Open Pit Blaster

Discovery Mining Ltd; South Porcupine; On-site; CAD 103,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Life & AD&D

Defined Contribution Pension Plan

Wellness Spending Accounts & Virtual 1

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Discovery Silver in Timmins, Ontario, seeks a Blaster for open-pit blasting operations. You will safely handle explosives, review blast plans, load holes, and ensure safe initiation in coordination with Mine Operations and Drill & Blast teams.

The role requires blasting certification, ability to read plans, and experience in large-scale open-pit mining. 12-hour shifts on a 5x5x4 schedule, with a strong safety culture and team collaboration.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Valid blasting certification/licence for open-pit or surface mining in Ontario.
• Surface Miner Common Core or equivalent training.
• Demonstrated knowledge of explosives, initiation systems, blast loading practices, and blast-area controls.
• Experience performing blasting in surface mining, quarrying, or heavy industrial environments.
• Strong understanding of health and safety requirements related to explosives and blasting.
• Ability to read and interpret blast plans, drill patterns, and procedures.
• Ability to operate blasting-related equipment.
• Experience in a unionized mining environment.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle, transport, load, and use explosives and blasting accessories.
• Review blast plans, drill patterns, loading requirements, and initiation sequences prior to blasting.
• Load blast holes and install explosives, detonators, boosters, and initiation systems.
• Identify and communicate deviations from the blast plan.
• Establish blast exclusion zones and ensure the area is cleared prior to firing.
• Coordinate blast clearance and communication with supervisors and operators.
• Conduct pre- and post-blast inspections and address potential misfires.
• Maintain accurate explosive inventories, blast records, and documentation.
• Inspect blasting equipment and report unsafe conditions.
• Work with Drill & Blast, Technical Services, and Mine Operations to support safe blast performance.
• Participate in safety meetings and risk assessments.

Skills

Explosives handling

Initiation systems

Blast loading practices

Safety compliance

Reading blast plans

Equipment operation

Outdoor work

Union experience

Education

High School Diploma

Ontario blasting certificate

Surface Miner Common Core training

Explosive Handling Modules

Job description

Discovery is an Americas-focused precious metals company with a diversified portfolio. Our Mission is to deliver sustainable value for all stakeholders by operating in a safe and responsible manner and having a positive impact on local communities.

Located in and around the City of Timmins, Ontario, Porcupine has two underground and one open pit mines. A continuous operation for over 100 years that provides a great work-life balance. Employees from diverse backgrounds are empowered through engagement, involvement, and growth opportunities in the workplace.

Location:Dome

Schedule:5x5x4

The Position

The Blaster is responsible for safely preparing, loading, connecting, securing, and initiating production blasts within the open pit. The position works closely with Mine Operations, Drill & Blast, Technical Services, and other operational personnel to ensure blasting activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved blast designs, site procedures, regulatory requirements, and production schedules.

The Blaster plays a critical role in achieving appropriate fragmentation and muck pile conditions while protecting employees, equipment, infrastructure, and the surrounding environment.

Safety & Sustainability Expectations

The Blaster is expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to safe production and has the authority and responsibility to stop work when conditions are unsafe or inconsistent with the approved blasting plan.

The incumbent must comply with all company policies, site standards, critical controls, blasting procedures, explosive-management requirements, and applicable occupational health and safety legislation.

Particular Emphasis Is Placed On

• Explosive security and accountability
• Blast-area access control
• Positive blast-area clearance
• Correct loading and initiation practices
• Misfire prevention and management
• Communication and authorization prior to firing
• Protection of people, equipment, and infrastructure
• Accurate blasting records and documentation

Key Responsibilities

• Safely handle, transport, load, and use explosives and blasting accessories.
• Review blast plans, drill patterns, loading requirements, and initiation sequences prior to blasting.
• Load blast holes and install appropriate explosives, detonators, boosters, and initiation systems.
• Identify and communicate deviations from the blast plan, including blocked or damaged holes, water conditions, and incorrect hole depths.
• Establish and maintain blast exclusion zones and ensure the area is cleared and secured prior to firing.
• Coordinate blast clearance and communication with supervisors, equipment operators, and other affected personnel.
• Conduct pre- and post-blast inspections and address potential misfires in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain accurate explosive inventories, blast records, and required documentation.
• Inspect blasting equipment and report unsafe conditions or equipment deficiencies.
• Work closely with Drill & Blast, Technical Services, and Mine Operations to support safe and effective blast performance.
• Participate in safety meetings, workplace inspections, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiative

Skills And Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's licence.
• Valid blasting certification/licence applicable to open-pit or surface mining operations in Ontario
• Surface Miner Common Core or equivalent applicable training.
• Demonstrated knowledge of explosives, initiation systems, blast loading practices, and blast-area controls.
• Previous experience performing blasting activities in a surface mining, quarrying, or similar heavy industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of occupational health and safety requirements related to explosives and blasting.
• Ability to read and interpret blast plans, drill patterns, procedures, and related technical information.
• Ability to safely operate light vehicles and blasting-related equipment as required.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to successfully complete all company-required training and site-specific competency requirements.
• Previous experience in a large-scale open-pit mining operation.
• Experience with electronic initiation systems and modern blast-control technologies.
• Explosive Handling Modules
• Experience working with bulk explosive delivery/loading equipment.
• Familiarity with drill-and-blast optimization and blast performance evaluation.
• Previous experience in a unionized mining environment.

Workplace Conditions

Days and Nights

12 hour shifts

Additional Information

Competitive total compensation package including:

• Health, Dental, Life, AD&D, Disability, Healthcare and Wellness Spending Accounts, Virtual Care and Employee and Family Assistance Program;
• Company contributions and matching into a Defined Contribution Pension Plan; and
• Annual total compensation of CAD$102,946 to CAD$127,169 (including annual bonus eligibility).

This posting is for an existing vacancy at Discovery Silver.

We thank all candidates in advance. Please note, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Discovery Silver welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), aboriginal (Indigenous) persons and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. Discovery is committed to a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment.

Please note that we use artificial intelligence tools to screen applications and assess qualifications and selected candidates will be contacted by a human for an interview.