Senior Underground Drill and Blast Engineer

About the role

The Senior Underground Drill & Blast Engineer will lead the design, optimisation and technical governance of underground drilling and blasting activities, ensuring safe, efficient and cost‑effective production in long‑hole open stoping (LHOS) operations with cemented rockfill (CRF).

Key responsibilities

• Develop and issue drill and blast designs for development headings, slot raises and production stopes, aligning with mine plans and geotechnical constraints.
• Optimise burden, spacing, charging and timing parameters to meet production targets while minimising dilution and overbreak.
• Establish and maintain QA/QC processes for drilling accuracy, charging practices and blast execution.
• Conduct routine underground inspections, monitor blast performance (fragmentation, vibration, wall stability) and perform post‑blast analysis.
• Audit contractor compliance with designs, explosives handling and statutory requirements, and provide corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Planning, Geotechnical, Survey and Operations teams to integrate blast designs into mine schedules.
• Prepare weekly and monthly performance reports, track cost drivers and maintain documentation for audit purposes.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in underground drill and blast engineering, preferably in LHOS with cemented rockfill.
• Strong knowledge of geotechnical recommendations, stope sequencing and dilution control strategies.
• Proven ability to lead technical governance, conduct post‑blast analysis and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent understanding of HSE standards and regulatory obligations related to blasting.

Required skills

• Drill and blast design
• Blast optimisation (burden, spacing, timing)
• QA/QC for drilling and blasting
• Post‑blast analysis and performance monitoring
• Contractor audit and compliance