MAXAM is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, and application of energetic materials. With over 150 years of experience, MAXAM operates in more than 50 countries, providing innovative solutions for mining, quarrying, construction, and civil engineering sectors. The company is committed to safety, sustainability, and technological advancement, ensuring excellence in its operations worldwide.

The Kumuruk Project is one of MAXAM’s flagship initiatives, located in Ethiopia. This project represents a significant investment in the region’s mining sector, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

The main purpose of the job is to plan-ahead so that all detonations can occur in accordance with both service providers and customer expectations. Apart from offering safe, efficient and effective service to the customer, responsible for ensuring that compliance in all legal, HSEQ standards, company standard operating procedures and site-specific requirements is achieved in the process of performing all related and expected tasks. The Shotfirer / Blaster is responsible for supervising the performance of blasting team when preparing, charging, and firing blasts, while ensuring risk controls are in place and all activities are executed with a strong safety and environmental focus.

HSEQ Responsibilities 

• Promote a culture of safety and environmental responsibility.

• Ensure compliance with site-specific Work Instructions, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).

• Conduct pre-blast inspections and risk assessments.

• Immediately report incidents, near misses, or safety breaches.

• Participate in safety meetings and toolbox talks.

• Conduct Planned Task Observation (PTO) for sub-ordinates.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct priming, charging, stemming and firing of blast holes in accordance with site procedures, Country Regulations, and Maxam standards.

• Ensure that blast holes are charged with correct amount explosives to the required stemming length and correct densities.

• Supervise the performance of MSU Operators, blasting crew, Stemming Loader Operators by giving instructions and controlling to ensure that work has been performed in line with company standard operating procedure.

• Manage and interpret blast designs for efficient and safe blasting.

• Report deviations to the Drill & Blast Supervisor.

• Conduct priming, charging, stemming and firing of blast holes in accordance with site procedures, Country Regulations, and Maxam standards.

• Inspect shot firing circuits and ensure proper connection and functionality using certified testing instruments.

• Safely initiate blasts from designated firing points following site clearance and exclusion procedures.

• Safely initiate blasts from designated firing points following site clearance and exclusion procedures.

• Assist with loading/offloading explosives and blast accessories in accordance with transport regulations.

• Assist with loading/unloading explosives and blast accessories in accordance with transport regulations.

• Support plant and site operations as required, including housekeeping and ancillary tasks.

• Identify and report faulty equipment or unsafe conditions.

• Participate in ongoing training and competency development as required.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 10+1 or above TVET qualification in the field of natural science. 

• Tertiary Qualifications will be an added advantage

• Valid Shotfirer License issued by NISS. 

• Minimum 2 years of Shortfirer experience in surface mining blasting operations

• Valid Driver’s License

• Valid Dangerous Goods Security Card (DDSC).

• Valid (medical certificate of fitness) or be to undergo and pass a medical examination assessment including drug and alcohol screening.

Core Competencies and Skills

• Demonstrated experience in open cut mining or quarry blasting operations.

• Competency in using electronic and/or non-electric initiation systems.

•  Strong understanding of Ethiopian Explosives Legislation and relevant Codes of Practice.

• Strong safety and compliance mindset. 

• Effective communication and teamwork skills. 

• Willingness to travel or work on remote sites as required.

• Flexible and adaptable to changing operational demands.

• Manage conflict and relationships.

• Contributing to teams success.

How To Apply

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to send their updated resume to deborah.eshetu@ethiojobs.net with a subject line “Shotfirer (Re Advert)”

Note: It is important to state the correct subject line when applying.