Drill & Blast Engineer

Job Title: Drill & Blast Engineer

Location: Boron, CA

About The Role

The Drill and Blast Engineer is responsible for the design, planning, execution, and optimization of drilling and blasting operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective mineral extraction. Reporting to the Senior Engineer, this role involves close collaboration with technical and operational staff to develop and implement blast strategies that align with operational goals and regulatory standards. The D&B engineer will be responsible for mitigating risks, optimizing wall control, and ensuring safe, compliant, and cost-effective mining.

Key Responsibilities

- Design drill patterns and blast plans based on geological and geotechnical data.

- Select appropriate explosives and detonation systems for each project.

- Monitor drilling accuracy and adjust plans to minimize dilution and overbreak.

- Conduct post-blast analysis and maintain detailed documentation.

- Lead implementation of advanced blast design, analysis, and modeling tools (e.g., JKSimBlast, BlastIQ) to simulate wall response.

- Drive continuous improvement through fragmentation analysis, vibration monitoring, and blast audits.

- Align short-term blast execution with long-term pit design, ensuring wall angles and catch-bench configurations are preserved.

- Collaborates with geotechnical teams to:

- Incorporate prism, radar, and other monitoring data into blast designs.

- Adjust charge weights and initiation sequences near zones of known movement or historical instability.

- Support back-analysis of blast-induced wall deformation, improving predictive models and future designs.

- Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

- Provide technical support and training to drill and blast crews.

- Maintain and analyze stope metrics (e.g., powder factor, recovery rates).

- Participate in safety meetings and conduct regular inspections of work areas.

What You’ll Bring (Minimum Qualifications)

- Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Explosive Engineering, or related field.

- Minimum 3 years of experience in drill and blast engineering, preferably in open-pit mining.

- Proficiency in blast design software and 3D mine planning tools.

- Strong understanding of explosives, drilling equipment, and blasting techniques.

- Knowledge of regulatory standards (e.g., MSHA, Explosives Act).

- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

- Valid driver’s license

- Familiarity with Boron’s unique mineralogy and operational environment is a plus.

It will also be beneficial if you have:

- Experience with borates or similar industrial minerals.

- Knowledge of vibration monitoring and environmental impact mitigation.

- Exposure to lean mining practices and operational efficiency programs.

Work Environment

Primarily field-based at the Boron mine site with some office-based planning.

Exposure to desert climate and rugged terrain.

PPE and safety protocols strictly enforced.

What we offer

Here is just a glimpse of our industry leading rewards package:

- A safety-focused and inclusive working environment

- A competitive salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees

- Career development & education assistance to further your ambitions

- Access to top tier family-friendly health and medical programs

- Excellent retirement plan

- A comprehensive leave policy that covers all moments that matter in life (vacation/annual, paid parental leave, short term sick leave, paid holidays)

- Ongoing individual wellbeing support for you and your family for personal and professional matters

- Generous Rio Tinto employee share program

Where you will be working

This role is located in Boron; CA. Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We provide 30 per cent of the world's supply of refined borates; remarkable minerals that are essential to life and to modern living.

Also known for its 20 Mule Team Borax brand, Rio Tinto Borates traces its roots to California’s Death Valley, where borate deposits were discovered in 1872.

The twenty-mule teams Borax used to haul ore out of the remote desert live on as a symbol of our commitment to innovation. Rio Tinto Borates distinguishes itself through world-class safety, environmental and community practices, and a commitment to constant innovation and improvement.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Every Voice Matters

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.