Section Miner Opencast - Drilling and Blasting
Main Purpose of the Job:
To lead and coordinate all drill and blast activities in the open cast mine & ensure safe, efficient and compliant rock fragmentation.
Key Activities:
· Adheres to quality assurance/governance protocol/principles in area of responsibility.
· Participate in audits and ensure documentation meets internal and legal standards.
· Monitor drilling and blasting costs against budget, identifying areas for savings.
· Reduce wastage of explosives and materials through careful planning and performance tracking.
· Support procurement and inventory controls for explosive and drilling supplies.
· Recommends cost saving initiatives for inclusion in sectional budget process.
· Plan and supervise daily drilling and blasting activities to align with production schedules.
· Lead a team of drill operators, charge-up crews, and assistants.
· Allocate and supervise drill rigs, blasting teams, and support equipment for optimal performance.
· Ensure blast designs are executed safely and accurately for optimal fragmentation.
· Work with Shift Overseer to refine drill patterns and blast designs for performance and safety.
· Review and validate drilling logs, explosives usage, and blast records.
· Ensure proper logging and documentation of all blast-related activities.
· Mentor and train drill and blast operators in best practices and new technologies.
· Collaborate with engineers and geologists to refine drilling patterns and explosive charges.
· Analyze blast performance data (fragmentation, muckpile shape, diggability) and optimize outcomes.
· Prepare shift reports and performance updates for management.
· Communicate effectively with maintenance teams to minimize equipment downtime.
· Identifies and implements creative and innovative ideas to improve the Mini Business Unit performance.
· Enforce strict compliance with mine safety procedures, explosives regulations, and statutory requirements.
· Conduct pre-blast inspections and safety briefings for all personnel involved.
· Investigate incidents or misfires and recommend corrective actions.
· Ensure environmental impacts of blasting (e.g., vibration, fly rock, dust) are minimized and monitored.
Minimum Education & Experience:
· Certificate in Mining Engineering or equivalent.
· Minimum 3–5 years of experience in open cast/pit mining with at least 2 years in a supervisory drill and blast role.
· Strong knowledge of drill and blast principles, rock mechanics, and explosive handling regulations.
· Valid Open Pit (surface mining) Blasting Certificate.
· Understanding of SHE Management System ISO 45001:2018 & ISO 14001:2015.
We offer a competitive salary package.
Prospective candidates must be medically and physically fit, willing to work in an underground coal mining environment, and able to meet demanding schedules.
Candidates who meet the above requirements should submit: A cover letter, Certified copies of educational certificates, Certified copy of identity card, Certified copy of driver’s license (where required) and Comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV).
The applications should be addressed to:
Head Of Human Resources
Morupule Coal Mine
Private Bag 35
Palapye, Botswana
Email: recruitment@mcm.co.bw
Closing Date: 20 January 2026
Kindly state the position that you are applying for as the subject line.
NOTE: DO NOT RESPOND THROUGH FAX OR HAND DELIVERY. ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS.
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