Operator, HEO1 (Surface Blaster)

About the role
 

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.
 

Blasters fill blast holes with explosives and detonate explosives to dislodge, ore, and rock. They work for mining, quarrying, construction companies, and drilling and blasting contractors. Blasters work mainly outdoors, sometimes in remote locations, load explosives in blast holes by hand. Handle, store and transport explosives and accessories with regulation and ensure that safety procedures are observed. Cleaning equipment and assisting in activities in a safe and friendly environment. 
 

Located at the Lac de Gras Mine site, you will be working on a 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off rotation.
 

The main responsibilities will be:

• Carry out rock removal work using explosives.
• Rigorously apply and follow safety rules and instructions.
• Handle explosives and set off blasts to fragment rock.
• Apply practices that comply with company policies and procedures as well as regulatory and safety policies and procedures.
• Connect charges with selected detonators, primers, detonator wires and other materials.
• Handle and store explosives and accessories in accordance with regulations and ensure that safety measures are observed.
• Complete blasting reports, inventory records and other appropriate documentation.
• Work closely with technical and operational team members.
• Perform all other tasks related to the position

About you
 

To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:

• Professional training in drilling and blasting, or other training in an equivalent or related field.
• Recognized Blaster certification.
• Significant experience of two (2) to (5) years in the field.
• A valid driver's license.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently in a results-oriented environment
• Experience working with people from different cultures and knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities presented to those lining in the North are assets
• Ability to work with different cultures
• Ability to maintain standards of conduct and possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Demonstrate a dedication to the company and the position
• Demonstrate sound work ethics and be committed to safety
• Display maturity, be self-motivated, disciplined and understand the necessity for confidentiality in all business and personal matters

Physical Demands and Requirements
 

The Blaster will work in an open pit/waste dump atmosphere setting (approximately 80 percent of the time) outdoors. The incumbent must be able to:

• lift and carry loads up to 20 kg in weight
• operate a vehicle typically requiring a Class 5 license
• work in a location that is over 30 minutes from a hospital
• sit for over 60 consecutive minutes
• stand for over 60 consecutive minutes with little or no walking
• concentrate for over 60 consecutive minutes
• Stay alert during periods of inactivity that can extend for more than 60 minutes
• work in environmental extremes (e.g., very cold or variable weather) for over 60 consecutive minutes
• exert self physically quite often
• listen for quiet sounds
• hear something over background noise
• perceive fine visual detail and differences in colour
• frequently use peripheral vision
• make fine movements with one’s fingers (e.g., when manipulating or assembling small objects with precision tools)

Northern residency and experience working in a cross-cultural environment, coupled with knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities presented to those living in the North, are assets. Hiring priority will be given to qualified applicants who are beneficiaries of the DDMI Participation Agreement Groups and to qualified applicants residing in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Territories. Members must clearly identify their status on the online job application and resume if they wish to receive priority consideration.
 

What we offer
 

Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.

• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority.
• Career development to further your technical or leadership ambitions.
• Ongoing access to family-friendly health and medical programs, pension and savings plans.
• Attractive share ownership plan.
• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave.)

Where you’ll be working
 

Located in the Northwest Territories of Canada, the Diavik Diamond Mine is a producer of gem-quality diamonds. At Diavik, a strong focus is placed on protecting the local environment, as well as supporting communities through employment and education.

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.

Respect and Inclusion
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQIA2 community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.

À propos de Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto est un chef de file mondial du secteur des sociétés minières et des matériaux. Nous sommes établis dans 35 pays où nous produisons du minerai de fer, du cuivre, de l’aluminium, des minéraux critiques et d’autres matériaux nécessaires à la transition énergétique mondiale et à la prospérité des personnes, des communautés et des nations. 

Nous exerçons nos activités depuis 150 ans, en nous appuyant sur les connaissances accumulées au fil des générations et sur les différents continents. Notre mission – trouver de meilleures façons de fournir les matériaux dont le monde a besoin – nous guide dans notre quête d’innovation et d’amélioration continue, dans le but de fabriquer des produits à faibles émissions et répondant aux bonnes normes environnementales, sociales et de gouvernance. Mais comme nous ne pouvons pas y arriver seuls, nous nous attachons à créer des partenariats nous permettant de résoudre des problèmes, de créer des situations mutuellement avantageuses et de saisir des occasions.

Respect and Inclusion
Chez Rio Tinto, nous accueillons favorablement et encourageons les candidatures d’Autochtones, de femmes, de membres de la communauté LGBTQ2S+, de travailleurs âgés, de personnes handicapées et de représentants d’origines diverses.

Nous sommes déterminés à créer un milieu inclusif où les employés se sentent à l’aise d’être eux-mêmes. Nous souhaitons de plus que chacun ait l’impression que sa voix compte, que toutes les cultures sont respectées et que les points de vue, aussi variés soient-ils, sont non seulement bienvenus, mais également essentiels à notre succès. Nous nous traitons mutuellement avec équité et dignité, sans égard à la race, au genre, à la nationalité, à l’origine ethnique, à la religion, à l’âge, à l’orientation sexuelle ou à tout autre aspect distinctif.