Blastman - Newmont Mining Corporation

Newmont Mining Corporation is a leading global gold producer with key assets in Nevada, Peru, Australia, Ghana and Suriname.

Newmont’s Africa Operations holds two gold mining operations in Ghana: the Ahafo Mine located in the Brong-Ahafo region and the Akyem Mine located in the Eastern region. There is also near mine exploration and development focus in Ghana to annually replace gold reserves. Newmont Africa also has early-stage exploration programs in the African countries of Ethiopia and Morocco.

Our Africa operations employ approximately 5,900 employees and contractors, with the majority working at the Ahafo Mine. We offer an unparalleled blend of opportunity and career satisfaction with all the benefits you would expect from a global company. This, combined with our growth opportunities, makes Newmont a great company to work.

Our Akyem and Ahafo mines have made significant sustainable community development investments in our host communities. These include establishing Development Funds at our Akyem and Ahafo operational areas with each mine contributing US$1 per ounce of gold sold and 1% of net pre-tax annual profit into its community development fund.

The only gold company listed in the S&P 500 index, Newmont in 2007 became the first gold company selected to be part of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. Newmont’s industry leading performance is reflected through our Africa operations’ high standards in environmental management, health and safety for our workforce and creating value and opportunity for our employees, host communities and Newmont’s shareholders.

About This Role:

• To perform technical activities to Newmont in charging blastholes in a safe and controlled manner.

In This Role You Will:

Blast Execution Planning

• Communicate with and receive instruction from the Blasting Supervisor and follow the specified instruction and charging plan, prior to the execution of activities.
• Conduct field tests in determining the depth of the blast hole and input data into dip-plus to determine the quantity and type of the bulk explosive required.
• Reconcile blasting initiation product quantities before obtaining final sign off from the Supervisor.
• Conduct pre-blast tests on relevant systems, in the case of electronic detonation.
• Undertake the priming of all blast holes.
• Install physical critical controls (i.e. barricade cones and coloured signage), prior to blasting.

Blast Execution

• Inspect all drill holes and implement remediation action in preparation for charging.
• Assemble primer charges using selected detonators, fuses, detonating cords and other materials.
• Manually load explosives in blast holes and / or supervise and direct bulk explosive trucks onto the blasting pattern to charge holes.
• Connect electrical wires, detonating cords or fuses into primer / series and connect series to blasting machines.
• Join surface connectors to downlines.
• Follow the tie-up plan according to standard task procedures (STP’s).
• Conduct final inspections to ensure that all blasting connections have been made safely and correctly.
• Conduct and maintain quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) standards during blasting activities.
• Manage, store and transport explosives and accessories according to strict safety regulations and observe Newmont safety procedures and processes at all times.
• Report on and maintain accurate inventory of explosives.
• Compile records of blasting activities using specified templates and forward to the Supervisor.

General Execution

• Plan and prioritise own activities on a daily basis.
• Read instructions or diagrams to lay out explosives in accordance to the tie-up plan.
• Obtain the necessary equipment and consumables required to execute tasks from the Supervisor.
• Ensure that all works-in-progress and activities meet specifications, codes and regulations.
• Contribute to the achievement of blasting targets.
• Participate in regular toolbox and safety meetings.
• Participate in further training for upskilling purposes.
• Provide verbal feedback to the Supervisor on the activities completed for the day.

Stakeholder Management and Engagement

• Liaise with the Stemming Loader Operators to commence stemming activities.
• Support Shot Firers in the connection of tie-ups.
• Liaise with the Shot Firer to issue the go-ahead for blasting to commence.

Health and Safety Management

• Initiate steps to block entry into the pit including blasting in-progress sign and barricade cones, maintain road block during 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.
• Inspect work areas and ensure all areas comply with internal Newmont and external regulatory standards.
• Comply with safe blasting 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 safety meetings.

Your Training, Skills & Experience Checklist:

Formal Qualification (including Professional Registrations):

• Senior High School Certificate.

Additional Knowledge:

• Blasting certificate.
• Sound knowledge of various explosive types.
• Sound knowledge in blasting accessories.
• General knowledge in mid-to-heavy equipment operation.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 – 2 years’ blasting experience in a large open pit mining environment.
• Experience in electronic and non-electronic detonation.

Technical Skills:

• Strong risk management skills.
• Strong safety orientation skills.
• Strong maths skills.
• Strong listening skills.
• Strong concentration skills.
• Sound planning, organising and prioritising skills.
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Sound technical communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Sound information monitoring skills.
• Ability to follow hazardous material procedures.
• Ability to follow verbal directions and hand signals.
• Ability to stay focused.

Behavioral Attributes:

• Accuracy.
• Continuous learning.
• Detail oriented.
• Flexibility.
• Takes initiative.
• Proactive.
• Reliable and independent.
• Safety conscious.
• Team player.
• Tenacity.

Working Conditions

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Physical Demands: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to sit at a desk for extended periods, climb stairs, walk and stand.
  • Work Environment: The noise level in the field environment is high. The incumbent is frequently exposed to dangerous environments, noise, fumes, high temperature, hazardous materials, sharp edges, dust, pinch-points, vibration, slippery surfaces, and extreme weather conditions.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Work requires mandatory PPE such as helmet, goggles, high visible clothing, safety harness, ear plugs and dust mask according to working conditions.
  • Incumbent has to work overtime.