Drill and Blast Specialist
Westonaria, South Deep, South Africa
Farm Modderfontein,
Old Vereeniging Road,
Westonaria, 1779
PO Box 57,
Westonaria, 1780
South Africa
Tel +27 11 411 1000
Dir +27 11 411 1797
Fax +27 11 411 1588 www.goldfields.com
South Deep is recruiting!
This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to a dynamic and engaged team of professionals, working together to become the beacon of pride for our people, our communities, our stakeholders, and our shareholders.
At South Deep, we value each person’s individual and collective contribution and support your ongoing development, helping you to achieve your career and our business aspirations.
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POSITION: |
Drill & Blast Specialist |
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JOB GRADING: |
D-Lower |
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DEPARTMENT: |
Technical Services – Production Engineering |
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SITE: |
South Deep Gold Mine |
The Drill & Blast Specialist is accountable for the delivery of high-quality drill and blast designs, rigorous Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) processes, as well as overseeing the coordination of underground drill and blast value chain activities. The incumbent is required to contribute to the further establishment and refinement of ongoing learning, coaching and feedback systems, aimed at partnering with stakeholders to champion continuous operational improvement initiatives.
Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12 qualification or equivalent
- Mine Overseer Certificate of Competency with experience as a Shift Supervisor or Mine Overseer
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in underground bulk mechanised mining, particularly in Long Hole Stoping or similar bulk production drilling and charge-up operations
- Be declared medically fit for the position and environment, as determined by a risk-based medical examination at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre and pass a Heat Tolerance Screening test, and such other tests as may be required to assess the applicant’s suitability for employment
Key Competencies:
- Advanced safety leadership capability with proven safety campaign delivery record
- Accomplished team and people leader with advanced inter and intra-team collaboration and, sound spoken and written English communication skills
- Established track record in leading and managing teams, including proficiency in change management
- Comprehensive understanding and proficiency in operating drill rigs and charge units
- Design and monitor efficient and safe mining practices involving drilling & blasting in operations and technical services
- Ability to cope with ambiguity with high personal resilience, change adaptability and attention to details
- Established problem-solving skills with appreciation for business optimisation methodologies e.g., lean-six sigma, etc.
- Proven aptitude in diagnostics, problem-solving, decision-making, and project management
- Familiarity with Blast Pattern Design and Stope Reconciliation software
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Actively participate in, and lead interventions aimed at contributing to a culture of Zero Harm by adhering to and ensuring compliance with specified legislation, SHE policies and procedures and, operational standards, instructions and governance requirements
- Actively engage in and demonstrate Visible Felt Leadership aligned to operational SHE standards, operational campaigns and instructions
- Schedule and conduct regular operational safety, safe work practice and operational delivery inspections ensuring appropriate remediation interventions are executed
- Maintain effective people management practices by ensuring that team roles and competencies are clearly defined, and that effective team delivery is maintained
- Coach and guide Front Line Leaders (FLL) to assume and maintain effective and direct leadership accountability over their operational teams in respect of safety management, shift planning, work assignment, planned task observations and executing remedial measures
- Coach operators and supervisors on marking, drilling, charging, and timing practices
- Responsible for pursuing continuous improvement of established drill and blast practices on-site by optimizing drill patterns, exploring new explosive options, monitoring and reinforcing drill and blast standards.
- Responsible for maintaining blast tracking database with the view of using data to inform improvement practices
- Prepare and analyse Drill and Blast reports
- Identify and track key performance indicators to drive improvement of fragmentation, dilution performance, highwall compliance, bench grade compliance, and overall blast pattern performance
- Develop drilling and blasting programmes plans in compliance to the organisation's safety, environmental, operations policies, and procedures
- Monitor and take corrective action to control fragmentation and waste dilution within acceptable limits
- Optimise fragmentation and downstream processes, employing a holistic approach from blast to mill throughput
- Administer and oversee the safe and appropriate management of explosives and associated products across the value chain in area of accountability
- Contribute toward the development and execution of operational improvement and related projects
- Responsible for communication of drill and blast layouts to stakeholders, including Mine Operations, Geology, Short Term Planning and Sustainability
- Assisting in developing drill and blast budgets and forecasts as required
Closing Date: 10 July 2024
Please note that the Gold Fields code of conduct strictly prohibits the exchange of any payment as part of its recruitment process.
Gold Fields is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment
NOTE: all relevant certificates must be attached to your CV in order to be considered for shortlisting