We are recruiting: Principal Mining Consultant – Underground. Australia

Location: Australia (Hybrid /Flexible)
Engagement Type: Full time
Company: Snowden Optiro

About Us

Snowden Optiro is a leading mining advisory firm known for delivering technically excellent, practical, and insightful solutions across the mining value chain. We support clients globally with mining studies, strategic advice, and operational improvement. As part of the Datamine Software Group, our reach and impact are worldwide, yet we maintain a close-knit, collaborative culture that values integrity and innovation.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Mining Engineer – Underground to join our team. This is a leadership role designed for a strategic thinker and technical expert who thrives on solving complex mining challenges and building strong client relationships.

As a Principal, you will lead consulting projects, mentor and develop our talented engineering team, and contribute to shaping the future direction of Snowden Optiro’s mining advisory services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex underground mining engineering studies (scoping, PFS, DFS, operational improvement, due diligence).
• Complete end-to-end executable, value maximising underground mine plans autonomously.
• Provide technical leadership in mine design, scheduling, optimisation, and strategy.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, becoming a trusted advisor to key accounts.
• Oversee and prepare technical reports to international standards (JORC, NI 43-101, S-K 1300).
• Develop proposals, project scopes, and budgets for new engagements.
• Mentor, coach, and support the technical development of junior and senior mining engineers.
• Contribute to thought leadership initiatives, technical innovation, and business development efforts.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mining Engineering.
• At least 15 years of experience in operational or consulting roles in the mining industry.
• Experience in underground operations utilising a range of mining methods and scales.
• Strong underground mine planning and design software skills, ideally in Studio UG but open to others.
• Broad exposure to different geological conditions, commodities, and mining jurisdictions.
• Excellent technical communication and report writing skills.
• Deep understanding of mining project evaluation, technical studies, and financial analysis.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and client-facing projects.

Desirable:

• Multi-commodity experience (e.g., gold, lithium, base metals, bulk commodities).
• International consulting experience.
• Strong commercial acumen with a demonstrated ability to win and deliver consulting work.
• Chartered Professional with a recognised professional body (CP/QP).
• Experience in open pit mine planning and operations

What We Offer

• Senior leadership role with real impact and visibility across global projects.
• A highly flexible, supportive, and entrepreneurial work environment.
• Opportunities for global travel and working on world-class mining operations.
• Clear pathways for leadership growth and influence within the business.
• Competitive salary, bonus potential, and benefits package.
• A culture that truly values collaboration, integrity, and excellence.

How to Express Interest

If you’re an experienced mining professional looking to apply your expertise in a Principal Consulting role — Please send your CV and a brief note of interest to: Hamish.Guthrie@snowdenoptiro.com or contact@snowdenoptiro.com

Please note – candidates will not be accepted or considered from third parties or recruitment consultancies.