that support safe production, strong ore control, and sustainable extraction.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing pits, phases, pushbacks, and mining sequences
• Planning waste dumps, stockpiles, and ROM areas
• Working closely with geology and metallurgy to integrate models, ore characteristics, and recovery considerations
• Prioritizing ore quality and minimizing dilution
• Supporting mine-to-mill reconciliation
• Reviewing drill and blast designs, blast patterns, and wall-control practices
• Helping establish wall monitoring and pit stability controls

Operational Support

This is a practical, field-facing engineering role. You will support mine operations in executing and improving the mine plan while helping drive safety, production, cost, and quality goals.

You will:

• Work directly with operations teams to optimize daily and weekly mine performance
• Conduct mine efficiency studies related to production, equipment, blasting, recovery, and quality control
• Track KPIs and identify opportunities for improvement
• Support grade control drilling and reconciliation efforts
• Assist with dewatering strategy, haul road management, and contractor performance
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits
• Mentor junior staff and support survey/design functions

Technical Analysis & Optimization

The Mine Planning Engineer will use modern mine planning tools to evaluate scenarios, improve efficiency, and support better decision-making.

Key areas include:

• Mine planning and design software such as Surpac, Whittle, Talpac, Micromine, Mine Sched, or similar platforms
• Equipment and mining-method evaluations
• Blast assessment and fragmentation improvement
• Wall control and pit stability compliance
• New technologies and methods that improve ore quality, recovery, and productivity

Reporting & Project Management

You will prepare clear, useful technical reports and presentations for management and stakeholders. You will also help lead mine planning projects from concept through implementation.

This may include:

• Mine plans and production reporting
• Monthly tons and grade reconciliation
• Feasibility studies
• Cost estimates
• Economic evaluations
• Capital and mine improvement projects
• Coordination with contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies

Ideal Background

Strong candidates will bring a blend of technical mine planning capability and practical field experience.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field
• 5-7+ years of mine planning experience
• Experience with copper, sulfide/oxide ore bodies, or similar complex ore environments
• Strong working knowledge of mine planning software
• Drill and blast exposure, including blast design, blast review, wall control, and fragmentation improvement
• Practical ground control experience
• Experience working with mine operations, contractors, and site leadership
• Ability to manage projects, analyze production data, and make sound recommendations
• P.E. / P.Eng certification or eligibility preferred