The Position
The Blaster is responsible for safely preparing, loading, connecting, securing, and initiating production blasts within the open pit. The position works closely with Mine Operations, Drill & Blast, Technical Services, and other operational personnel to ensure blasting activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved blast designs, site procedures, regulatory requirements, and production schedules.
The Blaster plays a critical role in achieving appropriate fragmentation and muck pile conditions while protecting employees, equipment, infrastructure, and the surrounding environment.
Safety & Sustainability Expectations
The Blaster is expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to safe production and has the authority and responsibility to stop work when conditions are unsafe or inconsistent with the approved blasting plan.
The incumbent must comply with all company policies, site standards, critical controls, blasting procedures, explosive-management requirements, and applicable occupational health and safety legislation.
Particular emphasis is placed on:
• Explosive security and accountability
• Blast-area access control
• Positive blast-area clearance
• Correct loading and initiation practices
• Misfire prevention and management
• Communication and authorization prior to firing
• Protection of people, equipment, and infrastructure
• Accurate blasting records and documentation
Key Responsibilities
- Safely handle, transport, load, and use explosives and blasting accessories.
- Review blast plans, drill patterns, loading requirements, and initiation sequences prior to blasting.
- Load blast holes and install appropriate explosives, detonators, boosters, and initiation systems.
- Identify and communicate deviations from the blast plan, including blocked or damaged holes, water conditions, and incorrect hole depths.
- Establish and maintain blast exclusion zones and ensure the area is cleared and secured prior to firing.
- Coordinate blast clearance and communication with supervisors, equipment operators, and other affected personnel.
- Conduct pre- and post-blast inspections and address potential misfires in accordance with established procedures.
- Maintain accurate explosive inventories, blast records, and required documentation.
- Inspect blasting equipment and report unsafe conditions or equipment deficiencies.
- Work closely with Drill & Blast, Technical Services, and Mine Operations to support safe and effective blast performance.
- Participate in safety meetings, workplace inspections, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiative
Skills and Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver's licence.
- Valid blasting certification/licence applicable to open-pit or surface mining operations in Ontario
- Surface Miner Common Core or equivalent applicable training.
- Demonstrated knowledge of explosives, initiation systems, blast loading practices, and blast-area controls.
- Previous experience performing blasting activities in a surface mining, quarrying, or similar heavy industrial environment.
- Strong understanding of occupational health and safety requirements related to explosives and blasting.
- Ability to read and interpret blast plans, drill patterns, procedures, and related technical information.
- Ability to safely operate light vehicles and blasting-related equipment as required.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
- Ability to successfully complete all company-required training and site-specific competency requirements.
- Previous experience in a large-scale open-pit mining operation.
- Experience with electronic initiation systems and modern blast-control technologies.
- Explosive Handling Modules
- Experience working with bulk explosive delivery/loading equipment.
- Familiarity with drill-and-blast optimization and blast performance evaluation.
- Previous experience in a unionized mining environment.
Workplace Conditions
Days and Nights
12 hour shifts