Drill & Blast Technician

Anglo American; Postmasburg; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Anglo American in South Africa seeks a Drill & Blast Technician to optimise blasting performance in line with safety and design standards. You will support engineering and field teams, manage data accuracy, and drive improvements in blasting efficiency.

The role requires 3–5 years in blasting/drilling, explosives handling, and experience with HP GPS drilling; a blasting ticket and mining qualification are preferred. Expenditure input and collaborative problem solving are part of daily duties.

Qualifications

• Operational experience as supervisor or Mine Overseer in Blasting or Drilling logistics.
• 3–5 years of blasting and drilling operations experience, preferably surface/open pit.
• Explosives engineering and handling experience.
• Autonomous drilling and HP GPS drilling systems experience.

Responsibilities

• Design drill patterns for optimal blasting outcomes.
• Scrutinise and approve blast block designs for safety and compliance.
• Monitor drilling operations for alignment with design specifications.
• Validate seismograph data for investigations and third-party assessments.
• Support D/B Engineer with in-field documentation and weekly reconciliations.
• Provide technical support to ensure blasting standards compliance.

Skills

Explosives handling

Autonomous drilling

HP GPS drilling

Explosives engineering

Safety leadership

Education

Grade 12 or equivalent

Higher National Certificate (NQF5/N4–N6)

Mining Diploma (NQF6) Explosives Management

Opencast Blasting Ticket

Hard Rock Mining Certificate

SA Drivers Licence Code B

Job description

Company Description
We have an exciting opportunity for Drill & Blast Technician. The purpose of this role is to optimise drilling and blasting performance in accordance with statutory requirements, ensure adherence to design specifications, support engineering, operational, and technical teams, and effectively manage data to enhance blasting efficiency and safety.
We’re the best in the industry.
You’ll make us better.
Guided by our purpose and our values, we enable both high performance and purposeful action as we aim to “re-imagine mining to improve people’s lives", delivering the metals and minerals that make modern life possible – from mobile phones to medicines.
Kumba Iron Ore
We produce high-grade iron ore, the key component in steel widely used in construction and manufacturing across the world. Our activities include all aspects – exploration; mining; processing and blending; shipping; marketing and selling. In South Africa, we have mining operations in the Northern Cape province, as well as a head office in Rosebank, Gauteng, and a port operation in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape.
Job Description
As Drill & Blast Technician your responsibilities will include but not limited to:
Safety, Health, and Environment

• Consistently apply Safety and Health principles in all team interactions and take personal responsibility for the safety of self and others to ensure zero harm and the elimination of fatalities.

Planning and Design:

• Design drill patterns for optimal blasting outcomes.
• Scrutinise and approve blast block designs to ensure safety and compliance.
• Monitor drilling operations to verify alignment with design specifications, including traffic management compliance.
• Monitor charging operations to ensure on-bench practices are adhered to and compliance with design
• Validate seismograph data to ensure optimal recording data for investigations and 3rd party assessment
• Review timing designs of blasts and ensure end-users are upskilled in the fault-finding process on-bench
• Technical fieldwork, including reactive ground, rock response, lacing of blast holes, borehole calliper, etc.

Training and Certification:

• Train and prepare individuals for blasting certification.
• Develop action plans for candidates to achieve certification requirements.
• Assist with technical fault finding during timing and firing operations.

Continuous Improvement:

• Share knowledge on blasting practices and recommend proactive measures for compliance.
• Research and analyse novel blasting technologies for potential adoption.
• Provide technical support to ensure compliance with blasting standards.
• Enhance drill patterns and sequences for improved accuracy and efficiency.
• Optimise drilling equipment for maximum productivity and reduced downtime.
• Implement the latest drilling technologies to improve penetration rate.
• Work closely with explosives suppliers to optimise product performance and provide quality recons to ensure continuous A&I process.

Budget Management:

• Provide input on expenditure within the approved budget for effective cost control.
• Cost validation on consumables and norms, i.e. bits, rods, accessories, bulk explosives, et al.

Validation and Documentation:

• Validate drilling and charging operations to ensure adherence to design specifications.
• Support D&B Engineer with documentation and technical assistance in-field, as well as weekly D&B Reconciliation.

Software Execution and Data Accuracy:

• Execute BlastMaster for blast design, optimisation, and scheduling.
• Ensure the accuracy of data in BlastLogik for performance tracking and analysis.
• Ensure data accuracy of the HP GPS system on Drills; ensure accurate socket data.
• Misfire management.

This role is in Technical & Integrated Planning (T&IP) department on a Band 7 (C-Upper) level reporting to the Section Manager Drill & Blast Technical.
Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Higher National Certificate on NQF5 (NATED N4/N6 Certificate)
• Mining Diploma (NQF6) Explosives Management is preferred
• Opencast Blasting Ticket
• Hard Rock Mining Certificate is preferred
• SA Drivers Licence Code B
  

Technical Knowledge

• Operational experience as a supervisor or Mine Overseer in Blasting or Drilling logistics.
• 3-5 years of experience in Blasting and Drilling Operations, with preference for Surface / Open Pit Mining.
• Explosives engineering/explosives handling.
• Autonomous drilling / HP GPS Drilling systems.

Additional Information
Who we are?
Anglo American is a global diversified mining business. Our portfolio of world-class mining operations provides the metals and minerals that make modern life possible. We use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and mine.
We work together with our key partners and stakeholders to unlock the sustainable value that those resources represent for our shareholders, the communities and countries in which we operate and for society at large. Anglo American is re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives.
Inclusion and Diversity
Anglo American is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential.