Senior Rock Blasting Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Rock Blasting Engineer to lead blasting design and operations in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role requires deep blasting expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to drive safety and efficiency in a mining environment.

You will plan and optimize blasting campaigns, supervise crews, and coordinate with geology and production teams to align with mine plans, while ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Blasting Technology, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in mine blasting operations with at least 3 years in a senior or supervisory role.
• Proven experience with blast design software (Deswik, O-Pit3D, Vulcan).
• Strong knowledge of explosives, detonators, and initiation systems.
• Solid understanding of rock mechanics and geology related to blasting.

Responsibilities

• Develop blasting plans aligned with production targets and safety protocols.
• Conduct geological surveys and rock mass characterization for blast design.
• Select explosives and initiating systems considering fragmentation, vibration, and environmental impact.
• Supervise blasting crews and ensure safety procedures are followed.
• Use blast modeling software to design and simulate blasts for optimal outcomes.
• Monitor performance, analyze results, and drive improvements to fragmentation and cost.
• Investigate blasting incidents or deviations and report findings.
• Collaborate with geology and production teams to integrate blasting with the mine plan.
• Maintain accurate records of blasting activities and materials usage.
• Ensure compliance with South African mining regulations and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Risk assessment

Hazard identification

Team motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Blasting Technology, or related field

Tools

Deswik

O-Pit3D

Vulcan

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the mining sector, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Rock Blasting Engineer to join their dynamic team in the vibrant region of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This is a critical role that involves the meticulous planning, execution, and optimization of all blasting operations to ensure safety, efficiency, and productivity within the mine. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of explosives, detonation physics, and geological conditions relevant to South African mining operations. You will be instrumental in driving innovation in blasting techniques and ensuring compliance with stringent safety and environmental regulations. This position offers the opportunity to work in a challenging yet rewarding environment, contributing directly to the success of a major mining enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive blasting plans that align with mine production targets and safety protocols.
• Conduct detailed geological surveys and rock mass characterization to inform blast design.
• Select appropriate explosives and initiating systems, considering ore fragmentation, ground vibration, and environmental impact.
• Supervise and train blasting crews, ensuring adherence to all safety procedures and best practices.
• Utilize advanced blast modeling software to design and simulate blasts for optimal outcomes.
• Monitor blast performance, analyze results, and implement improvements to enhance fragmentation and reduce costs.
• Investigate and report on any blasting-related incidents or deviations from planned outcomes.
• Collaborate with geological and production teams to integrate blasting plans into the overall mine plan.
• Maintain accurate records of all blasting activities, including inventory and usage of explosives.
• Ensure compliance with all South African mining regulations, safety standards, and environmental legislation.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Blasting Technology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mine blasting operations, with at least 3 years in a senior or supervisory capacity.
• Proven expertise in the use of blast design software ("e.g., Deswik, O-Pit3D, Vulcan").
• Strong knowledge of various explosives, detonators, and initiation systems.
• Excellent understanding of rock mechanics, geology, and their impact on blasting.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate technical teams.
• Proficiency in risk assessment and hazard identification related to blasting.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and reporting in the mining industry.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with all levels of staff and external stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work underground or at remote sites as required.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a performance-based bonus structure. Employees will have access to comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits. Opportunities for continuous professional development and career advancement within a leading mining organization are readily available. Assistance with relocation may be provided for suitable candidates relocating to Pietermaritzburg . This role is based in a region known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, offering a high quality of life.