Drill & Blast Superintendent

We are seeking an experienced open cut Drill and Blast leader to join the team at Hidden Valley Mine in Papua New Guinea.

• Expatriate opportunity - 16/12 Days Roster FIFO Australia/PNG
• Attractive salary and bonus scheme
• Opportunity to work for an international mining company with a diverse workforce.

Harmony is the largest gold producer by volume in South Africa and is a significant operator of gold tailings retreatment facilities. In Papua New Guinea, Harmony owns and operates the Hidden Valley mine and owns 50% of the Tier 1 Wafi-Golpu copper-gold project. In Australia, Harmony owns the high-grade CSA copper mine in Cobar, NSW and is currently preparing to progress the Execution Phase of the Eva Copper Mine Project in QLD. These assets are supported by the Harmony Australasia regional corporate office located in Milton, Brisbane.

This role will be offered as a FIFO opportunity from/to Australia working on a 16/12-day roster.

Reporting to the Mining & Technical Services Manager, and with a team of 2 direct reports, the Drill & Blast Superintendent will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of drill and blast design standards, guidelines, and operational procedures across Hidden Valley Operations. This leadership role provides expert technical guidance, manages contractor performance, and drives excellence in blast outcomes while developing the next generation of drill and blast leaders.

Responsibilities of this role include:

• Develop and maintain the mine's drill and blast design standards, guidelines, and operational procedures.
• Oversee drill and blast designs for all production areas, including blast patterns, hole loading, timing, and powder factor optimization.
• Ensure that designs align with short-, medium-, and long-term mine plans and geotechnical recommendations.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and audits of blast outcomes, fragmentation, and vibration data to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage QA/QC programs for drilling accuracy, hole deviation, and explosive loading compliance.
• Act as a subject matter expert to provide mentoring, training, and competency development for developing engineers at all levels.
• Promote collaboration and clear communication between the technical, operational, and contractor teams.
• Regular on-bench field inspections of drilling and blasting practices.
• Oversight of the post blast review and reconciliations.
• Oversight of recordkeeping and document controls.
• Contractor Management.
• Manage the operational drilling and blasting contracts and associated local suppliers.
• Oversee contractor performance against KPIs, including safety, productivity, compliance, QAQC, and cost.
• Manage contract scope variations, performance reporting, and commercial compliance in conjunction with Supply and Contracts departments.
• Ensure timely completion of employee performance reviews.
• Develop and set drill and blast section key performance indicators.

About You:

You must be an experienced professional who is self-motivated and able to work efficiently and collaboratively in a team environment holding the following qualifications and experience:

• Minimum 8 years of experience in open cut mining, with significant (5+ years) Drill & Blast experience in hard rock environments.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a supervisory role.
• Expert knowledge of Drill & Blast engineering, design, and execution.
• Expert knowledge of nonel and electronic initiation systems, technical blasting situations - presplitting, vibration restrictions, flyrock management, geotechnical constraints, wall protection, reactive ground, oversize rocks, secondary blasting, toe shots, wall trims, misfire management, etc.
• On-bench blasting experience, and willingness to provide direct supervision in the field.
• Strong technical leadership and people management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop team members.
• Expert knowledge of blast design optimisation and fragmentation control.
• Excellent contractor management and commercial awareness.
• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills at all organizational levels.
• Commitment to safety excellence and compliance with industry standards.

What are the benefits of working for Harmony?

• The opportunity to work for an international mining company with a diverse workforce.
• Work for a company who values their employees and recognises their contribution.
• Excellent safety record.
• Corporate / discounted rates with Medibank and Qantas Club.
• Access to Harmony's benefits discounts scheme.

The successful applicant must be able to meet the requirements for a PNG Work Permit application (organised by Harmony) and a Federal Police Clearance. If you have a current passport or can obtain one as soon as possible, and are confident you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to fulfil this role, then please apply now. Please include a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience align with this role.

To learn more about Harmony, please visit our website

Please note
: All candidates must have the right to live and work in Australia as this will be the travel base for this role. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a comprehensive pre-employment medical screen, including drug and alcohol testing.