PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE

The Drill & Blast Superintendent is accountable for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of all drilling and blasting activities to support mine production targets.

Reporting to the Mining Manager, the role ensures drill and blast operations are executed in accordance with approved blast designs, short-term mine plans, and production schedules, while maintaining full compliance with statutory, safety, and environmental requirements.

The incumbent is responsible for optimising drilling accuracy, blast fragmentation, wall control, and explosive performance to support efficient downstream load and haul operations and minimise equipment damage, re- handling, and delays.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Safety, Health & Environment

• Provide visible safety leadership across all drilling and blasting activities.
• Ensure full compliance with site safety systems, statutory blasting regulations, and explosives management requirements.
• Lead incident investigations related to drilling and blasting and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Promote a strong safety culture among employees and contractors through coaching, training, and field leadership.

Operations Management

• Plan, coordinate, and execute all drilling and blasting activities to meet short‑term and medium‑term production plans.
• Ensure drill patterns, burden, spacing, sub‑drill, and stemming practices comply with approved blast designs.
• Maintain adequate ready‑to‑blast inventory to support uninterrupted mining operations.
• Coordinate drilling and blasting schedules to minimise disruption to load and haul activities and overall mine productivity.
• Manage blast clearance, exclusion zones, and firing procedures in accordance with site standards.

Technical Engineering

• Provide technical input into drill and blast design parameters including hole diameter, drill accuracy tolerances, bit selection, drilling methods, and penetration rates.
• Provide technical engineering direction on drill rig setup, drilling parameters, hole quality and deviation control.
• Monitor and analyse blast performance, including fragmentation, muckpile profile, heave, vibration, flyrock, and wall control.
• Work closely with Technical Services and Geotechnical teams to ensure compliance with designs and maintain pit wall stability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance blast outcomes, loading efficiency, and equipment reliability.
• Implement best‑practice drill and blast standards aligned with company and industry benchmarks.

Contractor Management

• Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership to drilling and blasting contractors.
• Ensure contractor compliance with contractual obligations, safety standards, and site procedures.
• Conduct performance reviews and participate in contractor improvement and optimisation initiatives.

People Leadership

• Lead and develop drill and blast supervisors, operators, and crews.
• Build a disciplined, accountable, and high-performing operations team.
• Ensure personnel are trained, competent, and authorised to perform their assigned tasks.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications:

• Diploma or Degree in Mining Engineering, Explosives Engineering, or equivalent operational experience.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in open pit mining operations with strong drill and blast exposure.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience at Superintendent or Senior Supervisor level.
• Proven leadership ability in a production environment.
• Strong communication and coordination skills.

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