About Us
JOB DESCRIPTION
New Porgera Limited (NPL) is a leading mining company dedicated to sustainable practices and community engagement in Papua New Guinea. As the operator of the Porgera Gold Mine, we focus on extracting high-quality mineral resources while prioritizing the well-being of our employees, the environment, and the local communities. Our commitment to safety, innovation, and responsible mining ensures that we not only contribute to the economy but also support the development and prosperity of the regions we operate in. At NPL, we strive to create a positive impact, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and promoting sustainable growth for future generations.
NPL now has a vacancy for a qualified and experienced individual to join our Mine Technical Services Department as
Engineer, Drill & Blast – Underground.
About The Role
Reporting to the Senior Engineer – Drill & Blast, the role Underground Drill & Blast Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, and optimizing underground drilling and blasting activities to achieve safe, efficient, and cost-effective ore extraction. The role ensures compliance with safety standards, blast performance targets, and operational requirements.
In This Role, You Will
- Design underground drill patterns, charging plans, and blast sequences.
- Ensure appropriate burden, spacing, stemming, and explosive selection.
- Prepare blast plans using mine design software (e.g., Deswik, Surpac, or Vulcan).
- Coordinate with geology and mine planning teams to optimize ore recovery and minimize dilution.
- Supervise drilling and blasting operations underground.
- Ensure blasts are conducted according to approved designs and safety procedures.
- Monitor blast outcomes such as fragmentation, overbreak, and underbreak.
- Conduct post-blast inspections and analysis.
- Ensure all blasting activities comply with relevant mining regulations and site procedures.
- Analyze blast performance data and recommend improvements.
- Optimize explosive consumption and drilling efficiency.
- Liaise with underground supervisors, drill crews, charge-up crews, and production teams.
- Prepare blast reports, performance analyses, and technical documentation.
- Maintain blast records and compliance documentation.
- Maintain a high level of health, safety and environmental awareness and comply with all relevant NPL policies & procedures.
About You
To succeed in this role, the ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experiences:
- Tertiary qualifications in Mining Engineering
- 2–5 years’ experience in underground mining operations (preferred).
- Experience with underground drill and blast design.
- Knowledge of blasting products and systems used by suppliers such as Orica.
- Proficiency or familiar in Deswik, Surpac, Vulcan
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of underground mining methods (e.g., longhole stoping, development blasting)
- Attention to safety and risk management
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work in a dynamic underground mining environment
- Drilling accuracy and blast efficiency
Mobilization Requirement
This is a PNG National position, a site-based role on a FIFO arrangement with a rotation of 21 days on and 14 days off. Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment medical, including drug and alcohol screening (to be arranged only for successful candidates after the interview stage), and provide an up-to-date Police Clearance Certificate (acquired within the last 6 months). Candidates must be PNG Nationals and available to start immediately. Females are encouraged to apply.
Join Our Team as an Engineer, Drill & Blast – Underground
Embark on a rewarding career with New Porgera Limited as an Engineer, Drill & Blast - Underground. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with a dynamic team to contribute to NPL’s success. Enjoy a balanced work schedule, competitive compensation, and a chance to develop your career and technical expertise in a supportive and professional environment.
Note: This advert will be open until
02 March 2026. If you do not hear from NPL within next two (2) weeks following the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful for this opportunity.
About Us
Our mission is to be the world’s most valued gold and copper mining business. We are committed to partnering with our host countries and communities to transform their natural resources into tangible benefits and mutual prosperity.
Barrick is a leading global mining, exploration and development company. With one of the largest portfolios of world-class and life-long gold and copper assets in the industry - including six of the world's Tier One gold mines - Barrick's operations an projects span 18 countries and five continents. Barrick is also the largest gold producer in the United States. We create real, long-term value for all stakeholders through responsible mining, strong partnerships, and a disciplined approach to growth. Barrick shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "B" and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ABX".
