On Site Mining Engineer – Omico Copper
Job Description
Craton Mining & Exploration (Pty) Ltd is seeking a highly skilled On Site Mining Engineer to support the delivery of a bankable feasibility study and progress the Omitiomire Copper Project into construction readiness. The successful candidate will bridge study assumptions with actual site conditions, ensuring technically sound and executable open pit mining plans.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and refine open pit mine designs, pushbacks, bench configurations, haul roads, waste dumps and stockpiles.
- Build and maintain Life-of-Mine (LOM) schedules and pre-strip mining plans.
- Optimise strip ratios, mining cut-offs, fleet selection and productivity.
- Integrate geological, geotechnical and resource models into mine planning.
- Develop and review drill and blast designs, fragmentation targets and blasting strategies.
- Define ore and waste movement strategies, ROM pad management and stockpile plans.
- Conduct site verification of topography, haul routes, foundation conditions and structural mapping.
- Support drilling, mapping, sampling and trial programmes.
- Identify differences between design assumptions and actual site conditions.
- Develop detailed pre-strip, starter pit and early mining plans.
- Coordinate mining activities with construction, civil works and plant commissioning.
- Assist with mining contractor strategy, tender preparation and bid evaluations.
- Maintain mining operational expenditure (OPEX), capital expenditure (CAPEX) and productivity models.
- Benchmark equipment selection and evaluate production scenarios.
- Ensure compliance with Namibian mining legislation and environmental regulations.
- Support Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), waste management and water management initiatives.
- Develop operational readiness plans, mobilisation strategies and training requirements.
- Assist with the transition from project development into mining operations.
Minimum Requirements
- Degree in Mining Engineering.
- 5–10+ years of experience in open pit mine planning and/or operations.
- Proven experience in open pit mine design and scheduling.
- Experience with drill and blast optimisation or load and haul operations.
- Experience supporting feasibility or definitive feasibility study projects.
- Legally eligible to work in Namibia or eligible for a Namibian work permit.
- Proficiency in Deswik, MineSched, Datamine, Vulcan, Surpac or equivalent mining software.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel modelling skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in copper or base metals projects.
- Mining experience within Africa, particularly Namibia.
- Experience working with mining contractors.
- Experience transitioning projects from feasibility to construction.
- Namibian Mine Manager’s or Blasting Certificate of Competency, or recognised equivalent.
Key Competencies
- Strong practical and field-oriented approach.
- Excellent mine planning and scheduling skills.
- High attention to technical detail.
- Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.
- Commitment to health, safety and environmental excellence.
Working Conditions
- Site-based role with regular fieldwork.
- Camp-based accommodation once established.
- Roster-based travel arrangements.
- Work closely with contractors and multicultural teams.
How to apply:
Qualified candidates should forward their applications to:
Email: [email protected]
