What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Mine Engineer- Drill & Blast position at OceanaGold?
Company Description
OceanaGold is a growing mid-tier gold and copper producer listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). With four operating mines—Haile in the USA, Didipio in the Philippines, and Macraes and Waihi in New Zealand—we are committed to safe, responsible mining that generates strong returns and supports sustainable development.
Our purpose is mining gold for a better future. The gold, copper, and silver we produce power renewable energy, life-saving medical devices, and the technology that connects communities. Beyond this, our operations drive economic growth and improve health and education outcomes in the regions we serve, supporting over 3,700 direct jobs globally.
Guided by our values—Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork—we strive to be a trusted company people want to work for, partner with, and invest in, creating lasting value for all our stakeholders.
Haile Gold Mine located in South Carolina is the largest gold mine on the East Coast of America. Our employees are at the heart of all we do. With 84% of our employees living in the surrounding community, they are neighbors and friends as well. Join our team, where your expertise can make a true impact!
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Senior Drill and Blast Engineer to join our gold mining operation in South Carolina. The ideal candidate will provide technical leadership in all aspects of drilling and blasting activities while managing a team of drill and blast engineers across our open-pit or underground operations. This position plays a critical role in optimizing fragmentation to meet mill throughput requirements while ensuring safe and efficient mining practices.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and mentor a team of drill and blast engineers, providing technical guidance and professional development
Design, implement, and optimize drill and blast patterns
Optimize drill and blast parameters to improve fragmentation, and align with production schedules to consistently meet mill throughput targets
Develop and implement drill and blast designs while collaborating with geology, mining, and processing teams to optimize ore recovery and minimize dilution
Operational Oversight – Provide technical expertise in supporting mining operations, ensuring that drill and blast considerations are integrated into decision-making processes to achieve production targets while maintaining safety and environmental standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering or another similar field
Minimum 7 years of experience in drill and blast engineering, preferably in hard rock mining environments with gold mining experience
Demonstrated technical expertise in drill and blast design and implementation
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills
Experience with relevant software including Deswik, Vulcan, Blast IQ, and/or SHOT Plus is preferred
Demonstrating visible leadership examples of OceanaGold’s Values – Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork
Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills.
Strong commitment to safety and environmental compliance.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, walk on blasted shot material, climb stairs, talk, hear and see.
Occasionally may be required to lift moderately heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) during the workday.
Work is in a surface mine setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity.
Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.
Additional Information
WHAT'S ON OFFER:
- Competitive salary short-term and long-term bonus
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, vision and dental insurance, 401K, and more
- Great residential location close to Charlotte SC, and is located between the mountains and sea.
- Long service recognition
- Living Our Values recognition program
- Supportive work environment with a focus on safety and teamwork
- Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
YOU MATTER: OceanaGold is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We believe a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. Should you require any assistance applying for this opportunity, please contact us at [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
