Shot Firer

JOB DESCRIPTIONS 

Responsibilities

Shot Firing Execution Planning

• Communicate with and receive instruction from the Blasting Supervisor; understand and execute the specified instruction and blasting plan, prior to the 
• execution of activities.
• Participate in risk assessments in relation to blasting activities.
• Support in the execution of loading and priming of blast holes, when required.
• Clear 500m blast circumference area, prior to blasting.
• Assure that all blasting requisition forms are completed, as part of Newmont statutory requirements.

Shot Firing Execution and Post Review 

• Lead the Blast Crew working on the blast.
• Supervise the execution of blast hole tie-ups.
• Convey explosives from the magazine to the pit using the Bomb Ute.
• Communicate any changes made to the blast schedule to the Blast Supervisor.
• Oversee the preparation of the firing of shots, including:
  • conducting inspections of the tie-in (walk the shot).
  • allocating blast guard locations.
  • verifying that blast guards are trained and competent in their duties.
  • liaising with blast guards and others, prior to clearing the area.
  • verifying the clearance of all personnel and equipment from the blast exclusion zone.
• Make announcement on pending blast detonation on the two-way radio system.
• Activate the pit siren to provide warning to the surrounding areas.
• Perform firing of established blast holes.
• Push detonator plunger to initiate blast.
• Conduct and maintain Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) standards during shot firing activities.
• Handle potential blasting misfires according to Standard Task Procedures (STPs).
• Conduct post-blast inspections and report any anomalies to the Blasting Supervisor.
• Account for any residual explosives and safely transfer back to the magazine.
• Count residual explosives and record in the log book magazine.
• Sign-off on residual explosive amount.
• Document any lost consumables and overcharges and report to the Supervisor.
• Declare the work area “free to operate” post-blasting for continued mining operations.
• Conduct firing and post-blast examinations and raise any issues immediately to the Supervisor.
• Dispose of any damaged and / or deteriorated explosives in an environmentally responsible and safe manner.
• Provide sign-off on any decontaminated explosive handling equipment, prior to maintenance.
• Initiate the maintenance of explosive handling equipment under own control.

General Execution 

• Plan and prioritise own activities on a daily basis.
• Read instructions or diagrams to lay out drill patterns and take charge of the completed pattern.
• Obtain the necessary equipment and consumables required to execute tasks from the Supervisor.
• Assure that all works-in-progress and activities meet specifications, codes and regulations.
• Contribute to the achievement of blasting targets.
• Participate in regular tool and safety audits.
• Participate in further training for upskilling purposes.
• Provide verbal feedback to the Supervisor on the activities completed for the day.

Health and Safety Management

• Initiate steps to block entry into the pit, 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.
• Oversee that the transport of explosives is compliant with national Ghanaian regulations.
• Adhere strictly to internal Newmont shot firing standards.
• Comply with safe shot firing 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 staff meetings.
• Attend daily morning safety meetings.

Your Trainings, Skills & Experience Checklist:

• Completion of WASSCE or equivalent certificate
• Blasting Certificate.
• Mine Foreman Certificate is preferable.
• Sound knowledge of various explosive types.
• Sound knowledge in blasting accessories.
• General knowledge in mid-to-heavy equipment operation.
• Minimum of 2 – 3 years’ shot firing experience, in a blasting environment, within a large open pit mine.
• Experience in electronic detonation.