Senior Drill and Blast Engineer

Ready Mining; Moranbah; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Ready Mining in Moranbah, QLD is seeking a Senior Drill and Blast Engineer for an on-site contract role with FIFO options from Brisbane (4/3 or 8/6). You will design and optimize drill and blast patterns, prepare shot plans, and oversee daily activities to meet safety, cost, and productivity targets.

You will monitor performance, provide technical guidance to operations and contractors, and collaborate with mine planning and geology teams while contributing to continuous improvement and risk

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to design drill & blast patterns and optimize fragmentation.
• Experience with mine planning and drill & blast software.
• Strong knowledge of rock mechanics and fragmentation analysis.
• Field supervision with a safety-focused approach.
• Familiarity with Australian explosives regulations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize drill and blast patterns and prepare shot plans.
• Oversee daily drilling and blasting activities and monitor performance.
• Provide technical guidance to operations and contractors.
• Analyze production and fragmentation data to adjust designs for safety, cost, and productivity.
• Regular reporting and coordination with mine planning and geology teams; participate in risk assessments and safety reviews.

Skills

Drill & blast design

Pattern optimization

Charge calculations

Blast scheduling

Field supervision

Data interpretation

Continuous improvement

Communication & collaboration

Mining regulations knowledge

Safety focus

Rock mechanics understanding

Explosives handling awareness

Analytical mindset

Open cut mining experience

Education

Mining Engineering degree

Tools

Vulcan

BlastLogic

Deswik

Job description

Company Description Ready Mining, founded in 2024, is a multi-disciplinary mining consultancy supporting clients from exploration through planning, operation, rehabilitation, and closure. The firm is dedicated to matching skilled professionals with roles where they can solve complex operational challenges and add measurable value. Ready Mining partners closely with mining operations to provide practical, site-focused expertise across the project lifecycle. Team members benefit from exposure to diverse projects and the opportunity to contribute directly to client success. Applicants can expect a collaborative environment that values technical excellence, safety, and problem-solving.

Role Description This is a contract, on-site role for a Senior Drill and Blast Engineer based in Moranbah, QLD. Fifo out of brisbane with 4/3 or 8/6 roster options. The role involves designing and optimizing drill and blast patterns, preparing shot plans, and ensuring compliance with site standards and regulatory requirements. The engineer will oversee daily drilling and blasting activities, monitor performance, and provide technical guidance to operational teams and contractors. Responsibilities include analyzing production and fragmentation data, adjusting designs for safety, cost, and productivity, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives. The position also requires regular reporting, coordination with mine planning and geology teams, and active participation in risk assessments and safety reviews.

Qualifications

• Strong drill and blast design skills, including pattern optimization, charge calculations, and blast scheduling.
• Experience with mine planning and drill and blast software (e.g., Vulcan, blastlogic, deswik similar tools).
• Solid understanding of rock mechanics, geotechnical principles, and fragmentation analysis.
• Proven capability in field supervision of drilling and blasting operations with a strong safety focus.
• Knowledge of relevant Australian mining regulations, explosives handling standards, and compliance requirements.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with operations, geology, and contractor teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including data interpretation and continuous improvement mindset.
• Degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline, with significant drill and blast experience in open cut mining.
• Current or eligibility for required explosives competencies and permits in Queensland.
• Ability to work on-site in Moranbah, QLD, and adapt to changing operational priorities.