Drill and blast operators are highly skilled specialists responsible for fragmenting rock to enable efficient extraction in mining operations. This critical role requires precision, safety awareness, and extensive certification. With salaries ranging from $100,000 to $180,000+, drill and blast positions are among the most sought-after in the mining sector.
Your resume must demonstrate not only your technical competencies but also your unwavering commitment to safety - given the high-risk nature of explosives handling. This guide will help you create a resume that showcases your expertise and gets you noticed by leading mining companies.
Quick Stats
Salary Range: $100,000 - $180,000+ (experienced operators/supervisors) Work Arrangement: FIFO predominant (various roster patterns) Key Certifications: Shotfirer's Licence, SSE, Dangerous Goods
Drill and Blast Operator Resume Example
James Mitchell
Senior Drill & Blast Operator
Professional Summary
Senior drill and blast operator with 10+ years of experience across open-cut iron ore, gold, and lithium operations in Western Australia. Holds current Shotfirer's Licence, SSE Dangerous Goods, and extensive experience operating Atlas Copco and Epiroc production drills. Strong safety record with zero blasting incidents and proven ability to optimise fragmentation outcomes while maintaining blast compliance. Experienced in supervising D&B crews and mentoring junior operators.
Employment History
Senior Drill & Blast Operator / Acting Supervisor
Mineral Resources Limited, Pilbara, WA
- Lead drill and blast operations for iron ore mine producing 15Mtpa, supervising crew of 8 operators
- Achieved 95%+ powder factor compliance through precise hole placement and charging procedures
- Reduced blast-induced wall damage by 25% through implementation of controlled blasting techniques
- Coordinate with mine planning and geology teams on blast design optimisation
- Conduct blast clearance procedures and post-blast inspections to ensure safe re-entry
Drill & Blast Operator
Thiess Mining, Kalgoorlie, WA
- Operated Atlas Copco D65 and Epiroc PV351 production blast hole drills
- Performed explosives loading and priming in accordance with site procedures and regulations
- Maintained zero LTI record over 4+ years through strict adherence to safety protocols
- Assisted with implementation of electronic detonator systems improving timing accuracy
- Completed advanced training in trim and buffer blasting techniques
Drill Operator / Offsider
Barminco Underground, Goldfields, WA
- Commenced mining career as offsider progressing to drill operator within 18 months
- Gained experience in underground development drilling and production stoping
- Obtained Shotfirer's Licence and developed foundation skills in blast pattern design
- Participated in emergency response training and rescue team
Education
Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations
TAFE WA, Perth, WA
Certificate II in Mining (Drilling)
TAFE WA, Kalgoorlie, WA
Certifications & Training
Skills
Bullet Point Assistant
1. What did you do?
2. What metric did you improve and in what time span?
3. Connect your action to your strategy.
Key Sections of a Drill and Blast Resume
Professional Summary
Your summary must immediately convey your experience level, certifications, and safety record. For drill and blast roles, safety is paramount.
Strong Summary Elements
- +Mention specific drill types operated
- +Highlight shotfirer's licence and SSE status
- +Include safety record (incident-free periods)
- +Reference both drilling and blasting experience
Avoid These Weaknesses
- -Generic 'experienced operator' statements
- -Missing critical certification information
- -No mention of safety performance
- -Vague equipment descriptions
Employment History Tips
Drill and blast roles require demonstrating both technical precision and safety excellence. Focus on:
- Equipment specifics - Drill makes/models, charging equipment, detonation systems
- Safety achievements - Incident-free periods, compliance rates, hazard identifications
- Technical outcomes - Fragmentation improvements, powder factor optimisation, wall control
- Progression - Show advancement from offsider to operator to supervisor if applicable
Safety First
Given the high-risk nature of drill and blast work, your resume should prominently feature your safety record. "Maintained zero blasting incidents over 5+ years across 2,000+ blasts" is a powerful statement.
Essential Certifications
Drill and blast roles have strict certification requirements that vary by state:
Must-Have Certifications
- Shotfirer's Licence (state-specific)
- SSE - Storage and Handling of Dangerous Goods
- Standard 11 or state mining induction
- HR or HC Truck Licence
- Working at Heights
- First Aid Certificate
- ERZ Controller (for underground roles)
- Dangerous Goods Driver Licence (if transporting)
Skills to Highlight
Drill and blast requires a unique combination of technical precision, safety awareness, and operational knowledge.
Essential D&B Skills
Drilling Operations:
- Production blast hole drilling (various diameters)
- Pre-split and trim drilling
- GPS/machine guidance systems
- Drill maintenance and troubleshooting
- Ground condition assessment
Blasting Operations:
- Explosives loading and priming
- Electronic and non-electric initiation systems
- Blast pattern design interpretation
- Charging calculations and powder factors
- Tie-in procedures and firing
Safety & Compliance:
- Blast clearance and exclusion zones
- Magazine management and inventory
- Misfire procedures
- Post-blast inspection
- Regulatory compliance (DMP, DG regulations)
Equipment Experience:
- Atlas Copco (D65, PV271, DM45)
- Epiroc (PV351, DML)
- Sandvik
- Caterpillar MD6000 series
Career Progression in Drill and Blast
Entry Level (Offsider/Nipper)
Starting roles focus on:
- Assisting drill operators with consumables and setup
- Learning drill operation under supervision
- Obtaining foundational certifications
- Developing safety awareness and site procedures
Drill Operator
Progress to independent drilling by demonstrating:
- Accurate hole placement to survey marks
- Efficient drill operation and maintenance
- Strong safety record
- Ability to work autonomously
Shotfirer / Blast Operator
Advance to explosives handling with:
- Shotfirer's licence
- Charging and priming competencies
- Understanding of blast design principles
- Demonstrated reliability and attention to detail
D&B Supervisor / Coordinator
Leadership roles require:
- Extensive operational experience
- Crew management and development abilities
- Blast design input and optimisation
- Strong regulatory knowledge
Resume Writing Tips for D&B Roles
Emphasise Compliance and Precision
Drill and blast work demands exact compliance with procedures. Highlight:
- Pattern compliance percentages
- Powder factor accuracy
- Timing precision
- Regulatory compliance record
Show Technical Understanding
Demonstrate you understand the science behind the work:
"I look for operators who understand why we do things, not just how. Someone who can explain the relationship between burden, spacing, and fragmentation will always be more valuable than someone who just follows instructions."
Include Relevant Secondary Skills
Many D&B operators have valuable secondary competencies:
- Haul truck operation
- Excavator/loader operation
- Survey assistance
- Grade control sampling
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Strong Resume Elements
- +Specific drill models and blast types
- +Current licence numbers and expiry dates
- +Quantified safety record
- +Clear progression from offsider to shotfirer
Weaknesses to Address
- -Missing shotfirer's licence details
- -No mention of detonation system experience
- -Vague 'blasting experience' claims
- -Outdated or expired certifications
Ready to Apply?
A well-crafted resume showcasing your certifications, equipment experience, and impeccable safety record will position you for success in Australia's drill and blast sector.
Next Steps
- Update your resume with current certification details
- Ensure all licences are current and noted with expiry dates
- Browse drill and blast jobs on Resource Jobs
- Set up alerts for D&B roles in your preferred locations
Looking for more mining resume examples? Check out our guides for Haul Truck Operator, Mining Supervisor, Boilermaker, FIFO & Entry-Level Mining, and Underground Miner roles.