Enterprise Engineer, Drill & Blast Design

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

General Role Purpose:

The role will be responsible for the development and implementation of Drill & Blast Management systems, continuous improvement and execution of drill & blast designs, mine planning, data management and analysis, and development of the drill & blast team through training and mentoring.

Core Specific Responsibilities & Expected Deliverables:

Operate within and observe all relevant and applicable laws and regulations.

Take a leading role in respecting and complying with the health, safety and environmental practices of the organisation.

Design, plan, monitor and report on all Drill & Blast activities to ensure a productive and efficient mining operation.

Develop short and medium term drill & blast bench master plans and designs.

Predict and ensure blast fragmentation optimises downstream processes including load & haul activities, crusher and mill throughputs.

Manage QA/QC process, safety & procedural compliance in drill & blast process.

Guide the compilation of data for and writing of the daily, weekly, monthly and annual reports.

Develop, maintain & update the drill & blast management plan.

Collection, analysis and interpretation of drill & blast data and management of data management and reporting systems.

Consult with the site geological/geotechnical engineer to manage and optimise pit wall stability.

Liaise with Operational Supervisors/Superintendents and Contractors to ensure drilling and blasting activities are carried out in a safe and efficient manner.

Coordination and review of drilling and loading QA/QC data and blast performance data, including but not limited to fragmentation, shovel/excavator productivity, material movement, wall quality and condition and ore dilution and loss from blasting.

Identify and implement drill and blast related continuous improvement initiatives.

Train and mentor personnel in drill & blast planning, design, in-field execution, QAQC systems and analysis.

Perform other related duties as and when required as per the instruction of the department Lead or Manager.

Behavioural Traits & Personal Characteristics:

Bolder: Flexible, versatile, and prepared to take on challenges as needed.

Smarter: always looks for efficiencies and better ways of doing things.

Driven: Sets high standards, is motivated and determined.

Together: communicates well with peers and understand others views.

Committed to health and safety.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work within a team environment and independently.

Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Committed to train and mentor others.

Operational Requirements:

This position is based on-site and will be focusing on driving and delivering drill and blast technical expertise in planning, design, QAQC and optimisation.

Rosters and working hours may vary depending on business requirements.

Environmental Responsibilities:

Comply with current, regional environmental regulations.

Comply with the commitments contained in the Environmental Impact Studies and other additional studies in this regard, which apply to your area and activities.

Comply with the provisions of the Mine Sites Environmental Management System.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience:

BSc Degree or higher in Engineering Mining or equivalent.

More than 5 years of direct drill and blast technical experience.

More than 8 years of open cut experience in mining technical and/or operational roles.

Computer skills include proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, and Project) and advanced skills with blast design software, mine planning and design software and business intelligence software.

Skilled in wall control blast design techniques, including but not limited to presplit and trim or buffer blasting.

Experienced designing blasts using detonating cord, non-electric and electronic initiating systems.

Proven capability to develop and write safe operating procedures.

Able to lead incident investigations involving drill & blast and explosive usage.

Manage and mitigate drill and blast related risks for the operation.

Project management qualifications and experience.

Valid driver’s license.

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If you are an employee without network access, contact your Site Recruiter.

JR11604