Manager, Drill and Blast

AngloGold Ashanti (“AGA”), a leading global mining company, boasts a vibrant and inviting culture that beckons new individuals to join its ranks. Embracing diversity and inclusion, the company fosters an environment where every employee is valued and celebrated for their unique perspectives and contributions. Collaboration and teamwork are at the core of their culture, promoting a sense of unity and shared goals amongst employees. Additionally, AngloGold Ashanti prioritizes employee growth and development, offering ample opportunities for career advancement and professional enrichment. 

Joining this dynamic organization means becoming a part of a culture that champions innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the mining industry and the broader community. The AGA Africa Business Unit is seeking experienced and self-motivated persons to join our team.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Drill and Blast Manager is the technical and strategic lead for all fragmentation activities across our multi-pit operations. This role is responsible for the full lifecycle of the drill and blast process—from long-term planning and explosive manufacturing to the final initiation. We are seeking a seasoned veteran who views blasting as a precision science and is equally committed to the professional development and upskilling of the local workforce.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Core Responsibilities
  • Strategic Oversight: Manage and optimize all drill and blast activities across multiple large-scale open pits simultaneously.
  • Safety Leadership: Cultivate a "Zero Harm" culture. Ensure 100% compliance with explosive regulations, blast exclusion zone protocols, and environmental vibration limits.
  • Technical Excellence: Lead the implementation of advanced electronic blasting systems (EBS) to achieve high-precision timing and optimized wall stability.
  • Operational Integration: Collaborate with the Processing Plant Manager to align fragmentation with mill throughput requirements.

• Financial & Contractor Management
  • Budget Accountability: Full ownership of the Drill and Blast department budget (OPEX). Focus on cost-per-ton optimization while maintaining fragmentation quality.
  • CAPEX Planning: Develop and defend business cases for capital expenditure, including new drill fleets and autonomous technology.
  • Manufacturing Quality Control: Act as the primary authority over the on-site explosives’ contractor. You will audit the contractor's manufacturing plant to ensure product density, sensitivity, and chemical composition meet strict site specifications before delivery to the hole.

• Local Talent Development & Training
  • Knowledge Transfer: Design and implement a formal mentorship program to transition technical "know-how" to local engineers and operators.
  • Skills Advancement: Oversee the training of local staff in high-tech areas, including electronic initiation systems, blast modeling software, and precision GPS drilling.
  • Succession Planning: Identify and groom local talent for future leadership roles within the Drill and Blast department, ensuring a sustainable legacy of local expertise.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Education & Qualification

• Tertiary qualification in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 20 years’ experience in openpit mining, with a strong track record of senior leadership roles.
• Proven expertise in managing complex logistics and operations across multiple openpit mining sites.
• Extensive knowledge of explosive chemistry, including handson oversight of bulk emulsion and ANFO manufacturing plants.
• Expert-level proficiency in Electronic Blasting Systems (EBS), blast modeling software such as ShotPlus and I-Blast, and advanced GPS drilling systems.
• Demonstrated experience in building technical capacity within local workforces, with a focus on training and development in emerging mining jurisdictions.

Knowledge & Skills

• Mastery of pattern design, sub-drill optimization, and deviation control.
• Ability to manipulate heave and throw to minimize dilution and maximize bucket fill.
• Expert knowledge of pre-split and buffer blasting to protect high-walls.
• Rigorous auditing of contractor manufacturing to ensure "energy" matches design.
• Curriculum development for local Shotfirer and Blast Crew certifications.

Values & Cultural Fit

We are looking for a leader who treats Safety as a value and Local Development as a mission. You must be a "boots-on-the-ground" manager who balances technical office design with regular field inspections and side-by-side coaching of the local team.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications, accompanied by a detailed CV.

BEWARE OF CONMEN! AGA does not receive money in exchange for a job position. Should you be asked for money in exchange for a job offer or suspect such activity, please report this immediately to our Security Department, Investigation Unit, by calling +233556582933 or 0322296755 (rates apply) or use our speak-up direct and toll-free numbers: International Line: +27315715654; Toll- Free Number:  0800400001 or emailing  [email protected] or use the internet at www.tip-offs.com