Senior Blast Engineer - Mining Operations

Placements24; Paarl; Híbrido; ZAR 1.400.000 - 2.100.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary

Performance-driven bonus

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance to Paarl

Access to blasting technology

Safety-focused culture

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 seeks a Senior Blast Engineer in Paarl, Western Cape, to lead design, implementation and optimization of open-pit blasting operations. You will maximize fragmentation, ensure safety and minimize environmental impact while integrating blast designs with the mining plan.

The role requires 7+ years in blast engineering, expertise in blasting software, and a proactive, safety-conscious mindset with travel if needed in a hybrid work setup.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in blast engineering in open-pit mining.
• Proficient with blast design software and techniques.
• Knowledge of explosives, initiation systems, and safe handling.
• Understanding of blast-induced ground vibration and mitigation.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.

Responsabilidades

• Design and optimize blast patterns for fragmentation, muckpile, and wall stability.
• Select explosives and initiation systems per geology and operations.
• Supervise blast execution and ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Conduct post-blast analyses, including fragmentation and vibration measurements.
• Use blast design software for modeling and simulation.
• Collaborate with geology and mine planning to integrate designs with models.
• Investigate blast incidents and implement corrective actions.
• Develop training on safe blasting practices.
• Stay updated on blasting technology and software.
• Contribute to continuous blasting procedures improvement.

Conocimientos

Blast design

Post-blast analysis

Vibration monitoring

Explosives handling

Safety and compliance

Team collaboration

Software: Orica BlastIQ

Software: Hexagon Blast Planner

Communication

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Herramientas

Orica BlastIQ

Hexagon Blast Planner

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the mining sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Blast Engineer to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape. This crucial role involves the design, implementation, and optimization of all blasting operations in open-pit mines, aiming to maximize fragmentation, ensure safety, and minimize environmental impact. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of blast physics, explosives technology, and advanced blast design software. You will work closely with mine planning and operations teams to ensure that blast designs are integrated seamlessly with the overall mine plan, contributing directly to efficient ore extraction and cost control. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to apply your expertise in a demanding environment. We are looking for a proactive and safety-conscious engineer who can lead blast-related initiatives and mentor junior personnel. This role is vital for ensuring the operational success and safety of mining activities in the Paarl region. The opportunity provides exposure to innovative blasting techniques and a chance to contribute significantly to project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and optimize blast patterns for open-pit mining operations to achieve desired fragmentation, muckpile profiles, and wall stability.
• Select appropriate explosives and initiating systems based on geological conditions and operational requirements.
• Supervise and manage blast execution, ensuring compliance with all safety regulations and environmental standards.
• Conduct post-blast analyses, including fragmentation measurements and vibration monitoring, to evaluate blast performance.
• Utilize blast design software (e.g., Orica BlastIQ, Hexagon Blast Planner) for modeling and simulation.
• Liaise with geology and mine planning departments to integrate blast designs with mine plans and geological models.
• Investigate and resolve any blast-related incidents or issues, implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver training programs on safe and effective blasting practices.
• Stay current with advancements in explosives technology, blast design techniques, and related software.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of blasting procedures and performance metrics.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in blast engineering within open-pit mining environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in blast design software and techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of explosives, initiation systems, and their safe handling and application.
• Understanding of blast-induced ground vibration and air blast effects, and mitigation strategies.
• Proven ability to conduct post-blast analysis and optimize designs based on results.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Experience in the Western Cape mining sector is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites as needed within the hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package commensurate with your experience and expertise.
• Performance-driven bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund coverage.
• Opportunities for professional development, including workshops and advanced training.
• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to Paarl.
• Access to cutting-edge blasting technology and equipment.
• A supportive and safety-focused work culture.