There’s nothing prouder for a planner than watching the result come together after months of designing, planning, and coordination. During my time as a Mine Planning Engineer at an open-pit gold mine in Indonesia, I was responsible for planning and coordinating operations in an extremely challenging environment, where geothermal activity caused hot groundwater to emerge from the pit floor and walls, with temperatures reaching up to 95°C. My role involved not only short-term mine planning but also daily collaboration with multiple departments, including Geotechnical, Drill & Blast, Mine Geology, Dewatering, and Operations, to ensure the safe and effective execution of the plan. Close supervision and coordination were essential, especially during pre-start meetings where we reviewed safety concerns, progress updates, and real-time adjustments based on site conditions. One critical factor in open-pit mine planning is the sump sequence, especially in high-rainfall areas like Indonesia. With wet season rainfall reaching up to 400 mm/month and geothermal inflows adding as much as 3,800 m³/hour of hot water, a poor sump plan can quickly turn into operational chaos. Limited space at the pit bottom and ramp constraints mean sump locations must align with long-term mine designs, not just weekly production plans. Misaligned sump sequencing doesn’t just pose safety risks, it can also directly reduce ore recovery below target. These challenges highlight why mine planners must think both strategically and tactically. Strategic thinking helps define the long-term direction, such as production goals, infrastructure layout, and overall pit design. At the same time, tactical decisions, like interim design, sump positioning, digging direction, ramp access, and day-to-day coordination, ensure those long-term plans stay on track under real-world conditions. We must understand “Where are we going?” while also knowing “How do we get there today?” At the end of the day, Strategic and Tactical are not separate mindsets in Mine Planning, they are inseparable. I’m truly grateful for the experience, the chance to be mentored by senior engineers and to work alongside a skilled, professional team. Every project teaches something new, and I’m looking forward to the next challenge.