Expat Opportunity: Senior Drill & Blast Engineer – Open Pit Mining

An international mining operation in West Africa is seeking an experienced Senior Drill & Blast Engineer to join its Technical & Mine Planning team. This is a full-time expat position based on-site, supporting a high-performance open-pit mining environment.

Role Overview

The Senior Drill & Blast Engineer will oversee and coordinate all drilling and blasting activities within the short-term mine planning cycle. This includes developing blast designs, optimizing fragmentation, supporting cost control, and ensuring full compliance with safety and environmental requirements. The role also involves coaching junior engineers and providing technical leadership within the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure strict compliance with HSE policies, procedures, and Zero Harm safety culture.
• Use geological data, mine plans, and survey information to develop blast masters, blast designs, shot timing and patterns for execution.
• Collaborate with senior planning engineers to create equipment appropriate blast plans.
• Continuously assess and optimize key blasting parameters (burden/spacing, hole depth/orientation, timing) to achieve optimal fragmentation and maintain geotechnical pit-wall stability.
• Ensure all drill & blast plans align with short-, medium-, and long-term mine planning objectives.
• Develop and maintain the blasting sign off procedure.
• Prepare monthly drill & blast cost reconciliation and forecasts.
• Support the development of drill & blast budgets and review operational costs.
• Ensure drilling and blasting comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, SOPs, and best practices.
• Identify and report hazards, always promoting safe production.
• Provide training, coaching, and knowledge transfer to engineering and technical staff.
• Deputize for the Chief Mining Engineer when required.
• Lead and support capacity building and development programmed for junior team members.

Qualifications & Experience

• BSc Degree in Mining Engineering (minimum requirement).
• Minimum 5 years’ drill & blast experience in hard rock open-pit mining (strongly preferred).
• Ability to speak, read and write in English
• Experience working in large open-pit operations with excavators and large haul trucks.
• Proficiency in drill & blast design software (e.g., Surpac, Deswik, ShotPlus).
• Strong computer and analytical skills, including Excel/database tools.
• Valid blasting license/ticket.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate in rough terrain.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse teams.
• Experience in contractor management is an added advantage.
• Proven ability to train, mentor, and develop junior staff.

Location & Assignment

• Sierra Leone (Expat On-Site Rotation)
• Competitive expat package, accommodation provided on site.

If you meet the above requirements and are ready for an exciting opportunity in an international open-pit mining operation, please submit your updated CV for consideration.

Please consider your application unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 7 days