Blast Person

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Responsibilities

Blast Execution Planning

• Communicate with and receive instruction from the Blasting Supervisor and follow the specified instruction and charging plan, prior to the execution of 
• activities.
• Conduct field tests in determining the depth of the blast hole and input data into dip-plus to determine the quantity and type of the bulk explosive required.
• Reconcile blasting initiation product quantities before obtaining final sign off from the Supervisor.
• Conduct pre-blast tests on relevant systems, in the case of electronic detonation.
• Undertake the priming of all blast holes.
• Install physical critical controls (i.e. barricade cones and coloured signage), prior to blasting.

Blast Execution

• Inspect all drill holes and implement remediation action in preparation for charging.
• Assemble primer charges using selected detonators, fuses, detonating cords and other materials.
• Manually load explosives in blast holes and / or supervise and direct bulk explosive trucks onto the blasting pattern to charge holes.
• Connect electrical wires, detonating cords or fuses into primer / series and connect series to blasting machines.
• Join surface connectors to downlines.
• Follow the tie-up plan according to Standard Task Procedures (STPs).
• Conduct final inspections to ensure that all blasting connections have been made safely and correctly.
• Conduct and maintain Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) standards during blasting activities.
• Manage, store and transport explosives and accessories according to strict safety regulations and observe Newmont safety procedures and processes at all times.
• Report on and maintain accurate inventory of explosives.
• Compile records of blasting activities using specified templates and forward to the Supervisor.

General Execution 

• Plan and prioritise own activities on a daily basis.
• Read instructions or diagrams to lay out explosives in accordance to the tie-up plan.
• Obtain the necessary equipment and consumables required to execute tasks from the Supervisor.
• Ensure that all works-in-progress and activities meet specifications, codes and regulations.
• Contribute to the achievement of blasting targets.
• Participate in regular toolbox and safety meetings 
• Participate in further training for upskilling purposes.
• Provide verbal feedback to the Supervisor on the activities completed for the day.

Stakeholder Management and Engagement

• Liaise with the Stemming Loader Operators to commence stemming activities.
• Support Shot Firers in the connection of tie-ups.
• Liaise with the Shot Firer to issue the go-ahead for blasting to commence.

Health and Safety Management

• Initiate steps to block entry into the pit including blasting- in-progress sign and barricade cones, maintain roadblock during pre and post-blasting to uphold the highest safety standards.
• Verify that the demarcated blast areas are safe and secure to promote worker health and safety.
• Conduct final blasting area safety inspection and signal personnel to clear the blasting zone, prior to firing the blast pattern.
• Inspect work areas and ensure all areas comply with internal Newmont and external regulatory standards.
• Comply with safe blasting procedures.
• Maintain a strong focus of safety throughout all activities.
• Provide hands-on assistance during operations activities to fellow colleagues to ensure that safe work practices are followed.
• Attend daily pre-shift safety meetings.

Formal Qualification (including Professional Registrations):

• Completion of WASSCE or equivalent certificate.

Additional Knowledge:

• Blasting Certificate.
• Sound knowledge of various explosive types.
• Sound knowledge in blasting accessories.
• General knowledge in mid-to-heavy equipment operation.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 – 2 years’ blasting experience in a large open pit mining environment.
• Experience in electronic and non-electronic detonation.

Technical Skills:

• Strong risk management skills.
• Strong safety orientation skills.
• Strong mathematics skills.
• Strong listening skills.
• Strong concentration skills.
• Sound planning, organising and prioritising skills.
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Sound technical communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Sound information monitoring skills.
• Ability to follow hazardous material procedures.
• Ability to follow verbal directions and hand signals.
• Ability to stay focused.

Behavioural Attributes:

• Accuracy.
• Continuous learning.
• Detail oriented.
• Flexibility.
• Takes initiative.
• Judgment.
• Manual dexterity.
• Precise.
• Proactive.
• Reliable and independent.
• Safety conscious.
• Self-motivated.
• Team player.
• Technically inclined.
• Tenacity.