ROLE OVERVIEWThe Drill and Blast Engineer plays a vital role in the success and efficiency of the project, as their work directly impacts production, safety, cost control, and overall ore recovery. By designing and optimizing blast patterns, integrating geotechnical data, and coordinating closely with operations and contractors, they ensure safe and effective rock fragmentation setting the stage for all downstream mining activities. Their expertise helps reduce dilution, control costs, and improve equipment performance across the site. As a key link between planning and execution, this role is essential to achieving production targets, maintaining regulatory compliance, and driving the overall profitability of the business.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Work in compliance at all times with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including participation in risk assessments, adherence to safe work practices and reporting hazards as per the Internal Responsibility System.
- Contribute positively to a respectful work environment in compliance with the Code of Conduct and the Healthy, Safe and Respectful Workplace policy
- Work in compliance with all policies and procedures and the Employee Handbook
DESIGN- Provide efficient drill pattern, load sheets, and tie up plans to drill and blasting contractors
- Support the broader Technical Services Team in generating Mine Plans, aligned with Scheduling, Forecasts and Budgetary processes.
- Incorporate all geotechnical recommendations and information with the geotechnical Ground Control Management Plan (GCMP)
- Perform regular pit inspections in conjunction with Production and subcontractors to ensure compliance to design parameters and goals
- Ensure any required design amendments due to design non-conformance or operational issues are re-evaluated, reissued, and communicated for corrective actions accordingly
- Conduct drill and loading QA/QC by verifying hole locations, depths, angles and conditions, and reconciling actual explosive quantities, charge configurations, stemming and initiation systems against the design
DRILL & BLAST OPERATIONS:- Notify all relevant stakeholders and neighbours of upcoming blast exclusion zones, dates and times as required
- Ensure that the site administrator has all relevant and required documentation regarding the blast activity
- Actively monitor operational activities, blasting vibrations and geotechnical conditions and immediately report any identified non-compliance or hazards
- Manage bench clean up and drilling and blasting operations through the Production Supervisor
- Ensure all preventative measures are taken to avoid blast related ore dilution
- Assist the Production Supervisor in regular prestart meetings and toolbox talks
FINANCE AND REPORTING:- Ensure that drill and blast activities are completed within allowed budget by cost effective use of subcontractors and resources
- Perform accurate and efficient End of Month (EOM) reporting processes including forecast and actual drill and blasting activities
- Conduct regular and systematic drill and blast block reconciliations and report on any variances
- Ensure subcontractor invoices are approved and processed correctly, and monthly accruals are complete
- Utilize Infomine to enter drill and blast data and run PowerBI reports as required
RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT- Provide clear performance expectations to subcontractors and reinforce correct behaviour through recognition and encouragement
- Foster good working relationships with all internal stakeholders to enhance coordination between departments by maintaining effective communication with relevant personnel
- Manage relationships with suppliers and subcontractors to enhance departmental performance
- Perform other duties as assigned
REQUIRED SKILLS- Proficient in MS Office and drill & blast design software preferably Vulcan, Shotplus & BlastIQ
- Desirable experience utilizing electronic detonators
- Knowledge of relevant legislation including provincial/national regulations, guidelines, and Canadian/provincial standards
- Well-developed written and oral communication skills
JOB REQUIREMENTS- Minimum 2-3 years mining engineering with drill and blast experience in an open pit mine
- Valid Driver's License
- Authorization to work lawfully in Canada without sponsorship from Thiess is required (Applicants who qualify as an Intra-Company Transfer under the International Mobility Program may receive assistance from Thiess)
EDUCATION- Degree in Mining Engineering or a related field
- Professional certification/registration in good standing as a Professional Engineer, or an Engineer in Training (EIT), from the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION- Work schedule: 5 on 2 off, on-site, willing to work flexible hours as needed in response to operational needs
- Valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle
The salary range for this role is minimum $ 110,334 to a maximum of $ 137,917 CAD. The salary range is provided in good faith and is representative of all experience levels. Thiess considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills and is ultimately determined at management's discretion.
