Drill and Blast Engineer

About the role

Our client, a leading operator in the opencast mining sector, is seeking an experienced Drill and Blast Engineer to lead all drilling and blasting activities at its Middelburg mine. The role focuses on safe, cost‑effective and compliant blast design and execution to support production targets.

Key responsibilities

• Design and optimise blast patterns based on geological data, including burden, spacing, stemming and powder factor.
• Develop and maintain daily, weekly and monthly drill‑and‑blast schedules in coordination with production and mine‑planning teams.
• Ensure compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act, the Explosives Act and company standards through procedures, risk assessments and post‑blast evaluations.
• Analyse blast results, monitor fragmentation quality, vibration, fly‑rock and over‑break, and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage explosive inventory, control consumption, track blast costs and maintain statutory records.
• Oversee contractor performance, conduct reviews and ensure contractual obligations are met.
• Prepare technical reports, KPI analysis and present operational performance to senior management.
• Lead and mentor Drill & Blast Supervisors and technical staff, manage departmental budgets and participate in production planning.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering.
• Valid Blasting Certificate for opencast mines and a current driver’s licence.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in open‑pit mining, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of the Mine Health and Safety Act and the Explosives Act 15 of 2003.
• Proven experience in contractor management and explosives handling.

Required skills

• Blast design and pattern optimisation.
• Fragmentation analysis and vibration monitoring.
• Explosives inventory and cost management.
• KPI reporting and technical documentation.
• Use of mining software for drill‑and‑blast planning.