Senior Mining Engineer, Mine Planning

Senior Mining Engineer Jobs in Solwezi at First Quantum Minerals

First Quantum Minerals invites applications for the position of Senior Mining Engineer, Mine Planning based in Solwezi, Northwestern Zambia. We are seeking a skilled professional to join our team and contribute to the strategic development and execution of mining schedules that align with our business objectives. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about open-pit mining and eager to work within a culture that values independent thinking and innovative problem-solving.

About First Quantum Minerals and Our Culture

At First Quantum, our unique approach—known as the “First Quantum Way”—empowers our employees to unlock their full potential. We foster a culture where bold, smart thinking is encouraged, enabling our teams to identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and deliver excellent results in extraordinary locations. Joining us means working in an environment that challenges conventions and supports continuous improvement.

Role Overview: Senior Mining Engineer Jobs in Solwezi

As a Senior Mining Engineer in Mine Planning, you will support the Principal Mining Engineer by developing, maintaining, and reconciling the Business Plan (BP) and forecast schedules. Your role will be critical in translating strategic plans into actionable schedules, identifying deviations, and proposing effective recovery solutions to ensure alignment with business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Plan Schedule Development: Develop and maintain mining schedule inputs including production profiles, material movement, ore release, strip ratios, and dump capacities. Translate Life of Mine strategies into practical and executable schedules.
• Forecast Scheduling and Recovery Planning: Monitor forecast schedules to measure performance against the Business Plan, update schedules with real-time data, and develop recovery scenarios to address any gaps.
• Integration of Planning Horizons: Ensure alignment between the Business Plan, forecast schedules, and monthly plans, providing clear guidance to support execution priorities.
• Reconciliation and Reporting: Lead reconciliation processes between plans and actual performance, analyze variances, and prepare concise reports and dashboards for management review.
• Governance and Technical Support: Support scenario testing, maintain rigorous schedule controls, and provide technical input for design and deployment strategy updates while ensuring compliance with all operational constraints.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering (BEng/BSc); postgraduate qualifications are advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in open-pit mining engineering, preferably within large-scale copper or base metal operations.
• Proven expertise in Business Plan and forecast scheduling, scenario development, reconciliation, and schedule analysis.
• Proficiency with mine planning and scheduling software such as Deswik, Datamine, Vulcan, Surpac, MineSight, or Whittle.
• Strong analytical, technical writing, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) or an equivalent professional body is preferred.

Behavioural Competencies and Operational Requirements

• Analytical and structured planner with commercial insight and the ability to connect strategy with practical schedules.
• Collaborative leader capable of influencing cross-functional teams to align on planning priorities.
• Detail-oriented, decisive, and accountable with a focus on delivery, governance, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure during planning and recovery cycles, with flexibility to work overtime when necessary.
• Valid driver’s license and readiness to work under site conditions.

Location, Employment Type, and Application Details

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the official First Quantum Minerals careers portal by 4 August 2026. Please visit the following link to apply:

First Quantum Minerals Careers – Senior Mining Engineer, Mine Planning