Background

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job Purpose in Summary

The QA/QC Blast Holes (Dipping Hand) is responsible for conducting quality assurance and quality control inspections on drilled and loaded blast holes to ensure compliance with blast design specifications, safety standards, and operational requirements. The role supports safe, efficient, and productive blasting activities by accurately measuring, recording, and reporting blast hole conditions and deviations before charging and blasting activities. All duties are performed in accordance with company policies, management systems, statutory regulations, and standard operating procedures.

Key Responsibilities

The incumbent will be required to adhere to all relevant requirements, policies, procedures and legal regulations pertaining to health, safety, environment and quality, as well as finance, human resources, and any other regulations as required by the company and relevant to the level of the role and responsibilities of the function.

• Conduct QA/QC inspections on drilled and loaded blast holes to verify compliance with approved blast designs and operational standards.
• Measure, dip, and accurately record blast hole depths and conditions prior to charging activities.
• Identify, mark, and report collapsed, blocked, short-drilled, and over-drilled blast holes requiring corrective action.
• Verify and record stemming heights in loaded blast holes to ensure compliance with blasting specifications.
• Inspect loaded blast holes and confirm explosive loading parameters meet design requirements before blasting.
• Ensure over-drilled blast holes are properly backfilled and documented in accordance with approved procedures.
• Maintain accurate QA/QC records, measurements, and inspection reports for blast hole quality assurance purposes.
• Report drilling deviations, quality issues, and safety concerns to the QAQC Area Supervisor for timely resolution.
• Support blasting and drilling crews in achieving safe, efficient, productive drill and blast operations.
• Adhere to all health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements while working within the blast area.

Qualifications

• Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or equivalent
• Verified ZAQA Certificate

Behavioural Traits

• Strong attention to detail
• High level of integrity and accountability
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Operational Requirements

• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
• Must be dependable and self-motivated
• Excellent typing and writing skills
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact with people of different cultures
• Accurate and precise attention to detail
• Unquestionable integrity
• Work independently and as part of a team.

• Conduct QA/QC inspections on drilled and loaded blast holes to verify compliance with approved blast designs and operational standards.
• Measure, dip, and accurately record blast hole depths and conditions prior to charging activities.
• Identify, mark, and report collapsed, blocked, short-drilled, and over-drilled blast holes requiring corrective action.
• Verify and record stemming heights in loaded blast holes to ensure compliance with blasting specifications.
• Inspect loaded blast holes and confirm explosive loading parameters meet design requirements before blasting.
• Ensure over-drilled blast holes are properly backfilled and documented in accordance with approved procedures.
• Maintain accurate QA/QC records, measurements, and inspection reports for blast hole quality assurance purposes.
• Report drilling deviations, quality issues, and safety concerns to the QAQC Area Supervisor for timely resolution.
• Support blasting and drilling crews in achieving safe, efficient, productive drill and blast operations.
• Adhere to all health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements while working within the blast area.

• Strong attention to detail
• High level of integrity and accountability
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
• Dependable and self-motivated
• Excellent typing and writing skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact with people of different cultures
• Accurate and precise attention to detail
• Unquestionable integrity
• Work independently and as part of a team

• Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or equivalent
• Verified ZAQA Certificate