Drill and Blast Manager - Newcastle at Oza Holdings

As a Drill and Blast Manager, you will be responsible to ensure efficient and safe drilling and blasting operations within a coal mine environment. Oversee all aspects of drill and blast activities, including planning, coordination, execution, and optimization to achieve production targets while adhering to safety and environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities:
Planning and Strategy:

• Develop comprehensive drill and blast plans in collaboration with mine planning and engineering teams
• Analyze geological data and mine designs to determine optimal drilling and blasting techniques
• Ensure alignment of drill and blast activities with overall mine production schedules and targets
• Continuously review and improve drilling and blasting strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity

Operational Management:

• Supervise and coordinate drill and blast operations, including drilling, explosives loading, and blasting activities
• Monitor equipment performance and maintenance schedules to ensure uninterrupted operations
• Oversee the procurement and inventory management of drilling and blasting consumables, including 
• explosives, drilling rigs, and accessories
• Implement safety protocols and procedures to mitigate risks associated with drilling and blasting activities
• Conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies

Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a team of drillers, blasters, and support staff to achieve operational excellence
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of the drill and blast team
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability among team members

Quality Assurance and Performance Optimization:

• Monitor and analyze drilling and blasting performance metrics, such as fragmentation, vibration levels, and powder factors
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements to minimize costs and maximize productivity
• Implement corrective actions to address deviations from planned drill and blast parameters

Environmental and Community Relations:

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to drilling and blasting activities, including air and water quality standards
• Implement measures to minimize environmental impact, such as dust suppression and noise control
• Engage with local communities to address concerns related to drilling and blasting operations and maintain positive relations

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a related field
• A valid blasting ticket
• 5 to 10 years experience in drill and blast operations within the mining industry, preferably in coal mining
• Strong understanding of drilling and blasting principles, techniques, and equipment
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and best practices related to mine safety and environmental management
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment
• A valid drivers licence and own reliable vehicle