Drill & Blasting Engineer - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

About Saudi Gold Refinery

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a Saudi mining and precious-metals company specialized in the refining of gold and precious metals, bullion production, and value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom's mining value chain, SGR is aligned to the Vision 2030 mining pillar and to the regulatory framework set by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and applicable Saudi and international standards. We produce responsibly sourced, traceable, and certified bullion, operate to LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned quality standards, and invest in the people, processes, and controls behind every bar we produce.

Role Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Drill & Blasting Engineer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to lead technical operations for our exploration and pre-feasibility mining assets. This role focuses on designing efficient blast patterns, managing explosive inventory, and ensuring strict compliance with Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) regulations. The engineer will support SGR's strategic goal of unlocking Saudi mineral resource potential through safe and optimized extraction methods.

The Drill & Blasting Engineer will report directly to the Drill & Blasting Manager and will play a key role in transitioning exploration projects into development phases. This position requires a technical expert who can balance operational efficiency with rigorous safety and environmental standards in the Arabian Shield.

Key Responsibilities

The Drill & Blasting Engineer will execute the following responsibilities to support SGR's mining operations.

Blast Design Execution

The role designs and implements blast patterns that optimize fragmentation for downstream crushing and refining processes. This involves adjusting parameters based on real-time geological data and rock mass characteristics.

Regulatory Compliance

This position ensures all drilling and blasting activities adhere to MIM regulations and Saudi Civil Defense standards. The engineer maintains accurate records for audits and regulatory inspections.

Contractor Supervision

The role supervises third-party drilling contractors to ensure they meet SGR's technical and safety specifications. Regular performance evaluations are conducted to maintain high operational standards.

Explosive Inventory Management

This position manages the procurement, storage, and usage of explosives in compliance with safety protocols. Accurate inventory logs are maintained to prevent discrepancies and ensure security.

Safety and Risk Mitigation

The role conducts regular safety audits and risk assessments for all drilling and blasting operations. Immediate corrective actions are taken to address any identified hazards or non-compliance issues.

Performance Analysis

This position analyzes post-blast data to evaluate fragmentation quality and vibration levels. Recommendations are made to refine future blast designs for improved efficiency and cost control.

Technical Reporting

The role prepares detailed weekly and monthly reports on blast performance, costs, and safety metrics. These reports support strategic decision-making by the Drill & Blasting Manager.

Geological Collaboration

This position collaborates with geologists to align blast designs with mineralization zones and structural features. This integration ensures minimal dilution and optimal ore recovery.

Equipment Optimization

The role evaluates drilling equipment performance and recommends upgrades or maintenance actions. This ensures maximum uptime and efficiency for drilling operations across multiple sites.

Environmental Monitoring

This position oversees environmental monitoring programs for ground vibration and air overpressure. Compliance with environmental permits is maintained to protect surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in drill and blasting operations within the mining industry.
• Proficiency in blast design software such as Deswik, BlastLogic, or equivalent tools.
• Strong knowledge of Saudi mining laws and environmental regulations issued by MIM.
• Valid Blasting Supervisor License or equivalent certification from Saudi Civil Defense.
• Experience in managing explosive supply chains and magazine operations in remote areas.
• Fluency in English for technical reporting and communication with international teams.
• Willingness to travel frequently to exploration sites across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Preferred / Nice-to-have

• Master's degree in Mining Engineering or a specialized certification in blast engineering.
• Prior experience working in the Arabian Shield or similar geological environments.
• Knowledge of Arabic language to facilitate communication with local stakeholders.
• Experience with SGR or other major Saudi mining companies such as Maaden.

Success Metrics

• Reduction in drilling and blasting costs per ton by 10% within the first year.
• Zero recordable safety incidents related to drilling and blasting operations.
• Improvement in fragmentation consistency leading to a 5% increase in crushing efficiency.
• 100% compliance with MIM and Saudi Civil Defense regulatory requirements.
• Successful management of contractor performance against agreed KPIs.
• Timely and accurate delivery of blast performance reports to management.
• Effective mitigation of environmental impacts through vibration and noise control.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.