At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the planning for sustainable tin extraction in a dynamic mining environment.
- Company: Join Cornish Metals, a forward-thinking company focused on ethical tin production.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the mining industry while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mining Engineering and experience in narrow vein hard rock mining required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Company Cornish Metals is an AIM listed Company working towards re-opening the 100% owned South Crofty underground tin mine in Pool, Cornwall. In March 2025, we raised £57.4 million, anchored by the UK's National Wealth Fund and Vision Blue Resources to advance South Crofty towards tin production once again. Tin is essential for electronics, renewable energy and modern technology and demand is projected to increase by 30% in the next decade. We are committed to ethical, responsible and domestic tin production and are proud to have strong local and national support.
Role requirements
The Senior Mine Planner will be responsible for developing safe, efficient and cost effective mine designs, plans and schedules that support sustainable tin extraction. South Crofty is a hard rock, primary tin deposit in a multi-narrow vein system. The Senior Mine Planner will have a key role working with geological, technical, processing, backfill and operational teams to ensure safety, maximise value and meet long term strategic objectives.
Principle responsibilities/role tasks
- Mine Planning & Scheduling: Develop short, medium, and long term plans for tin extraction based on geological models and production targets. Create detailed development and production designs. Optimisation of mine layouts driven to maximise tin recovery and minimising dilution in a narrow vein environment. Scheduling development and production activities considering ore variability, geotechnical constraints, ventilation requirements, and equipment availability. Use mine planning software (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Surpac, Datamine) to prepare detailed designs and schedules.
- Resource & Grade Control Integration: Collaborate with geologists to integrate geological models and update based on new drilling or mapping data. Conduct reconciliation of planned vs. actual production to improve resource accuracy and future planning quality.
- Operational Coordination: Integration of scheduling to mine operations is a key part of the role. Provide clear planning deliverables to operations, engineering and processing teams. Participate in daily/weekly meetings to review progress, adapt schedules and solve operational challenges. Implement Continuous Improvement based on changing economics and resource understanding.
- Technical & Economic Analysis: Perform scenario analysis to evaluate mining sequences, development strategies, and ventilation or access layouts to ensure realistic planning assumptions. Support engineering studies, life of mine (LOM) planning, and optimisation projects.
- Safety & Environmental Compliance: Ensure mine plans comply with UK mining regulations, safety legislation and environmental standards. Mine designs will incorporate geotechnical guidance to maintain ground stability. Contribute to long-term closure, rehabilitation and water management plans.
Working Environment
Primarily office based, however the role will require frequent underground inspections. Conditions include limited lighting, wet and muddy environments, and varying temperatures. High humidity and frequent draughts are common. Work may involve heavy, vibrating handheld tools and manual handling up to 20kg.
Access & Underground Movement: Main access to the deep workings is via an 8 person cage in an 800m deep shaft. A secondary emergency
Senior Mine Planner employer: Cornish Metals
Cornish Metals is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the scenic Pool, Cornwall, the company offers competitive salaries, a commitment to ethical mining practices, and opportunities for meaningful contributions to sustainable tin production, all while being supported by strong local and national partnerships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mine Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend mining conferences, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know in the field, the better your chances of landing that Senior Mine Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your mine planning projects and designs. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to mine planning and safety compliance. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Cornish Metals and contributing to sustainable tin production.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mine Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Mine Planner role. Highlight your experience in narrow vein hard rock mining and any relevant software skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs at South Crofty!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about tin mining and how you can contribute to our mission. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention your teamwork skills!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate directly to mine planning and scheduling. If you've worked with geotechnical principles or have project management experience, make sure to highlight those!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Cornish Metals!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornish Metals
✨Know Your Mine Planning Software
Make sure you're well-versed in the mine planning software mentioned in the job description, like Deswik or Vulcan. Brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects.
✨Understand the Geology
Familiarise yourself with the geological models relevant to the South Crofty mine. Being able to discuss how geological factors influence mine design and scheduling will show that you’re not just a planner, but also a strategic thinker.
✨Safety First!
Since safety is a big part of the role, prepare to talk about your experience with UK mining regulations and how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. Share specific examples where you contributed to safe mining practices.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration with various teams, so be ready to highlight your teamwork skills. Think of examples where you successfully worked with geologists, engineers, or operational staff to achieve common goals.
