Supervisor Drill & Blast
Advertised: 03 June 2025
Newmont
Engineering, Mining, Oil and Gas | New Ireland
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About Newmont
At Newmont, we’re not just a world-leading gold and metals producer – we’re a team united by our commitment to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and responsible mining industry. Joining us means becoming part of a global, diverse workforce where everyone is valued, empowered, and encouraged to grow. Our people are the heart of our success, bringing exceptional skill, integrity, and dedication to everything we do as an organization and we’re dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.
About Lihir
Our Lihir Operation, located on the beautiful island of Niolam, approximately 800km north of Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby, is one of the world’s largest gold mines. Set within a geothermically active, extinct volcanic crater, Lihir operates an open-pit mine producing refractory ore, which undergoes pressure oxidation and conventional leaching to recover gold. Our workforce includes both residential and commute rosters, creating a diverse and dynamic team. Lihir offers a range of recreational facilities, including a gym, sports club, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, and a 9-hole golf course. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Lihir fishing and boating clubs provide access to pristine waters and beaches, while our onsite deli and café serve fresh local and imported produce, barista-made coffee, and freshly baked goods.
We are proud to work closely with the local Lihirian community and value its vibrant culture. Through initiatives like our School to Mine program, we offer meaningful employment, training, and development opportunities for Lihirian men and women, as well as scholarships and vocational apprenticeships. We also partner with the New Ireland Province to ensure economic benefits flow directly to the community, strengthening our commitment to sustainable development and positive local impact.
About the Role
Our Lihir operations Mine Technical Services Team is recruiting for the position of Supervisor – Drill & Blast Engineering for a FIFO role based onsite.
Reporting directly to the Superintendent Mine Planning Engineer, the incumbent is responsible provide safe and efficient drill & blast design and an effective interface between production and mine support functions within the mining department.
Essential Duties
The role will have responsibility to:
- Be a visible leader, fostering a culture of care by engaging, developing, and coaching the Drill and Blast Engineering & Operation team.
- Design drill & blast patterns to effectively support long term plans and schedules, minimize costs and consumables usage and contribute to optimal production.
- Accountable for guiding the assessment each blast and analysis results through daily and weekly quality reviews using the BMS following the Plan->Do->Check->Act cycle to ensure consistent achievement of desired blasting outcomes.
- Work directly with Drill and Blast Superintendent and Principal Drill and Blast Engineer to review, develop, and implement high-temperature explosive products and strategies.
- Ensure all drill and blast activities adhere to health, safety, environmental regulations, and company policies.
- Conduct regular safety inspections and audits; address violations promptly and implement corrective actions.
- Monitor operational performance using data analysis and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Prepare and present regular reports on operational performance, maintenance, and safety compliance to senior stakeholders.
- Identify and assess operational risks, implement mitigation strategies, and monitor risk factors continuously.
- Clearly communicate the purpose and value of the team’s work to align with business objectives.
- Encourage team members to identify and raise critical issues that may impact operations.
- Actively listen to team concerns and provide support where needed.
- Allocate tasks based on the operational plan and review team performance regularly.
- Recognize and reward team members for outstanding work and contributions.
- Promote a positive, collaborative, and productive team environment.
- Encourage open communication, idea sharing, and continuous improvement.
- Clarify work expectations and encourage team members to ask questions when uncertain.
- Seek and provide feedback to support ongoing development and performance improvement.
- Empower team members to stop any unsafe work immediately.
Training & Experience
Ideally, our preferred applicant will have;
- Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering (essential).
- Registered member of IEPNG (Institution of Engineers PNG).
- Valid PNG Driver’s Licence – Class 6.
- 5–10 years of experience in open pit drill & blast engineering.
- Extensive experience in large-scale open pit mining operations.
- Skilled in operating and/or managing drills and explosives loading equipment.
- Competent user of Minesight 3D and its functions, Blast Logic and its functions, ViewShot Plus and its functions.
- Sound knowledge of Explosive product specifications & Open pit drilling techniques and specifications.
- Demonstrated leadership in coaching and mentoring diverse teams.
- Strong administrative skills with attention to detail in reviewing and managing weekly plans.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel).
- Sound Planning and analytical Skills.
- Proficient in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work under pressure and autonomously.
- Excellent attention to detail and time management skills to meet deadlines.
The Requirement
- Must be available for FIFO to Lihir
- Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment medical assessment.
- Must have proof of a completed Police Clearance within the last six months.
Our Commitment to You
Our FIFO employees stay in a secure and comfortable camp, in an en-suite and airconditioned room equipped with a mini fridge, TV and Wi-Fi. A variety of healthy meal options are catered for at our mess, and the wet mess provides a relaxed social setting where employees can unwind with a game of pool or darts.
We offer a range of recreational activities including our on-site gym and basketball court. Paid members can access the Lihir Club which has a swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, restaurant/bar area and deck with amazing Pacific Ocean views! Our café and deli are available for takeaway coffees and snacks, as well as local and imported grocery items (inc. fresh fruit).
Newmont employees are rewarded with a competitive salary package, options for salary packaging and an annual incentive program.
We understand no candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!
Newmont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Underpinned by our values of Safety, Integrity, Sustainability, Responsibility and Inclusion.
Our commitment is to respect the rights of every individual to work to their highest potential, free of discrimination, as well as the cultures, religions, and governing codes applicable to each country in which we operate.
If you share our values and feel that you could make a meaningful difference in this role, submit your application through our website before the advertised closing date 30th June 2025.
To Apply
To apply, email your CV and other relevant documentation to [email protected]. Please include the Job ID "#23703" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.
More information
Job ID: #23703
Industry: Engineering, Mining, Oil and Gas
Location: New Ireland, Papua New Guinea
Salary: PGKNA (PGK)
Company: Newmont
Company Description: Newmont is the world’s leading gold company and a producer of copper, silver, zinc and lead. The Company’s world-class portfolio of assets, prospects and talent is anchored in favorable mining jurisdictions in Africa, Australia, Latin America & Caribbean, North America, and Papua New Guinea. Newmont is the only gold producer listed in the S&P 500 Index and is widely recognized for its principled environmental, social, and governance practices. The Company is an industry leader in value creation, supported by robust safety standards, superior execution, and technical expertise. Newmont was founded in 1921 and has been publicly traded since 1925.
Company Website: https://www.newmont.com/
Source: www.pngworkforce.com