Explosives Engineer - Paarl

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hazard pay

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Specialized training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a safety-focused Explosives Engineer to manage all blasting activities at a mining operation near Paarl. You will supervise procurement, storage, handling and use of explosives, ensuring compliance with SA regulations and company safety policies.

The role emphasizes safe, efficient blasting design, training of personnel, incident prevention, and collaboration with site leadership to optimize ore extraction while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of blasting operations or explosives engineering within the mining industry.
• Valid Blasting Certificate or equivalent qualification recognized in South Africa.
• In-depth knowledge of explosives properties, initiation systems, and blast design software.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations pertaining to explosives.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and training skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and supervise blasting operations to optimize fragmentation.
• Manage inventory, storage, and transport of explosives per regulations.
• Conduct safety audits of magazines, handling areas, and blast sites.
• Develop and implement standardized blasting procedures and safe work methods.
• Train personnel on safe handling, loading, and firing techniques.
• Investigate incidents or near misses and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Blasting engineering

Leadership

Training

HSE compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Blast design software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a safety-focused and technically skilled Explosives Engineer to manage and oversee all aspects of explosive use within their mining operations near Paarl . This role is paramount to ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective application of blasting techniques to optimize ore extraction. You will be responsible for the procurement, storage, handling, and use of explosives, ensuring strict compliance with all national regulations and company safety policies. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of blasting engineering, a strong commitment to safety, and the ability to train and supervise personnel involved in explosive operations, thereby contributing to the overall success and safety of the mining venture.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and supervise all blasting operations to optimize fragmentation and minimize dilution.
• Manage the inventory, storage, and transportation of explosives and initiating devices in compliance with regulations.
• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of explosive magazines, handling areas, and blast sites.
• Develop and implement standardized blasting procedures and safe work methods.
• Train personnel involved in blasting operations on safe handling, loading, and firing techniques.
• Investigate any incidents or near misses related to explosives and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in blasting operations or explosives engineering within the mining industry.
• Possession of a valid Blasting Certificate or equivalent qualification recognized in South Africa.
• In-depth knowledge of explosives properties, initiation systems, and blast design software.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations pertaining to explosives.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and training skills.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with hazard pay considerations.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for specialized training in advanced blasting techniques.
• A critical role in ensuring operational efficiency and safety at the mine site.
• Work within a regulated and safety-conscious operational framework.