Drill & Blast Manager (Opencast Chrome Mining)

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee drilling and blasting activities to achieve production and fragmentation targets
• Manage drilling and blasting contractors, ensuring compliance with contracts
• Design and optimise blast patterns, timing and explosive usage
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, environmental and legal requirements
• Monitor blast results and implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Control and manage the drilling and blasting budget
• Coordinate closely with geology, mining, and plant teams to align blasting with production requirements
• Ensure proper handling, storage and usage of explosives
• Submit reports on blasting performance, incidents and operational metrics

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree or Diploma in Mining Engineering or related
• Surface Blasting Ticket required
• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in open pit mining, strong focus on drilling and blasting

• At least 5 years in a supervisory or management role
• Proven experience in contractor management
• Experience in chrome or similar hard rock environments will be advantageous

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Strong technical expertise in blast design and optimisation
• Excellent leadership and contractor management skills
• High level of safety awareness and compliance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Effective planning, coordination, and organisational skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet production targets