Introduction

Finsch Diamond Mine is located in the town of Lime Acres, which is situated 160km north-west of Kimberley and 109km south of Kuruman in the Northern Cape.

Reporting to the Mining Engineer: Drill & Blast, to provide specialized Mining Engineering expertise and support to Mining in the field of drilling and blasting to ensure safe and optimised development and extraction of the orebody. Provide technical support including blast design, scheduling, planning and quality assurance.

Duties & Responsibilities

Assist with the implementation of systems and controls in accordance to mining best practice (new standards, processes, and methodologies) to ensure the effective and efficient utilisation of mining resources at the operation.
Assist with designing and implementing optimised blasting patterns (production rings and development tunnels) utilising appropriate software, inclusive of drilling pattern, explosive selection, powder factor and timing.
Participate and provide input to mine plans.
Conduct blasting performance assessments, including visual inspections, analysis of 3D scan results, fragmentation analysis, etc.
Capture data and management of the Drill and Blast database. Assist with the analysis of the Drill and Blast data.
Conduct quality control assessments on explosives and emulsion transport, storage, handling and charging practises.
Conduct quality control assessments on drilling accuracy, compliance to ring design, charging practises, blast initiation and blasting practises.
Recommend and assist with the implementation of corrective actions to improve incorrect tunnel profiles and poor ring extraction due to poor drill and blast practices.
Coaching and mentoring of Drill and Blast crews to ensure quality ring blasting and tunnel development.
Keep abreast of latest developments in area of expertise.
Establish and maintain good working relationships and an effective / sound communication system with the Mining and Technical Services Functions.
Reporting, Monitoring & Evaluation: Ensure that all Drill and Blast reporting is aligned with standards, guidelines, and schedules.
Identify deviations to standards through appropriate work processes.
Analyse, interpret and report on operational data and performance against established targets and standards to Provide Assurance and Identify opportunities for improvement.
Risk Management & Liabilities: Contribute to the identification, analysis, and interpretation of mining risks within the operation. Assist with the implementation of strategies and systems to mitigate risk and to prevent and reduce loss of the operation's assets.
Company Values & Code of Ethical Conduct: Model behaviour that is consistent with the Company values and Code of Ethical Conduct.
Engagement & Communication: Establish and maintain good working relationships and an effective / sound communication system within the Technical Services function.
Company Policy & Procedures Compliance: Takes cognisance of and adhere to Company policies, procedures and relevant legislation. Manage and report on non compliance issues.
Safety, Health and Environment Compliance: Model behaviour that is consistent with the Company Safety, Health and Environment Vision and Values. Manage and report on non compliance issues. .
Effective Team Player and Effective Self-Management.

- Maintain and manage healthy relationships within own team and across teams.

- Responsible to provide support to team within area of responsibility.

- Responsible to share knowledge and skills with co-workers.

- Responsible to use communication and feedback channels effectively.

- Responsible for managing own work performance and completing tasks as per set timelines and standards.

Desired Experience & Qualification

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Grade 12.

B.Tech or BSc or B.Eng in Mining Engineering Degree.
Blasting Certificate or National Certificate Rock breaking Underground Hard Rock Level 3.
A minimum of 2 years experience in an underground mine production and/or development environment (massive mining).
Experience in relevant planning, scheduling and ring design and drill and blast design software.
Computer Literacy and Microsoft Office Suite (Intermediate).
Valid Drivers’ License.

ADVANTAGEOUS:

Mine Overseers Certificate of Competence.
Certificate Mine Managers Certificate of Competence.

Package & Remuneration

Market Related Company Medical and Pension.

OTHER SKILLS & BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrate proficiency with regards to drills and drilling technology.
Demonstrate proficiency and understanding with regards to explosive usage and legislation.
Demonstrate knowledge and skill of all applicable environmental policies, procedures, legislative requirements, principles and practices.
Conduct visual assessment of blasted face or ring and use experiential reasoning to assess the quality of the blast.
Demonstrate proficiency in use of applicable software to do ring and blast design.
Demonstrate knowledge with regards to applicable mining legislative requirements.
Strategic Planning; Creating a Culture of Trust; Inspiring Others; Facilitating Change; Customer Focus; Driving for Results; Decision Making; Communication; Safety Leadership; Creating an Inclusive Environment; Managing Relationships; Delegation and Empowerment.

Petra Diamonds SA (Pty) Ltd.

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