Senior Engineer – Drill & Blast

AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited is currently on a journey to redevelop the Obuasi Gold Mine into a modern, efficient and long-term profitable operation. The underground mining operation will be fully mechanized, designed to produce up to an average maximum of 5,000 t/day of ore mined.
About The Job
Role Purpose:

To Supervise and co-ordinate the planning and execution of the Drill & Blast activities for the mine in line with the established mine plan as well as the processes and procedures

Role Accountabilities

Build, develop and lead the open pit drill & blast team
Establish and maintain processes to provide a safe workplace to all employees and external service providers working within area of accountability
Supervise and execute processes to ensure that all environmental risks and emerging issues are identified, and mitigation plans are in place
Supervise and execute processes to ensure the development of optimized short term, medium and long term plans that ensure delivery of the budget requirements and the operations strategy
Ensure that resources are effectively used for efficient delivery of the Drill and Blast Plan
Identify areas for improvement in operational blueprints (systems, processes, procedures & tasks) to ensure adherence to plan, reduce variation and maximize cost effective utilization
Supervise and execute systems to collect and manage operational data and to monitor performance
Supervise and execute systems for identifying opportunities to drive operational excellence
Ensure collaboration with all departments to achieve streamlined delivery to plan
Strategic planning and optimization of Drill and Blast activities
Monitor and report compliance to Drill and Blast Standards
Coordination and review of QA/QC, including use, blast vibration monitoring, fragmentation analysis, video camera, ability to di material, dilution, and ore loss from blasting.
Monthly audits of Drill and Blast infrastructure, projects, and continuous improvement
Monitor and review Blast Logic data from production drilling, bulk explosive loading, and blasting,
End of the month calculation and provide drill and blast data as required to other departments.
Provide specialist advice on drill and blast impacts to costs per ounce, and advice to identify and mitigate blasting related risks
Monitor powder factors, bulk explosives, and consumables usage against budget
Lead or assist with incident investigations involving explosive usage including misfires, fly rocks and excessive blast vibrations

Person Specifications
Qualification:

BSc Mining / Engineering Degree or equivalent operational experience
Certified or eligible to be certified as a Mine Captain

Experience:

Minimum of three (3) years working experience in related field within the mining industry

Technical & Other Competencies

Demonstrated experience and knowledge of fundamental open pit drill & blast production methods
Experience with large scale open-pit hard rock mining
Experience in, progress claims and contract variations, preferably in a Mining Alliance environment
Experience in managing mining and continuous improvement projects
Competent in at least one General Mining Package (Applicants with Data Blast, Datamine Studio OP, RIOBLAST, experience will be held in high regard), in addition to MS Office software including Excel and Project
Excellent computer skills such as basic scripting
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills in English
Must possess very strong human relations skills and ability to interact with people of diverse culture and value
Shot firers certificate of competency or equivalent
Possess a valid driver’s licence and proficiency in driving light vehicle

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