Section Manager Drill & Blast Technical

We have an exciting opportunity for Operations Section Manager Drill & Blast Technical. The purpose of this role is to ensure technically sound, safe, and compliant drill-and-blast designs by optimising designs, monitoring technical parameters for adherence to specifications, and applying advanced blasting and geotechnical principles to support reliable and efficient production.

We’re the best in the industry.

You’ll make us better.

Guided by our purpose and our values, we enable both high performance and purposeful action as we aim to “re-imagine mining to improve people’s lives", delivering the metals and minerals that make modern life possible – from mobile phones to medicines.

Kumba Iron Ore               

We produce high-grade iron ore, the key component in steel, widely used in construction and manufacturing across the world. Our activities include all aspects – exploration; mining; processing and blending; shipping; marketing and selling. In South Africa, we have mining operations in the Northern Cape province, as well as a head office in Gauteng, and a port operation in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape.

As our Section Manager Drill & Blast Technical your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Safety, Health, and Environment

• Champion and model safety leadership, ensuring full compliance with legal, environmental, occupational health and risk management standards.
• Promote a culture of zero harm and active risk management across all drill and blast activities.
• Participate actively in VFLs, relevant risk assessment, critical control monitoring and safety closeouts.

Performance Delivery

       Mining Operations:

• Develop, maintain, update and communicate legal and operational policies, procedures, standards and guidelines.
• Oversee drilling and blasting compliance to design, including quality assurance of designs, layouts, and execution.
• Review of drilling and blasting schedules and highlight risks to the plan.
• Source, evaluate and implement required technologies for drilling and blasting.

Budget and Cost Control Management:

• Support the preparation of the annual budget for the section.
• Monitor expenditure, analyse variances, and implement cost-control measures.
• Ensure all financial practices align with approved budgets and operational cost-saving initiatives.

People Management:

• Manage and develop the team to meet competency standards and fulfil clearly defined roles.
• Identify skills gaps and implement targeted training and development plans.
• Foster a high-performance culture grounded in discipline, accountability and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Relationship Management:

• Maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, service providers and contractors.
• Provide technical support to ensure production units meet mine production goals and achieve operational satisfaction.

Improvement Initiatives:

• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance mining efficiency, cost effectiveness, and process stability.
• Apply advanced technical expertise to solve complex drilling and blasting challenges.

Environment Management:

• Ensure full compliance with environmental regulations and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Identify opportunities to improve blast designs and prevent recurring environmental impacts resulting from suboptimal blast outcomes.

This role is in the Technical & Integrated Planning (T&IP) department on a band 6.12 level reporting to the Manager Technical & Integrated Planning.

• Relevant Degree in B.Eng. Mining/ BSc Mining or equivalent on NQF7
• An Honours degree will be advantageous (NQF8)
• SA Drivers Licence
• A3 Safety Certificate
• Open Cast Blasting Certificate (advantageous)

Technical Knowledge

• Extensive operational and technical knowledge with 6-8 years of experience in any mining value chain process, including 3 years of supervisory experience in drilling and blasting.
• Advanced Computer Literacy, MS Office Suite.
• Proficient in problem-solving abilities, demonstrating expertise in drilling and blasting, with the capacity to address and resolve complex challenges in mining environments.
• Possesses a comprehensive understanding of surface mining operations, including knowledge of extraction methods, material handling, and environmental considerations.
• Demonstrates expertise in process optimisation, employing advanced techniques to enhance mining processes.
• Proficient in Mining Technical and mine planning, showcasing a deep understanding of their functionality and application, contributing to strategic decision-making and efficient resource allocation.
• Adheres to compliance with company policies and procedures, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and implementation of regulations and guidelines governing mining operations.

Who we are?

Anglo American is a global diversified mining business. Our portfolio of world-class mining operations provides the metals and minerals that make modern life possible. We use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and mine.

We work together with our key partners and stakeholders to unlock the sustainable value that those resources represent for our shareholders, the communities and countries in which we operate and for society at large. Anglo American is re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives.

How we are committed to your safety

Nothing is more important to us than ensuring you return home safely after a day’s work. To make that happen, we have the most rigorous safety standards in the industry. Not only that, we’re also continually investing in new technologies – from drones to data analytics – that are helping to make mining safer.

Inclusion and Diversity

Anglo American is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. You will have the opportunity to upload your CV and other relevant documentation as part of this process.