Drill and Blast Engineer

Helix Mining and Development Corporation; Bulacan; On-site; PHP 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Helix Mining and Development Corporation seeks a Drill and Blast Engineer to lead end-to-end drilling and blasting optimization onsite, overseeing design, contractor supervision, and strict safety/regulatory compliance to maximize fragmentation and excavation efficiency.

The role requires expertise in blast design software and data-driven reporting, with responsibilities including daily operations leadership, developmental planning, and meticulous record-keeping of blast activities and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mining or related discipline and licensure preferred.
• Experience in open-pit or underground mining operations with drill and blast design/execution.
• Strong knowledge of explosives chemistry, initiation systems, and drilling mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Optimize drill and blast design to achieve desired fragmentation.
• Lead onsite drill and blast operations and supervise contractors.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and maintain safety and environmental controls.
• Maintain detailed records: blast reports, hole logs, fragmentation analyses.

Skills

Explosives chemistry

Initiation systems

Drilling mechanics

Leadership

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Geological Engineering

Blasting License/Certificate

Tools

ShotPlus

2D Bench

JKSimBlast

Mine planning software

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Drill and Blast Engineer (DBE) is responsible for the end-to-end optimization, design, and execution of all drilling and blasting activities onsite. This role combines technical expertise with leadership, requiring the DBE to manage developmental plans, supervise contractors, and ensure strict compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The ultimate goal is to achieve optimal fragmentation and excavation efficiency while maintaining an uncompromised focus on safety and environmental control.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Technical Design & Optimization

• Optimize Drill and Blast Design: Utilize specialized engineering software to design patterns, timing sequences, and charge distributions tailored to geological conditions.

• Fragmentation Control: Apply deep technical knowledge of drilling and blasting processes to consistently achieve desired rock fragmentation, minimizing oversize and secondary blasting requirements.

• Impact Mitigation: Design blasts to minimize environmental impacts, specifically controlling vibration, noise, fragmentation anomalies, and fly rock risks.

Operational Leadership & Supervision

• Onsite Supervision: Lead, manage, and supervise all daily drill and blast operations on-site to ensure seamless execution.

• Developmental Plans: Execute short-term and long-term mine development plans in alignment with overall production targets.

• Contractor Management: Supervise Drill and Blast Contractors to ensure absolute adherence to company safety protocols, project timelines, and operational standards.

Compliance, Safety, & Record-Keeping

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict compliance with all local and national regulatory requirements, including the timely and accurate submission of Explosives Delivery and Consumption Reports.

• Data & Reporting: Maintain meticulous, accurate records of all activities, including:

  • Equipment blast reports
  • Drill hole logs and deviation data
  • Fragmentation analysis and post-blast assessments

• Safety Audits: Conduct regular risk assessments and safety audits of explosives storage, handling, and loading areas.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Educational & Professional Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a strictly related discipline.

Licensure: Valid Blasting License/Certificate (highly preferred or required based on local jurisdiction).

Experience: Proven experience in open-pit or underground mining operations, with a strong focus on drill and blast design and execution.

Technical & Soft Skills

Technical Expertise: Strong technical knowledge of explosives chemistry, initiation systems, and drilling mechanics.

Software Proficiency: Experience with drill and blast design software (e.g., ShotPlus, 2DBench, JKSimBlast, or similar) and mine planning software.

Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage third-party contractors effectively under high-pressure environments.

Attention to Detail: Exceptional record-keeping skills and a data-driven approach to continuous operational improvement.