Senior Mining Engineer - Blast Design

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development and training

Hybrid work options

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mining Engineer with blast design expertise for Rustenburg operations. You will design, plan, and execute blasting programs to optimize fragmentation and safety, collaborating with production teams.

The role requires strong rock mechanics knowledge, explosives technology understanding, and experience in open-pit or underground blasting. A focus on safety and cost optimization is essential.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Mining Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of mining experience with emphasis on blast design.
• Deep knowledge of explosives technology and initiation systems.
• Experience using blast modeling and planning software.
• Strong safety mindset and adherence to best practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize blast patterns for surface/underground ops.
• Specify explosives and initiation systems for blasts.
• Conduct post-blast analysis to evaluate outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with blasting safety regulations.
• Provide technical guidance to blasting crews.
• Collaborate with geologists and metallurgists on ore recovery.

Skills

Blast design

Rock mechanics

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Explosives handling

Education

B.Sc. in Mining Engineering

Tools

Blast modeling software

Mine planning software

Geological analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a specialized Senior Mining Engineer with expertise in blast design to join their operations in Rustenburg. You will be responsible for the design, planning, and execution of safe and effective blasting operations to optimize mineral fragmentation and minimize operational costs. This role requires a deep understanding of rock mechanics, explosives technology, and their practical application in open-pit or underground mining environments. You will work closely with production teams to ensure blasting contributes optimally to overall mine productivity and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize blast patterns for surface and/or underground operations, considering geological conditions and fragmentation requirements.
• Specify appropriate explosives and initiation systems for planned blasts.
• Conduct post-blast analysis to evaluate blast outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and document results.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations related to explosives handling and blasting procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and training to blasting crews and operational staff.
• Collaborate with geologists and metallurgists to align blast designs with ore recovery and processing needs.

Requirements

• B.Sc. in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in mining engineering, with a strong focus on blast design and execution.
• Comprehensive knowledge of explosives technology, initiation systems, and blast modeling software.
• Experience with mine planning software and relevant geological analysis tools.
• Excellent understanding of rock mechanics and its impact on blasting outcomes.
• Strong safety consciousness and commitment to best practices in explosive handling.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements for non-operational planning tasks.
• Access to state-of-the-art technology and equipment.