Drill and Blast Engineer

GOLD FIELDS; Westonaria Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mining company is seeking a Drill & Blast Engineer to join their dynamic team at South Deep Gold Mine. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing efficient drill and blast plans and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Applicants should possess relevant qualifications and extensive experience in bulk mechanised mining to contribute to the operational goals effectively.

Benefits

Support for ongoing development and career aspirations.

Commitment to diversity and equity in employment.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience in underground bulk mechanised mining.
• Possession of a Blasting Ticket for Scheduled Mines.
• Declared medically fit and passed required medical examinations.

Responsibilities

• Develop optimal drill and blast plans.
• Schedule and conduct operational safety inspections.
• Manage Drill and Blast database and monitor cost.

Skills

Safety Leadership

Communication Skills

Problem-solving

Project Management

Blast Design Knowledge

Education

Degree or National Diploma in Mining Engineering

Tools

Blast Pattern Design Software

Stope Reconciliation Software

Job description

South Deep is recruiting!

This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to a dynamic and engaged team of professionals, working together to become the beacon of pride for our people, our communities, our stakeholders, and our shareholders.

At South Deep, we value each person’s individual and collective contribution and support your ongoing development, helping you to achieve your career and our business aspirations.

Position

Drill & Blast Engineer

Job Grading

D-Lower

Department

Technical Services

Site

South Deep Gold Mine

The Drill & Blast Engineer is accountable for developing optimal drill and blast plans to safely and efficiently liberate ore within tunnel profile, waste dilution and fragmentation tolerances. The Drill and Blast Engineer, through the effective application of best drill and blast practices; cutting edge technology and the provision of quality designs, will contribute to the execution of the operational and strategic mine plans which will realise sustainable and optimal long-term value for our people; communities, stakeholders and shareholders alike.

Minimum Requirements

Grade 12 or equivalent

Degree or National Diploma in Mining Engineering or relevant field

At least 5 years’ experience in underground bulk mechanised mining, specifically on Longhole stoping or similar bulk production drilling and charge-up operations

Be in possession of a Blasting Ticket for Scheduled Mines or Rock Breaker’s certificate

Be declared medically fit for the position and environment, as determined by a risk-based medical examination at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre and pass a Heat Tolerance Screening test, and such other tests as may be required to assess the applicant’s suitability for employment

Key Competencies

Proven safety and environmental leadership/stewardship

Sound interpersonal, collaborative and communication skills

Proven people and team leadership capability

Basic understanding and knowledge of drill rigs charge units and how they operate

Proven diagnostic, problem-solving, decision-making skills using Lean Six Sigma tools and principles

Sound project management skills

Proven application and management of technology

Working knowledge of Blast Pattern Design and Stope Reconciliation software

In-depth knowledge of drill and blast design; mine planning and scheduling, preferably the Deswik packages

Duties And Responsibilities

Actively participate in, and lead interventions aimed at contributing to a culture of Zero Harm by adhering to and ensuring compliance with specified legislation, SHE policies and procedures, operational standards, instructions and governance requirements

Actively engage in and demonstrate Visible Felt Leadership aligned to operational SHE standards, operational campaigns and instructions

Schedule and conduct regular operational safety, safe work practice and operational delivery inspections ensuring appropriate remediation interventions are executed

Maintain effective people management practices by ensuring that team roles and competencies are clearly defined, and that effective team delivery is maintained

Coach and guide Front Line Leaders (FLL) to assume and maintain effective and direct leadership accountability over their operational teams in respect of safety management, shift planning, work assignment, planned task observations and executing remedial measures

Develop Production drill designs and layouts

Develop Production charge designs and layouts

Implement and manage control systems to ensure safe drilling; timing and quality blasting

Drill and blast cost planning as well as reconciliation, monitoring and improvement of cost

Participate in short-term, medium-term and Long-term planning (strategic business plan)

Provide valuable input into the weekly, monthly and quarterly pre-planning and planning meetings

Manage the Drill and Blast database

Carry out Stope reconciliations and measure compliance to design reporting

Oversee the planning, extraction sequencing, design and scheduling of ring drilling and blasting (Benching and Open Stopes), utilizing blast design software

Monitor and react to control the fragmentation and waste dilution within acceptable limits

Optimize fragmentation and downstream processes (holistic approach blast-to-mill throughput concept)

Conduct Ring drilling, timing and blasting performance modelling and adjustment according to ground conditions in consultation with the Geotechnical Engineer

Develop a sense of continuois improvement by streamlining drill and blast processes which will increase productivity, quality and compliance

Closing Date: 30 June 2025

Please note that the Gold Fields code of conduct strictly prohibits the exchange of any payment as part of its recruitment process.

Should you require any assistance or have any challenges in applying for a position, please contact the Recruitment hub on 011 411 1387

Gold Fields is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment

NOTE: all relevant certificates must be attached to your CV in order to be considered for shortlisting