Engineer, Drill & Blast

Job Purpose

A Engineer, Drill & Blast III in Drill and Blast Engineering is responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and execution of drilling and blasting operations in mining projects. This role involves optimizing blast designs, ensuring safety and efficiency, and maximizing ore recovery while minimizing environmental impact.

Key Accountabilities

Develop and optimize drill and blast plans, designs, and strategies to achieve production targets, minimize ore dilution, and control fragmentation in accordance with geological and operational requirements.

Conduct geological and geotechnical assessments to determine blast ability, rock mass characteristics, and blast performance parameters, and incorporate findings into blast design specifications.

Collaborate with geologists, mine planners, and production teams to integrate drill and blast activities into mine schedules, coordinate drilling and blasting operations, and optimize ore extraction sequences.

Evaluate and select drilling equipment, explosives, initiation systems, and blasting accessories based on project requirements, cost-effectiveness, and safety considerations.

Provide technical guidance and support to drilling and blasting crews, including blast hole pattern design, drill hole spacing, burden-to-spacing ratios, and explosive loading procedures, to ensure compliance with design specifications and safety standards.

Conduct blast performance analysis, vibration monitoring, and post-blast assessments to evaluate blast outcomes, assess rock fragmentation, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Manage and mitigate risks associated with drilling and blasting operations, including flyrock, ground vibrations, airblast, and environmental impacts, and implement control measures to minimize risks.

Liaise with regulatory authorities, environmental agencies, and local communities to ensure compliance with permits, regulations, and environmental standards governing blasting activities.

Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance drilling and blasting practices, optimize blast performance, and reduce costs, such as adopting new technologies, equipment, or blasting techniques.

Provide technical training, mentorship, and coaching to junior engineers and blasting crews on best practices, safety procedures, and technical skills related to drilling and blasting operations.

Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in mining engineering, civil engineering, or related field; master's degree or specialized training in drill and blast engineering preferred.

Minimum Experience:

Minimum of 4-10 years of experience in drill and blast engineering, with a proven track record of planning and executing drilling and blasting operations in surface or underground mining environments.

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Skills:

Strong technical expertise in blast design principles, rock mechanics, explosives engineering, and blasting techniques, with proficiency in blast modeling software (e.g., BlastXpert, Surpac, Vulcan).

Thorough understanding of drilling equipment, explosives, initiation systems, and blasting accessories, as well as safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices governing drilling and blasting operations.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret geological data, analyze blast performance data, and optimize blast designs to achieve desired outcomes.