Mine planning engineer

Mine planning engineers design future mine layouts capable of achieving production and mine development objectives, taking into account the geological characteristics and structure of the mineral resource. They prepare production and development schedules and monitor progress against these.

The following job titles also refer to mine planning engineer:

mine production scheduler
mine project engineer
surface mine planning engineer
mine planning supervisor
mining operations scheduler

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as mine planning engineer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Mine planning engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to mine planning engineer.

mine ventilation engineer
mine mechanical engineer
mine electrical engineer
mine development engineer
mineral processing engineer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of mine planning engineer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of mine planning engineer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of mine planning engineer.

Impact of geological factors on mining operations: Be aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.
Mining engineering: Fields of engineering relevant to mining operations. Principles, techniques, procedures and equipment used in the extraction of minerals.
Geology: Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.

These skills are necessary for the role of mine planning engineer.

Use a computer: Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
Interface with anti-mining lobbyists: Communicate with anti-mining lobby in relation to the development of a potential mineral deposit.
Maintain plans of a mining site: Prepare and maintain surface and underground plans and blueprints of a mining site; carry out surveys and perform risk assessment of potential mining sites.
Generate reconciliation reports: Compare production plans to actual production reports and generate reconciliation reports.
Supervise staff: Oversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.
Prepare technical reports: Prepare technical reports that describe results and processes of scientific or technical research, or assess its progress. These reports help researchers to keep up to date with recent findings.
Monitor mine production: Oversee mining production rates in order to estimate operational effectiveness.
Use mine planning software: Use specialised software to plan, design and model for mining operations.
Address problems critically: Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods of tackling the situation.
Advise on mine equipment: Provide advice on mining and equipment for mineral treatment; communicate and collaborate with engineering experts.
Schedule mine production: Generate mining plans on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis as appropriate.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mine planning engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Mine safety legislation: The laws, regulations and codes of practice relevant to safety in mining operations.
Minerals laws: Law related to land access, exploration permits, planning permission and minerals ownership.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mine planning engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Ensure compliance with safety legislation: Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.
Use technical drawing software: Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
Evaluate mine development projects: Evaluate mining methods and procedures, including waste management, life-of-mine plans, production timelines and funds expenditures.
Assess operating cost: Estimate the operating cost in terms of manpower, consumables and maintenance.
Mine dump design: Develop and implement safe and effective waste and dump management. Minimise the ecological footprint of the operation and follow legal requirements.
Monitor mine costs: Monitor total costs of mining activities, projects and required equipment; pursue maximum operational cost efficiency.

2146 – Mining engineers, metallurgists and related professionals

 

 

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References

1. Mine planning engineer – ESCO