Design & Infrastructure Engineer

We have an exciting opportunity for Operations Design & Infrastructure Engineer . The purpose of this role is to Design and implement safe, efficient, cost-effective mine layouts and infrastructure to support optimal production and compliance with regulatory standards.

We’re the best in the industry.

You’ll make us better.

Guided by our purpose and our values, we enable both high performance and purposeful action as we aim to “re-imagine mining to improve people’s lives", delivering the metals and minerals that make modern life possible – from mobile phones to medicines.

Kumba Iron Ore

We produce high-grade iron ore, the key component in steel, widely used in construction and manufacturing across the world. Our activities include all aspects – exploration; mining; processing and blending; shipping; marketing and selling. In South Africa, we have mining operations in the Northern Cape province, as well as a head office in Gauteng, and a port operation in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape.

As our Design & Infrastructure Engineer your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Safety. Health, and Environment

Performance and Delivery

Mine Design and Planning

- Develop and optimise mine designs, pit layouts, and haulage routes to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.
- Create detailed short-term and long-term mine plans based on geological data and production targets.
- Collaborate with geologists, surveyors, and production teams to ensure designs align with resource extraction goals.

Infrastructure Design and Development

- Design and implement infrastructure development such as roads, drainage systems, and waste disposal areas to support mining operations.
- Plan and manage the installation and maintenance of utilities (e.g., water, power) required for mine operations.
- Ensure infrastructure designs meet safety, environmental, and legal regulations.

Technical Analysis and Reporting

- Perform geotechnical and stability analysis to ensure the safety of mine designs and infrastructure.
- Conduct cost-benefit analysis and feasibility studies for infrastructure projects and mining activities.
- Produce regular reports on design progress, infrastructure developments, and compliance with mine plans.

Compliance and Safety

- Ensure that all designs comply with health, safety, and environmental standards.
- Identify and mitigate potential safety risks associated with mine and infrastructure design.
- Conduct audits and inspections of infrastructure to ensure ongoing compliance with safety regulations.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management

- Liaise with mining, mechanical, and civil engineering teams to integrate designs with operational requirements.
- Coordinate with environmental specialists to minimise the environmental impact of mining infrastructure.
- Work closely with external contractors and suppliers on infrastructure projects to ensure timely and quality delivery.

Project Management

- Execute infrastructure development projects within set timeframes and budgets.
- Track project progress, manage resources, and address design-related challenges or changes.
- Monitor contractor performance and ensure quality control for all design and infrastructure works.

Continuous Improvement

- Implement continuous improvement initiatives in mine design and infrastructure development to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
- Stay updated with the latest mining design software, technologies, and industry trends to improve design outcomes.

Data Management and Technology Utilisation

- Utilise mine design software such as Surpac, Datamine, or AutoCAD to develop detailed engineering drawings.
- Analyse production data to refine designs and improve operational efficiency.
- Integrate digital tools and technologies (e.g., GPS systems, drones) to optimise mine design and infrastructure monitoring.

Budget and Cost Control Management

- Ensure compliance with the budget for the area of responsibility.
- Identify, communicate, and execute potential cost-reduction initiatives.

This role is in the Technical & Integrated Planning (T&IP) department on a band 6.10 (D1) reporting to the Section Manager Medium Term Planning (Kolomela).

Responsibilities

Consistently apply safety and health principles in all site interactions within and beyond one's work area.; Identify specific risks within the working area and adhere to discipline-specific plans/systems to avoid these risks.; Participate in relevant safety audits, inspections, and observations and address issues to demonstrate safety leadership.; Promote good housekeeping to ensure compliance and an environment where employees can deliver their outputs within a controlled risk environment.

Requirements

National Diploma in Mining Engineering, or a related field (NQF6).; Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, or a related field (NQF7).; SA Drivers Licence; Additional certifications or training in mine design software (e.g., Surpac, AutoCAD, Datamine) would be advantageous.; Understanding mine design processes, such as pit optimisation, haul road design, waste dump management, and site layout.; Knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles and their impact on mine stability and design.; Expertise in designing critical mine operation infrastructure like roads, drainage systems, and utilities.; Familiarity with environmental legislation and infrastructure requirements in the South African mining sector.; Comprehensive knowledge of mine planning and design software, such as Surpac, Datamine, and AutoCAD Civil 3D.; Familiarity with GIS and other digital tools for spatial data analysis.; In-depth knowledge of South African safety standards and mining regulations.; Understanding of risk management and safety strategies for mine design and infrastructure.; Familiarity with project management methodologies in engineering project environments.; Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimation, and resource allocation for large-scale infrastructure projects.