Senior Open Pit Planning Engineer

Norton Gold Fields is one of Australia’s largest domestic gold producers, with recent annual production of up to 260,000 ounces. The Company has a mining and processing complex in Western Australia’s world-class Kalgoorlie goldfield region, including a highly prospective tenement package of more than 1,000km² surrounding the 3.8Mtpa Paddington Mill. In 2020, Norton invested in a new Binduli low-grade project 30km south-west of Norton’s Paddington Mill, intending to boost production and extend the life of the mine for years to come. Norton's strategy would see the mining of refractory ore sources for treatment at the Paddington Mill. The plans also include building a new operation centre to support its low-grade mining and ore treatment facilities, which is about 30 km south-west of Norton’s Paddington Mill. This two-pronged strategy would create about 220 jobs from next year. About the Role We are seeking an experienced Senior Open Pit Planning Engineer to lead due diligence studies, long-term planning, and major project evaluations across our open pit operations. This key role within the Technical Services team is responsible for delivering high-quality mine designs, cost models, feasibility studies, and strategic planning aligned with Norton and Zijin’s long-term growth objectives. Working closely with the Open Pit Technical Superintendent, UG/OP Tech Services teams, and Zijin specialists, you will drive technical innovation, improve mining efficiency, and ensure our future projects meet safety, sustainability, and operational excellence standards. Duties Lead due diligence and feasibility studies for major open-pit projects. Develop, review, and report on long-term mine schedules and Life-of-Mine plans. Produce practical mine designs, including required infrastructure and development concepts. Assess mining methods and analyse economic viability, providing recommendations. Develop complete business case proposals, including data analysis and approval documentation. Review and maintain cost models, updating with actuals to improve accuracy. Identify and implement optimisation and business improvement opportunities. Contribute to budget preparation and strategic planning. Maintain strong safety standards and participate in required safety meetings. Provide leadership in the absence of the OP Technical Superintendent. Support operational teams and respond to time-critical safety or operational issues when required. Perform other duties as needed to support mine planning and operational continuity. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering. First Class Mine Manager’s or Quarry Manager’s Certificate (desirable). Experience in mining feasibility studies. Bilingual English/Chinese highly regarded. Skills & Experience Strong background in open pit mining operations and mine planning. Knowledge of geology, mining engineering principles, and optimisation techniques. Experience with cost modelling, LOM planning, and project evaluation. Familiarity with WHS Act 2020 & WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022. Ability to identify and implement process and operational improvements. Strong analytical, reporting, and risk assessment skills. Excellent communication skills with ability to engage stakeholders at all levels. Proficiency in mining planning software (Deswik desirable) and MS Office suite. Performance Bonus Private Health Cover Other Benefits Comprehensive health and well-being programs, including Discounted gym membership EAP support Family-friendly roster How to Apply Click APPLY to submit your application or forward your application to ***********@padgold.com.au. Please note that when you apply, you agree for Norton to conduct police verification check on you. Be careful - Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don't transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad . #J-18808-Ljbffr