Drill and Blast Engineer at AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited

To provide direct Mining Technical support services to the AGA operating assets and development projects in order to achieve business objectives/targets and to develop drill and blast guidelines and procedures to optimise ore extraction.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Assist the Senior Drill and Blast engineer to map key internal stakeholder relationships and value with relevant management routines (communication, touchpoints, key meetings)
• Implement QAQC program for continuous improvement
• In cooperation with Senior Engineers initiate and implement Drill & Blast programs which includes but not limited to the following:
  • Drill equipment locations, performance and priorities tracker
  • Drill and Blast schedule in tandem with 3 monthly rolling forecasts
  • Drilled and broken inventory tracker
• Under the supervision of the Senior Drill and Blast Engineer, provide Drill & Blast planning data to enable the quarterly updates of the rolling 18-month plan to be produced on time.
• Participate in developing the annual Drill & Blast cost centre budget to achieve the required targets for achieving annual, medium term and Life of Mine (LoM) business plans
• Assist the Senior Drill and Blast Engineer to deliver the work of the Drill & Blast function within approved budget targets and specified timeframes, costs and related KPIs
• Demonstrate personal Safety and environmental accountability and assist in promoting the Culture across the Drill & Blast department regarding Safety, Health, Environmental and Sustainable Development
• Work alongside with peers to capably and consistently deliver the annual budget, according to their role and level of authority
• Rigorously drive implementation of projects assigned to him/her by superiors and nurture and sustain a culture of Accountability and Continuous Improvement within the Drill & Blast function
• Assist in developing and maintaining constructive relationships with Internal Stakeholders (Corporate, Group Planning & Technical, sister mines, Mining Contractor etc.) and external Stakeholders (Regulatory Agencies and Authorities, Minerals Commission) to establish existing and changing societal and regulatory expectations and requirements

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Qualification

• BSc. Mining / Engineering Degree or equivalent

Experience 

• Minimum of two (2) years’ proven experience in underground mine planning/technical department;
• Experience in DTH rigs and longhole drill design essential;
• Proficient with Mine Planning Software (preferably Datamine and Surpac) and knowledge of MS Office Suites;
• Knowledge of Underground drill and blast design software e.g Ringking or Aegis essential. Advantageous for candidates with Aegis experience
• Knowledge of a variety of mining methods applicable to the site
• Excellent Communication Skills.

Technical Competencies

Safety (Basic Application)

• Understands key elements constituting site safety system.
• Can lead team-based risk assessments and conduct behavioural based observations.
• Active participant in ensuring critical controls are in place and working.
• Can actively take part in reviewing of safety system elements such as practices / procedures.

Mining Production Processes & Practices (Advanced Application)

• Extensive experience and understanding of mining production process/practices.
• Understanding of good production practices, management, support systems, and how each should interact to deliver targeted performance.
• Ability to develop innovative technical ideas/practices with regards to different mining methods and their application.
• Extensive knowledge of Mining Methods and strengths and weaknesses of the methods and the applicable use.

Planning (Advanced Application)

• Demonstrate advance level of knowledge of planning systems and practices from long term to short term mine planning.
• Understands advanced principles of mine design including optimization.
• Understands advanced principles of mine design and scheduling to achieve Business outcomes.
• Ability to generate and act as competent person for annual mine reserves statements.

Contract Management (Basic Application)

• Understands the contract, the key deliverables, and the processes that are aligned to managing it successfully.
• Capable of having a direct role in managing an element of the contract management process.
• Can propose, draft, and analyze potential contract variations and amendments for approval by the contract manager.

Leadership Competencies

• Creating a disciplined team to deliver the planned work to the defined standards.
• Managing oneself – taking ownership of one’s personal development.
• Building effective working relationships – the ability to build and maintain effective collateral and cross functional working relationship;
• Building trust & accountability – displaying high levels of integrity and honesty;
• Maximizing performance & achievement of results – solving problems and analyzing issues, driving for results