Mine Planning Engineer

Job Description

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.

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

• 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

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.

• 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

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

• 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

• Prepare clear, useful technical reports and presentations for management and stakeholders
• Lead mine planning projects from concept through implementation
• Mine plans and production reporting
• Monthly tons and grade reconciliation
• Feasibility studies
• Cost estimates
• Economic evaluations
• Capital and mine improvement projects
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or related field
• 57+ 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

The Mine Planning Engineer will develop, optimize, and support mine plans ranging from short‑term execution through long‑term strategy. This role is central to improving ore quality, reducing dilution, increasing operational efficiency, and supporting the overall performance of the mine. The operation includes complex sulfide and oxide copper ore bodies, making this a strong technical opportunity for someone who enjoys problem‑solving, planning, sequencing, reconciliation, and continuous improvement.

This is a visible role with meaningful impact. The right person will advise site leadership on mine design, production timing, capital projects, productivity, cost performance, and ore‑quality decisions.

Annual Salary: $110,000 – $140,000 USD