Job Description

Round Mountain is an open-pit mine located in Nevada, one of the best mining jurisdictions in the world. The mine uses conventional open-pit mining methods and processes ore by mill and heap leach. Kinross began operating the mine in 2003, and it has since become a continuous improvement leader in the Company’s portfolio. Round Mountain poured its 15 millionth ounce in 2018. Round Mountain and the nearby Bald Mountain mine make up Kinross’ Nevada operations. 

The Round Mountain mine is an important contributor to the Nye County economy and, working with local stakeholders, has helped achieve significant improvements in healthcare and education in the area.

Job Description

Under the direction of the Chief Mine Engineer, the Drill & Blast Engineer shall be responsible for overseeing and optimizing drilling & blasting operations in the open pit at Round Mountain. The successful candidate shall coordinate closely with the Short Range Planners, Drill & Blast Planner and Technical Services department more broadly, as well as the Drill & Blast Operations team, to ensure safe and efficient mining in the open pit.

Job Responsibilities

• Utilize geological data, mine plans and survey information to develop blast designs and shot timing, and release patterns as required for execution.
• Continuously assess and optimize blasting parameters, including pattern design/spacing, hole depth/orientation, shot timing, explosive types, etc. to optimize fragmentation and ensure geotechnical pitwall compliance.
• Collect and interpret technical data such as blast-induced vibration and utilize findings to inform pattern design decisions and improvements, with specific focus on high-risk sectors of the open pit.
• Lead regularly scheduled blasting optimization workshops and all subsequent improvement initiatives.
• Engage with external parties (or internal subject matter experts) for periodic best-practice audits and specific technical consulting as required.
• Develop blasting “mid-range plan” to proactively identify and mitigate risks through pattern design in the 3-month window.
• Develop and assume ownership of blasting sign-off procedure.
• Assist in developing drill & blast budgets and operational cost reviews vs. budgeted, as required.
• Ensure drill & blast planning complies with applicable safety regulations, environmental standards, standard operating procedures and company best practices.
• Work safely at all times and ensure our drill & blast planning supports safe production. Identify, report and work with management to correct any hazards.
• Promote and engage strongly with a pro-active safety culture.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or similar field is required.
• 3-5 Years of planning and/or drill & blast experience in hard-rock, open pit mine operations is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with mining software packages, other CAD packages and specific drill & blast planning modules is strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of mine operations and drill & blast principles.
• Comfortable working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong engagement with technical details, self-motivated to learn and continuously improve our drill & blast practices.
• Must be presently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Chief Mine Engineer

Legislative Requirements

Background Check required

US work permit required

Language Requirements

English

Kinross is a Canadian-based global senior gold mining company with operations and projects in the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile, and Canada. Our focus on delivering value is based on our core principles of responsible mining, operational excellence, disciplined growth and balance sheet strength. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC).

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