Mining Engineer Drill & Blast
Available for exploratory interviews.
Ref: EP17762618
Company classification: Produce Commodities (mined, natural resources or grown, e.g. chemicals, gold, agriculture, energy (i.e. Eskom Generation)) Industry in: Engineering - Mining Highest formal qualification and other: Honours Discipline: Mining Years of experience range: d. 6 to 10 years (c. 3 to 5 years management) Annual package range: South African Rand - ZAR Annual package range: 1.35 mil - 1.5 mil, per annum Nationality: South African Home and other languages: English, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Tshivenda Gender: Female Ethnicity: African/Black Candidate location: South Africa Location preference: I am open to positions only in my area (I don't want to move house).
Online Interview Questionnaire
Core elements or functions that must operate effectively in order to achieve primary purpose:
Design, plan, and execute efficient and safe blasting operations to optimize ore extraction, ensure fragmentation meets production requirements, and minimize costs and environmental impact.
Description of self, along with greater purpose and passions:
Technical and operational orientated mining engineer with a specialised focus in drill and blast operations. A selfless leader who strives for success and ensure to bring the best in everyone in the team while encouraging effective team collaboration pursuing a common objective which is to bring about solutions that ensures project success.
Possess in-depth expertise in managing explosives for optimal safety, efficiency, and performance in mining operations.
Ideal business title:
Drill and Blast Engineer
Explosives Engineer
Snr Mining Engineer
Key responsibilities and accountabilities of ideal position:
Responsible for designing and planning blast layouts to optimize fragmentation and ensure safety, compliance, and cost-efficiency. They align blast schedules with production targets, monitor outcomes to refine future blasts, and manage costs through efficient resource use. The role involves coordinating equipment, ensuring environmental compliance, and collaborating with planners, geologists, and surveyors. They also focus on continuous improvement by evaluating new technologies and provide training and supervision to ensure teams follow safe, effective blasting practices.
Skill area of competence:
Drill and Blast Design and Optimisation Skills
- Utilisation of group systems and technical standards to optimise drill and blast designs; improvement in lead time for
tunnel availability for load and haul services through reduction in drilling time and the ripple effect thereof to the drilling
and blasting costs.
Contract Management
- Adept at contractor management in explosives handling and application, developing clear KPIs and safety standards that
align with regulatory and operational requirements. I worked collaboratively with suppliers to assess product performance
through thorough testing and analysis, achieving measurable outcomes and maintaining less than 10% deviation from
planned designs
Drilling and Blasting Quality Optimisation
- Leveraged technology, including blast modelling software and precision drilling systems, to refine designs and predict
outcomes accurately optimizing fragmentation, minimising over-break and enhancing load and haul productivity. - Implemented automated drilling with a digital system for real-time tracking of blast quality and post-blast analyses,
achieving quality assurance with <10% deviation from design specs. This approach improved efficiency, contractor
collaboration, and accountability
Leadership and project management skills
- I led and coordinated drill and blast projects from planning through to execution, ensuring that design specifications,
timelines, and budgets are met and as a result a deadline of first production was met.
Explosives Management
- Well versed in explosives regulation, demonstrated through successful onboarding of a new explosive’s supplier for a
critical project. Ensured full compliance with South African explosives laws, including obtaining all required permits under
the Explosives Act. Part of the team that Led regulatory verification and permit acquisition for the supplier’s first entry
into the South African market, establishing a foundation for safe, lawful, and efficient operations.
Career summary:
9 Years Diamond Mining
What do you absolutely love doing:
As a mining engineer, what drives me each day is the opportunity to solve complex problems and create effective solutions that optimize mining operations. I am passionate about analyzing data and operational challenges to make decisions that boost efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure safety. I am especially inspired by the chance to work with multidisciplinary teams, aligning strategies and resources to achieve production targets and overcome technical challenges.
I look forward to the hands-on aspects of my work, such as developing precise drill and blast designs, collaborating with production teams, and seeing plans come to life in the field. I thrive on continuous improvement and take pride in finding innovative ways to integrate new technologies and streamline processes. Additionally, the collaborative and dynamic environment of mining operations allows me to engage in team-building and problem-solving, which brings out my leadership skills and motivates me to support others
Ideal company (culture and values):
As a mining engineer, I am drawn to a company that prioritizes innovation, safety, and sustainability. I value a culture where teamwork and collaboration drive success, where diverse perspectives are respected, and where every team member is empowered to contribute meaningfully to shared goals. Ideally, the company would emphasize continuous improvement and be forward-thinking, embracing technology and automation to enhance efficiency and productivity in operations.
Safety is a core value for me, so I seek a workplace that is deeply committed to rigorous safety standards and a proactive approach to risk management. Equally important is a focus on environmental stewardship, where sustainable practices and responsible resource management are fundamental to operations.
I am motivated by a company that invests in its people, offering opportunities for professional development and encouraging a growth mindset. A positive, inclusive culture that celebrates achievement and supports resilience is essential. Ultimately, I would like to work for a company that values integrity, accountability, and the pursuit of excellence, fostering an environment where my skills as a mining engineer can make a lasting impact.
If you are looking for a Mining Engineer Drill & Blast, then do get in touch.
Call the Head Office – Gauteng, SA. + 27 10 597 0862.
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