Blasting Specialist – Technical Expert in Mining Operations

About the role

Rio Tinto is seeking a Blasting Specialist to provide technical expertise and assurance across drilling and blasting activities. The role supports safe, efficient, and compliant blast execution while working closely with mine operations, technical services, and contractors.

Key responsibilities

• Provide expert input into blast design, initiation systems, and ground‑condition management.
• Optimise blast performance, including fragmentation, wall control, vibration and overall efficiency.
• Deliver in‑field technical support during charging, tie‑in and firing, ensuring compliance with approved designs and QA/QC standards.
• Oversee QA/QC processes, analyse blast outcomes and drive continuous improvement through post‑blast evaluations.
• Ensure safe management of explosives facilities in line with C8 standards, EMP and regulatory requirements.
• Implement critical safety controls, support pre‑blast assessments and contribute to incident investigations.
• Support governance by ensuring compliance with plans and procedures, collaborating across teams and mentoring workforce capability.

Required profile

• Significant experience in drill & blast operations or engineering.
• Operational leadership experience in a mining environment, including leading crews or providing technical field leadership.
• Strong knowledge of blast design principles and relevant software/systems.
• Familiarity with explosives products (e.g., ANFO, emulsion) and charging practices.
• Understanding of initiation systems and safety compliance frameworks.

Required skills

• Blast design
• Explosives handling (ANFO, emulsion)
• Charging practices
• Initiation systems
• QA/QC analysis
• Risk management
• Compliance with C8 standards and EMP

What we offer

• Inclusive workplace that values diversity and respects all cultures.
• Opportunities to work on large‑scale mining projects with a global leader.
• Professional development and mentorship within a collaborative team.