Job Description
Mine Planning Engineer (OOJ - 45682) 110000-140000 / US Dollars / Annual Salary NPAworldwide Recruitment Network update Last updated: May/18/2026
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. 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, MineSched, 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 ground 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
Qualifications:
Qualifications Preferred 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 Why is This a Great Opportunity :
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. Pay Type:
Annual Salary
Pay Rate:
110000-140000
Currency Type:
US Dollars Visa sponsorship provided:
No
Location:
Milford, UT, Utah, USA
Remote Status:
No Remote
Pay Type:
Annual Salary
Salary:
110000-140000 / US Dollars
Occupational Categories:
Chemical Processing/ Mining/ Materials/ Oil & Gas
Industry(ies):
Mining