Strategic Mine Planning Superintendent

Copper World Inc • Sahuarita, AZ

25d • Onsite

About The Position

The Strategic Mine Planning Superintendent plays a pivotal role in shaping the future and maximizing the long-term economic value of our mining operations. You will serve as the primary architect behind our Life-of-Mine (LOM) plan, leading pit and phase optimizations, and executing complex trade-off studies that drive major capital investments. Success in this critical position means effectively bridging the gap between the company's broader growth vision and the execution of a technically robust, financially optimized mine plan.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering is required.
• 10+ years of proven mine engineering experience in open-pit operations, including at least 5 years dedicated to strategic and long-term mine planning, preferably in operations of a similar scale.
• Demonstrated expertise in life-of-mine mine planning, feasibility studies, and financial evaluations.
• Expert-level knowledge of specialized mine planning and optimization software (such as Whittle, Hexagon MinePlan 3D/MPSO, Haulage Simulators, or Minemax Scheduler).
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of open-pit mine optimization principles, NPV modeling, and strategic mine design.
• Competency in financial modeling and economic analysis, including Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) valuation and cost-benefit analysis.
• Must be able to prove ownership of a current and valid driver's license (as driving a company, rental, or personal vehicle is expected).
• Successful completion of a physical and drug screening, as well as educational and criminal background checks, is also required.

Nice To Haves

• A post-graduate degree in Engineering, Business (MBA), or a related field is considered a strong asset.
• Direct experience in the planning, implementation, or operational transition of Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS) is highly desirable.
• Expert knowledge of specialized RPMGlobal Xeras cost estimator software is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design long-term mine infrastructure, including ultimate pit limits, waste storage facilities, stockpiles, haul roads, and primary crushing/material handling sequencing.
• Integrate Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) infrastructure elements into the Life-of-Mine (LOM) plan, including designing autonomous operating zones (AOZs), specialized dual-lane hauling corridors, automated intersections, and dedicated AHS/manned vehicle choke points.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously update the comprehensive LOM plan based on the latest resource models, cost data, and geotechnical, regulatory, and operational constraints.
• Conduct ultimate pit limit optimizations, pushback designs, and phase sequencing using strategic planning tools (e.g., Whittle, NPV Scheduler, Minemax Scheduler) to maximize the project's Net Present Value (NPV).
• Develop the basis of estimate and prepare accurate reporting for the annual Mineral Reserves and Resources statement.
• Prioritize safety in all mine plans and designs, ensuring that development supports safe operations and adheres to all relevant safety protocols and regulations.
• Develop and maintain detailed long-range cost models, incorporating capital expenditures (CapEx) for equipment and infrastructure, alongside operating expenditures (OpEx) for drilling/blasting, loading/haulage, and processing.
• Conduct in-depth economic trade-off studies (e.g., cut-off grade optimization, stockpiling strategies, pit expansion timing) using Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) modeling to support critical business decisions.
• Translate long-term strategic models into the foundation for actionable 5-year plans and support the execution of annual budgets and rolling forecast updates.
• Act as the primary interface between the Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydrogeology, Processing, Environmental, and Finance teams to ensure all technical and cost inputs are seamlessly integrated and aligned within the strategic plan.
• Incorporate slope stability parameters, dewatering strategies, surface water control requirements, and other critical technical constraints into mine design and planning to ensure operational safety and viability.
• Draft comprehensive technical documentation for Mineral Reserve reporting (e.g., SEC S-K 1300/NI 43-101), environmental permitting, and business case presentations for senior management and stakeholders.
• Support the continuous reconciliation process by comparing actual operational performance against the long-term plan, identifying root causes for variances, and adjusting strategic plans accordingly.

Benefits

• Annual performance bonuses
• Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits for you and your family.
• Company paid Life insurance, AD&D, Short- & Long-term Disability.
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
• An Employee Share Purchase Plan with contribution matching
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off, paid sick time and holiday pay.
• Regular performance appraisals to acknowledge our employees for their contributions, strengths and work well done.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior