Job Description
Role Title: | Drill and Blast Planner |
Reports to: | Drill & Blast Superintendent |
Job Type: | Full-time Regular |
Location: | Helvetia, AZ |
About Hudbay:
Hudbay (TSX, NYSE: HBM) is a copper-focused mining company with three long-life operations and a world-class pipeline of copper growth projects in tier-one mining-friendly jurisdictions of Canada, Peru, and the United States.
Hudbay’s operating portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco (Peru), the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba (Canada) and the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (Canada). Copper is the primary metal produced by the company, which is complemented by meaningful gold production. Hudbay’s growth pipeline includes the Copper World project in Arizona, the Mason project in Nevada (United States), the Llaguen project in La Libertad (Peru) and several expansion and exploration opportunities near its existing operations.
The value Hudbay creates and the impact it has is embodied in its purpose statement: “We care about our people, our communities, and our planet. Hudbay provides the metals the world needs. We work sustainably, transform lives, and create better futures for communities.” Hudbay’s mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging its core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.
Mission:
To create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging our core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.
Purpose of Role:
The Drill and Blast Planner provides engineering design, technical analysis, and short-term scheduling support for mine drilling and blasting activities. This role is responsible for ensuring that all drilling and blasting designs are engineered safely, optimized to technical specifications, and executed in compliance with regulatory standards to meet the continuous production needs of the Mine Operations department.
ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Blast Design & Modeling
- Technical Design: Author detailed 2D and 3D blast designs, determining optimal burden, spacing, hole diameter, and powder factors tailored to specific geological domains and mining areas.
- Initiation Sequencing: Design electronic and non-electric initiation sequences and tie-in layouts to optimize rock fragmentation while maintaining wall stability and fly rock controls.
- Vibration Controls: Conduct signature hole analysis to maintain vibration standards.
Short-Term Scheduling & Coordination
- Production Alignment: Coordinate closely with the Mine Planning and Operations teams to align drilling and blasting schedules with weekly and monthly production targets.
- Consumables & Inventory Tracking: Monitor, forecast, and reconcile explosives and initiation accessory inventory to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain for mine operations.
Quality Control & Safety Leadership
- Pattern QA/QC: Audit the field execution of drill patterns, analyzing drill logs and variances in actual depth, angle, and location against design specs to drive continuous improvement.
- Safety Excellence: Ensure all field activities adhere to required safety procedures while promoting a culture of safety accountability. Maintain deep familiarity with MSHA regulations and obtain Employee Possessor status.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION:
- Education: Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma from a recognized University or College in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
- Experience: 0–3 years of engineering or technical experience within an open-pit mining environment, with a strong preference for direct exposure to drill and blast operations.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in technical drill and blast design software (ShotPlus preferred) and mine planning software suites (e.g., Deswik, Vulcan, Hexagon). Solid understanding of blast performance parameters and loading practices for ANFO and Emulsion products.
- Communication: Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to coordinate work across Mine Planning and Operations teams.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Technical Proficiency: Advanced grasp of structural geology, drill patterns, advanced initiation systems, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Specialized Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of drill pattern design and optimized blast sequencing.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Other Requirements:
Physical – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities may be required for this position.
Work Environment – The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work environment will necessitate work near moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions such as hot and/or dry conditions. Work will be conducted in locations where noise, fumes, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration may exist.
Employee must be able to prove that they have a current and valid driver's license.
Why Hudbay?
- At Hudbay, our values of Dignity & Respect, Caring, Openness, and Trustworthiness are embedded into our culture by the way we work and how we interact with one another.
- We pride ourselves in providing our employees with competitive total rewards that include:
- Annual performance bonuses
- Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits for you and your family.
- Company paid Life insurance, AD&D, Short- & Long-term Disability.
- 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
- An Employee Share Purchase Plan with contribution matching
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid time off, paid sick time and holiday pay.
- Regular performance appraisals to acknowledge our employees for their contributions, strengths and work well done.
Hudbay is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates may be required to undergo educational and criminal background checks. Chosen candidates will be required to successfully pass a physical and drug screening.