Engineer, Drill & Blast

Ma'aden Aluminium Company (MAC); Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Ma'aden Aluminium Company (MAC) is seeking an Engineer Drill & Blast III to lead planning, design and execution of drilling and blasting in mining projects. You will optimize blast designs, improve fragmentation, and ensure safety and efficiency while maximizing ore recovery.

The role requires 4–10 years in drill and blast, a mining or civil engineering degree, and experience with blast modeling software. You will coordinate with geologists and production teams, train crews, and liaise with

Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in blast design principles, rock mechanics, explosives engineering, and blasting techniques.
• Ability to interpret geological data, analyze blast performance data, and optimize blast designs to achieve desired outcomes.
• Experience with blast modeling software and blasting accessories within regulatory safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize drill and blast plans to meet production targets.
• Coordinate drilling and blasting operations with mine schedules.
• Evaluate and select drilling equipment, explosives, initiation systems, and blasting accessories.
• Provide guidance on blast hole pattern design, hole spacing, burdens, and loading procedures.
• Conduct blast performance analysis, vibration monitoring, and post-blast assessments.
• Manage risks including flyrock, ground vibrations, and environmental impacts.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and communities to ensure compliance with permits and standards.
• Mentor and train junior engineers and blasting crews on best practices and safety.

Skills

blast design principles

rock mechanics

explosives engineering

blasting techniques

blast modeling software

drilling equipment

explosives

initiation systems

safety regulations

data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in mining engineering or civil engineering

Master's degree or specialized training in drill and blast engineering

Tools

BlastXpert

Surpac

Vulcan

Job description

A Engineer Drill amp 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

strong Key Accountabilities strong

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.

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.