Programme Lead – Mine Planning & Repurposing

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is seeking a highly technically competent professional to lead its Mine Planning & Repurposing vertical. This role is intended for a senior expert with a deep grounding in mine planning, statutory mine closure, land reclamation, and post-mining land use, capable of delivering technically rigorous assessments and implementation-ready outputs.
Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh (with required field engagement)
Commitment: Full-time, long-term
Reporting to: Director

About iFOREST & Engagement on Sustainable Mining and Mine Repurposing
iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organisation working at the intersection of environment, industry, and development. The organisation’s work focuses on solution-oriented, evidence-based research, development of innovative and scalable solutions, and convening diverse stakeholders to build consensus. iFOREST partners with think tanks, civil government agencies, civil society organisations, and industry leaders to inform policy and support implementation.
iFOREST’s leadership brings 20-plus years of experience in sustainable mining and mineral sector transformation across multiple states and districts in India. In recent years, the organisation has been closely engaged in scientific mine closure, mine land repurposing, and closure cost estimation, working in tandem with governments and the industry.

Role Overview
The Programme Lead will anchor iFOREST’s technical work on scientific mine planning, mine closure, and repurposing of mining land and assets. The role requires technical expertise and hands-on capability to engage with and to guide technically sound, regulation-aligned decisions on scientific mine/mine closure planning and land repurposing, along with relevant outputs.

Essential Qualifications & Experience
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline will be a plus.
• Minimum 10-12 years of professional experience in mines management, mine planning, mine closure, reclamation, or post-mining land use.
• Experience in preparing, reviewing, or approving mine plans and/or mine closure plans.
• Strong familiarity with statutory mine-closure requirements, regulatory processes, and environmental safeguards.
• Experience working with coal and/or mineral mining operations.

Key Responsibilities
1. Technical & Scientific Assessments
• Undertake technical and engineering assessments across mine closure planning and post-mining land repurposing.
• Lead and conduct site surveys and site-specific technical and scientific assessments, including for land suitability, slope stability, soil quality, hydrology, etc.
• Develop asset-specific and cluster-level repurposing plans based on technical and scientific assessments, site surveys, etc., in line with statutory guidelines and best practices.
• Assess readiness for phased land release, including closure sequencing, reclamation timelines, remaining liabilities, and availability of infrastructure for post-mining land use.
2. Research & Technical Outputs
• Lead development of integrated mine closure and repurposing plans, high-quality technical reports, and toolkits on mine planning, closure, and land repurposing.
• Ensure outputs are data-driven, technically rigorous, and implementation-oriented, suitable for adoption by governments, PSUs, and regulators.
• Translate complex technical assessments into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers, regulators, public-sector companies, and financial institutions.
• Support preparation of project concepts and technical notes for repurposed mine land.
3. Stakeholder & Institutional Engagement
• Engage with mining companies, regulators, state and central government departments, and other technical experts.
• Represent iFOREST in technical committees, expert groups, and consultations related to the area of work.
• Lead and organize workshops, meetings, reviews, and capacity-building engagements with government and industry stakeholders.
4. Programme & Team Management
• Lead and mentor a team of researchers and technical experts.
• Manage technical consultants and ensure quality control of deliverables.
• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and reporting for technically complex programmes.

What We Offer
• Opportunity to lead high-impact, technically rigorous work on mine closure and land repurposing in India.
• A collaborative, research-driven environment with strong policy and implementation relevance.
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with senior technical expertise.

Application Process
We encourage candidates to submit their application by clicking on the Apply Now button. If you face any difficulties, you may send your application at [email protected] mentioning the reference code MP/NCR-06-12/25  in the subject line.