Senior Drill & Blast Engineer

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement provisions

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drill & Blast Engineer near Polokwane, Limpopo, to optimize fragmentation, safety, and efficiency in both open-pit and underground mining operations. You will design, plan, and analyze drill and blast activities, applying advanced blast modeling to improve outcomes.

The role requires 7+ years of experience, a Mining Engineering degree, and proficiency with Deswik Blast, BlastMap, and SRK.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in drill and blast engineering within the mining industry.
• Proven experience designing and executing complex blast patterns for open-pit and/or underground mining.
• Proficiency with drill and blast design and modeling software.
• Strong understanding of explosives, initiation systems, and safe handling.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize blast patterns for varying mining conditions to achieve fragmentation, muckpile characteristics, and wall stability.
• Plan and schedule all drill and blast activities in coordination with mine production schedules.
• Select appropriate explosives and initiating systems based on geological conditions and operational requirements.
• Supervise drilling operations to ensure accurate hole placement, depth, and loading.
• Oversee safe loading and initiation of explosives with strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Utilize blast modeling software (Deswik Blast, BlastMap, SRK) to simulate and analyze blast outcomes.
• Conduct post-blast analysis including fragmentation assessments and recommend improvements.
• Investigate and resolve issues related to drilling accuracy, fragmentation, or blast-related safety incidents.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations pertaining to explosives and blasting.
• Provide technical guidance and training to drilling and blasting crews and junior engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Tools

Deswik Blast

BlastMap

SRK

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and expanding entity in the Mining sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Drill & Blast Engineer to optimize explosive fragmentation and operational efficiency at their sites near Polokwane, Limpopo . This key role involves the design, planning, execution, and analysis of drill and blast operations for both open-pit and underground mines. You will be responsible for ensuring effective fragmentation, minimizing dilution, and maximizing safety in all blasting activities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of explosive technologies, blast design principles, and blast modeling software, along with a strong commitment to safety and continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on mine productivity and cost-effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize blast patterns for various mining conditions to achieve desired fragmentation, muckpile characteristics, and wall stability.
• Plan and schedule all drill and blast activities in coordination with mine production schedules.
• Select appropriate explosives and initiating systems based on geological conditions and operational requirements.
• Supervise and guide drilling operations to ensure accurate hole placement, depth, and loading.
• Oversee the safe loading and initiation of explosives, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Utilize blast modeling software (e.g., Deswik Blast, BlastMap, SRK) to simulate and analyze blast outcomes.
• Conduct post-blast analysis, including fragmentation assessments (e.g., using image analysis), and recommend improvements.
• Investigate and resolve any issues related to drilling accuracy, fragmentation, or blast-related safety incidents.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations pertaining to explosives and blasting.
• Provide technical guidance and training to drilling and blasting crews and junior engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in drill and blast engineering, with a substantial focus on the Mining industry.
• Proven experience in designing and executing complex blast patterns for open-pit and/or underground mining.
• Proficiency with drill and blast design and modeling software.
• Strong understanding of explosives, initiation systems, and their safe handling and application.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fragmentation assessment techniques and their application.
• Excellent understanding of safety regulations and best practices related to explosives and blasting operations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication, leadership, and team collaboration abilities.
• Experience in the South African mining context is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses and comprehensive benefits including medical aid and retirement provisions. This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a leading mining organization. You will contribute to key operational efficiencies near Polokwane, Limpopo . The company fosters a strong safety culture and provides access to modern technology and training. Relocation assistance may be available. Join a dedicated team focused on optimizing mining performance through innovative drill and blast practices.