Shot Firer

Job Description

Workplace Type: Onsite

Newmont is the world’s leading gold company and a producer of copper, silver, zinc and lead. The Company’s world-class portfolio of assets, prospects and talent is anchored in favorable mining jurisdictions in Africa, Australia, Latin America & Caribbean, North America, and Papua New Guinea. Newmont is the only gold producer listed in the S&P 500 Index and is widely recognized for its principled environmental, social and governance practices. The Company is an industry leader in value creation, supported by robust safety standards, superior execution and technical proficiency. Newmont was founded in 1921 and has been publicly traded since 1925.

At Newmont, people create the value in the metals we mine and are ambassadors in the communities where they live and work. As a team, we foster an environment in support of our people vision, where everyone belongs, thrives and is valued. We have built a diverse and inclusive workplace where our people can bring their differences to support delivering results together.

Our Africa operations employ approximately 5,900 employees and contractors, with the majority working at the Ahafo Mine. We offer an unparalleled blend of opportunity and career satisfaction with all the benefits you would expect from a global company. This, combined with our growth opportunities, makes Newmont a great company to work.

Our Akyem and Ahafo mines have made significant sustainable community development investments in our host communities. These include establishing Development Funds at our Akyem and Ahafo operational areas with each mine contributing US$1 per ounce of gold sold and 1% of net pre-tax annual profit into its community development fund.

Join us and unearth your potential in a global company that is at the forefront of shaping the future of the mining industry.

About This Role

To lead blast crew working on a blast, supervise blast hole tie ups and convey explosives from the magazine at Newmont in a safe and controlled manner.

In This Role You Will

Shot Firing Execution Planning

Communicate with and receive instruction from the Blasting Supervisor; understand and execute the specified instruction and blasting plan, prior to the execution of activities.
Participate in risk assessments in relation to blasting activities.
Support in the execution of loading and priming of blast holes, when required.
Clear 500m blast circumference area, prior to blasting.
Assure that all blasting requisition forms are completed, as part of Newmont statutory requirements.

Shot Firing Execution and Post Review

Lead the Blast Crew working on the blast.
Supervise the execution of blast hole tie-ups.
Convey explosives from the magazine to the pit using the Bomb Ute.
Communicate any changes made to the blast schedule to the Blast Supervisor.
Oversee the preparation of the firing of shots, including:
conducting inspections of the tie-in (walk the shot).
allocating blast guard locations.
verifying that blast guards are trained and competent in their duties.
liaising with blast guards and others, prior to clearing the area.
verifying the clearance of all personnel and equipment from the blast exclusion zone.
Make announcement on pending blast detonation on the two-way radio system.
Activate the pit siren to provide warning to the surrounding areas.
Perform firing of established blast holes.
Push detonator plunger to initiate blast.
Conduct and maintain Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) standards during shot firing activities.
Handle potential blasting misfires according to Standard Task Procedures (STPs).
Conduct post-blast inspections and report any anomalies to the Blasting Supervisor.
Account for any residual explosives and safely transfer back to the magazine.
Count residual explosives and record in the log book magazine.
Sign-off on residual explosive amount.
Document any lost consumables and overcharges and report to the Supervisor.
Declare the work area “free to operate” post-blasting for continued mining operations.
Conduct firing and post-blast examinations and raise any issues immediately to the Supervisor.
Dispose of any damaged and / or deteriorated explosives in an environmentally responsible and safe manner.
Provide sign-off on any decontaminated explosive handling equipment, prior to maintenance.
Initiate the maintenance of explosive handling equipment under own control.
General Execution

Plan and prioritise own activities on a daily basis.
Read instructions or diagrams to lay out drill patterns and take charge of the completed pattern.
Obtain the necessary equipment and consumables required to execute tasks from the Supervisor.
Ensure that all works-in-progress and activities meet specifications, codes and regulations.
Contribute to the achievement of blasting targets.
Participate in regular tool and safety audits.
Participate in further training for upskilling purposes.
Provide verbal feedback to the Supervisor on the activities completed for the day.

Health and Safety Management

Initiate steps to block entry into the pit, pre and post-blasting to uphold the highest safety standards.
Verify that the demarcated blast areas are safe and secure to promote worker health and safety.
Conduct final blasting area safety inspection and signal personnel to clear the blasting zone, prior to firing the blast pattern.
Oversee that the transport of explosives is compliant with national Ghanaian regulations.
Adhere strictly to internal Newmont shot firing standards.
Comply with safe shot firing procedures.
Maintain a strong focus of safety throughout all activities.
Provide hands-on assistance during operations activities to fellow colleagues to ensure that safe work practices are followed.
Attend daily pre-shift staff meetings.
Attend daily morning safety meetings.

Your Training, Skills & Experience Checklist

Formal Qualification (including Professional Registrations):

Completion of WASSCE or equivalent certificate.

Additional Knowledge

Blasting Certificate.
Mine Foreman Certificate is preferable.
Sound knowledge of various explosive types.
Sound knowledge in blasting accessories.
General knowledge in mid-to-heavy equipment operation.

Experience

Minimum of 2 – 3 years’ shot firing experience, in a blasting environment, within a large open pit mine.
Experience in electronic detonation.

Technical Skills

Strong risk management skills.
Strong safety orientation skills.
Strong maths skills.
Strong listening skills.
Strong concentration skills.
Sound planning, organising and prioritising skills.
Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
Sound technical communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
Sound information monitoring skills.
Ability to follow hazardous material procedures.
Ability to follow verbal directions and hand signals.
Ability to stay focused.

Behavioural Attributes

Accuracy.
Continuous learning.
Detail oriented.
Flexibility.
Takes initiative.
Manual dexterity.
Proactive.
Reliable and independent.
Safety conscious.
Self-motivated.
Team player.
Technically inclined.
Tenacity.

Working Conditions

The position is located at the Ahafo South mine site.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job.
Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to sit at a desk for extended periods, climb stairs, walk and stand.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Work requires mandatory PPE such as helmet, goggles, high visible clothing, safety harness, ear plugs and dust mask according to working conditions.
We understand no candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!

Our business success comes from the accomplishments and well-being of our employees and contractors. Our goal is to build a workplace culture that fosters leaders and allows every person to thrive, contribute, and grow. We are committed to selecting and developing our employees, and to establishing a work environment where everyone can take an active part in reaching our strategic goals while feeling a sense of pride in working at Newmont.

Newmont seeks to recruit, hire, place and promote qualified applicants, meaning applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the position, without regard to personal characteristics such as gender, race, nationality, ethnic, social and indigenous origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. As part of our diversity efforts. females are encouraged to apply.

NOTE: Newmont does not ask for or require job applicants to pay money to apply or be considered for employment with the Company. In addition, Newmont does not ask potential job candidates to provide sensitive personal data without first submitting a job application through our secure, online portal, and only as requested for legitimate business purposes. If you are asked to provide money or sensitive personal data through any other means, do not respond and please report this immediately to it.sec@newmont.com .