How to Be Mining Drill and Blast Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 20, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Mining Drill and Blast Engineers play a vital role in the mineral extraction industry. By using explosives, they create holes and excavate minerals in a safe and efficient manner. This process is essential for the extraction of valuable resources, such as coal, gold, and other minerals.

As a result, the expertise of a Mining Drill and Blast Engineer is necessary to ensure that the operation runs smoothly and safely. The engineer must consider factors such as terrain, drilling patterns, rock properties, and blast parameters to maximize the efficiency of the process. Mining Drill and Blast Engineers must also be knowledgeable about safety protocols, as the use of explosives can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Therefore, the expertise of a Mining Drill and Blast Engineer is invaluable in the mineral extraction industry.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Mining drill and blast engineers typically have a Bachelor's degree in mining engineering, civil engineering, or a related field.
Gain Job Experience. Obtaining job experience in the mining industry is essential to becoming a successful mining drill and blast engineer. Working as a mine surveyor or in a related field is a good way to gain some relevant experience.
Complete Relevant Training Programs. Most employers require mining drill and blast engineers to complete additional training programs such as explosives safety and handling, blasting techniques, and blasting regulations.
Obtain Certification. Most states require mining drill and blast engineers to obtain certification from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Certification requires passing an exam and completing a safety course.
Pursue Career Opportunities. Once you have obtained your degree, gained job experience, and completed the necessary training programs and certifications, you should begin looking for job opportunities. Job postings can typically be found on job search websites, in newspapers, and through professional organizations.

Mining Drill and Blast Engineers are responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing drill and blast operations in a safe and efficient manner. To be reliable and competent, Mining Drill and Blast Engineers must possess knowledge of explosives, drilling techniques, and the geological structure of the mine. Furthermore, they must be able to accurately analyze data and make sound decisions.

they must be able to communicate effectively with their team members and be up-to-date on safety regulations. Finally, they must have the ability to troubleshoot any problems that may arise both in the field and in the office. By having these skills, Mining Drill and Blast Engineers can ensure that the job is done correctly, efficiently, and safely.

You may want to check Mining Project Manager, Mining Controller, and Mining Process Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Supervise and coordinate the planning, layout, and drilling of mine shafts, stopes, and other underground excavations.
Develop and implement optimal drilling patterns and techniques in order to maximize production.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality control standards.
Monitor and adjust drilling parameters to maximize efficiency and productivity.
Analyze geological data in order to develop plans for drilling and blasting operations.
Oversee the preparation and loading of explosives for blasting operations.
Perform post-blast analysis to identify areas for improvement and optimize future operations.
Design, modify, and adjust drill bits to suit the job requirements.
Monitor and record daily drill and blast activities.
Troubleshoot issues related to drilling and blasting operations.
Train, coach, mentor, and develop junior members of the drilling and blasting team.
Ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and serviced.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of geological/geotechnical surveys and investigations.
Strong understanding of mining operations, including drill and blast techniques and sequence.
Ability to design, plan and coordinate safe and efficient drill and blast operations.
Knowledge of explosives and their properties and applications.
Familiarity with regulatory standards related to drill and blast operations.
Ability to assess drill and blast risks and hazards and to develop mitigation plans.
Ability to interpret and analyze geological information, surveys and plans.
Ability to supervise drill and blast personnel and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
Expertise in drill and blast engineering tools and software, such as Autocad, Vulcan or other related software.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Mining Drill and Blast Engineers are responsible for planning, designing, monitoring and supervising the explosive blasting operations in surface and underground mines. This critical role requires a strong understanding of engineering principles, as well as safety protocols and government regulations. In order to be successful in this position, it is essential that Mining Drill and Blast Engineers have excellent problem-solving skills, be able to think critically, have strong interpersonal skills, and have the ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team.

By applying knowledge of mining techniques, these professionals can ensure that the work is completed efficiently and safely, while maximizing productivity. by maintaining constant communication with the mining team and other stakeholders, Mining Drill and Blast Engineers can ensure that all safety procedures are followed, and that any risks are identified and minimized.

Mining Inspector, Mine Ventilation Engineer, and Mine Safety Inspector are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in mining drill and blast engineering?
What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced in mining drill and blast operations?
How do you ensure safety when working on mining drill and blast projects?
What design techniques do you use for drilling and blasting operations?
How do you manage the logistics of materials for a mining drill and blast project?
What is your experience with explosives calculations and detonation techniques?
How do you stay up to date with the latest technologies and research in the field?
What strategies do you use to manage potential risks associated with mining drill and blast projects?
How do you collaborate with other engineers, miners and technicians on projects?
Describe a successful mining drill and blast project that you have implemented.

Common Tools in Industry

Blast Design Software. Used to design and plan efficient blasts for mining operations (eg: AutoCAD MineSight).
Drill Rig. A machine used to create holes in the ground for blasting and mining operations (eg: Sandvik DP1500i).
Blasting Machine. A device used to detonate explosives in a controlled manner (eg: Dyno Nobel E-Maxx Blasting Machine).
Explosive Detonator. A device used to remotely trigger explosives (eg: MECHEM Electronic Detonator).
Geophysical Survey Equipment. Equipment used to map subsurface features and material (eg: GSSI SIR-3000 Ground Penetrating Radar).
Rock Bolt Installer. A tool used to install bolts into the rock face for stability (eg: Atlas Copco Boltec Rock Bolter).
Laser Profiler. A device used to measure the height, width, and depth of rock formations (eg: FARO Focus 3D Laser Scanner).
Mapping Software. Software used to create a 3D model of the rock face for drill and blast operations (eg: MicroStation V8i).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Society of Explosive Engineers (ISEE)
National Association of Drilling Engineers (NADE)
Society of Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME)
American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers (AIME)
International Society of Mine Safety Professionals (ISMSP)
International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)
The Association of Mine Managers Australia (AMMA)
International Society of Rock Mechanics (ISRM)
The International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRMRE)

We also have Mining Health and Safety Officer, Mining Logistics Manager, and Mining Business Analyst jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Blast Design. The process of designing a blast plan to effectively break rock in a mining operation.
Blast Pattern. The arrangement of holes and explosives used in mining operations to break rock.
Burden. The distance between the hole and the free face of the rock.
Collar. The point at which a blast hole is initiated.
Drill and Blast. The process of drilling holes into the rock and then placing explosives into them to break the rock.
Fragmentation. The size of the broken rock resulting from a blast.
Hole Pattern. The arrangement of holes used in a drilling and blasting operation.
Loading. The process of placing explosives into blast holes.
Primer. The main explosive charge used in a blasting operation.
Spacing. The distance between individual blast holes in a pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Mining Drill and Blast Engineer?

To become a Mining Drill and Blast Engineer, one should possess a degree in mining engineering or a related field, as well as experience in mining operations, drilling, and blasting.

What is the primary responsibility of a Mining Drill and Blast Engineer?

The primary responsibility of a Mining Drill and Blast Engineer is to design and plan drilling and blasting operations in order to safely extract minerals from the ground while minimizing environmental impact.

What kind of equipment is used by a Mining Drill and Blast Engineer?

Mining Drill and Blast Engineers use a variety of specialized equipment such as rock drills, blasting machines, detonators, and other blasting accessories.

How does a Mining Drill and Blast Engineer ensure safety?

A Mining Drill and Blast Engineer ensures safety by following strict safety protocols, such as properly ventilating the mine site, ensuring adequate security, and conducting regular inspections of equipment and work areas.

What is the average salary for a Mining Drill and Blast Engineer?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Mining Drill and Blast Engineer is $82,856 per year.

Web Resources

Explosives & Blasting (Graduate Certificate) - Online | Academics www.uky.edu
Career in Mining Engineering: Eligibility, Programs, leverageedu.com
Blasting into a promising mining career - University of Wollongong www.uow.edu.au