Drill & Blast Coordinator
- Attractive Roster 14D/14R
- Darwin
- Longevity and career development opportunities
Glencore’s McArthur River Mine (MRM) is a world-class zinc-lead mine with a strong future. Located in the Gulf of Carpentaria, approximately 900 km southeast of Darwin and 64 km from Borroloola, we produce and process zinc, lead, and silver from our open-cut operation. Our products are transported to our Bing Bong loading facility and shipped globally, playing a crucial role in essential commodities used for mobility, infrastructure, and communications.
Benefits:
- Modern fleet and well-supported drill and blast systems
- Strong safety culture with a focus on continuous improvement
- Opportunity to influence blast performance and operational outcomes
- Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
- Collaborative team environment across technical and operational functions
- 13% Superannuation
- 14 Days On / 14 Days Off Roster
- Salary sacrificing options for vehicles
- Benefits program, including discounts with health insurance providers and online/in-store savings through Glencore Rewards
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and safety-focused Drill & Blast Coordinator to plan, coordinate, and oversee all drilling and blasting activities across the operation. This role is responsible for ensuring drill and blast tasks are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with mine plans, engineering designs, and site procedures.
You will play a key role in bridging technical planning with field execution, working closely with supervisors, engineers, and blast crews to optimise fragmentation, productivity, and downstream performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate daily drill and blast activities in line with short-term and weekly mine plans
- Ensure all drilling and blasting operations are conducted safely and in compliance with site procedures and statutory requirements
- Develop, review, and implement drill and blast designs, including patterns, charging plans, and timing sequences
- Liaise with mining, geology, and geotechnical teams to optimise blast outcomes and manage ground conditions
- Monitor blast performance including fragmentation, vibration, and dig ability, and implement continuous improvement initiatives
- Lead drill performance optimisation initiatives, including planning, executing, and assessing drill bit trials to improve penetration rates, bit life, and overall drilling efficiency
- Analyse drill data and provide recommendations on bit selection, operating parameters, and drilling practices
- Coordinate explosive supply, magazine management, and contractor activities (if applicable)
- Conduct pre-blast inspections, risk assessments, and ensure exclusion zones and controls are in place
- Lead and support blast crews and drill supervisors to achieve production targets
- Ensure accurate reporting including blast reports, QA/QC records, and compliance documentation
- Investigate incidents, misfires, and non-conformances, and implement corrective actions
- Drive compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
Required Experience & Skills
- Proven experience in a Drill & Blast Coordinator or similar role within mining industry
- Strong understanding of open cut drill and blast practices, including pattern design and explosive products
- Practical experience in the operation of production drills (e.g. rotary or DTH), with a strong understanding of drilling parameters, ground interaction, and drill performance optimisation
- Experience with drill and blast software (e.g. BlastIQ, or similar)
- Demonstrated knowledge of blast performance optimisation and downstream impacts (dig, load, haul, crush)
- Current Shotfirer Licence (or ability to obtain)
- Strong leadership, planning, and coordination skills
- Solid understanding of safety systems, hazard identification, and risk management
- Ability to interpret mine plans, geological data, and geotechnical constraints
- Current Open Driver’s Licence (HR desirable)
- Current Police clearance
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from Veterans, First Nations peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. We believe that embracing diversity strengthens our organisation and creates a supportive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
At MRM, we are Territory First – we encourage and prioritise applications from current Northern Territory residents or those willing to relocate.
Current Glencore employees are encouraged to discuss their interest in this position with their manager prior to applying.
To learn more, contact us at mrmjobs@glencore.com.au Note: We may commence interviews and make appointments prior to the closing date.
Apply Now and shape the future with Glencore.