Engineer, Drilling and Blasting

Location
Lihir Island
Workplace
On-site

About this role

Workplace Type: Onsite

Newmont produces metals the world needs - safely, responsibly and with care for people, communities and the environment. With a 100+ year history, we continue to shape the future of mining through innovation and strong operational performance. By joining our inclusive, world-class team, you can help shape the future of mining and make a meaningful difference.

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.

Purpose

As an Engineer, Drill & Blast, you will play a key role in delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective drill and blast outcomes that support Newmont's mining production objectives. You will work closely with mining operations, technical services, and contracting partners to optimise blasting performance, improve productivity, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

As Part of the Team You Will
  • Develop and implement drill and blast plans that support short and medium-term mine schedules.
  • Monitor blast performance and analyse outcomes to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Review fragmentation, dilution, vibration, and productivity data to optimise drill and blast practices.
  • Provide technical support and recommendations to operational teams and contractors.
  • Ensure compliance with site safety, environmental, and statutory requirements.
  • Support cost control initiatives through efficient drill and blast design and execution.
  • Contribute to operational planning and mine optimisation projects.
  • Investigate drill and blast performance issues and implement corrective actions where required.
  • Maintain accurate technical documentation, reports, and performance analysis.
  • Champion Newmont's commitment to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Essential Duties

We are seeking experienced mining professionals with demonstrated experience in open pit drill and blast engineering within large-scale mining operations.

  • Demonstrated experience in drill and blast engineering within an open pit mining environment.
  • Strong understanding of blast design principles, explosives management, and mining operations.
  • Experience using mine planning and drill and blast software packages.
  • Ability to analyse operational performance data and identify improvement opportunities.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
  • Sound understanding of safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Training & Experience
  • Degree qualification in Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Experience working within large gold or metalliferous mining operations.
  • Exposure to contractor management and drill and blast optimisation projects.
  • Experience operating in geographically remote or complex mining environments.
Working Conditions
  • 21 Days On / 21 Days Off roster, supporting work-life balance.
  • Opportunity to work at one of the world's largest gold mining operations.
  • Exposure to complex drill and blast challenges and leading mining practices.
  • Ongoing training, professional development, and career growth opportunities.
  • A safe, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
  • Access to sporting, recreational, dining, and community facilities on Lihir Island.
  • The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future success of Newmont's Lihir Operation.

At Newmont, our people are our strength and we’re committed to a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace. If you’re passionate about doing work that matters, join Newmont and help shape the future of mining.

Learn more about our purpose and values: About Newmont
Hear from our people: Life at Newmont

Important: Newmont does not ask candidates to pay money or share sensitive personal data outside our secure application process. If this happens, please report it to our Business Integrity team: it.sec@newmont.com.

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Top Benefits

  • Gym
  • Sports club
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Swimming pool
  • Tennis courts
  • Squash courts
  • 9-hole golf course
  • Fishing and boating clubs
  • Professional development
  • Career growth opportunities