Overview
Drillers and blasters in surface mining, quarrying and construction operate mobile drilling machines to bore blast holes in open-pit mines and quarries and to bore holes for blasting and for building foundations at construction sites. Blasters in this unit group fill blast holes with explosives and detonate explosives to dislodge coal, ore and rock or to demolish structures. They are employed by mining, quarrying and construction companies and by drilling and blasting contractors.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Drillers
Drive and operate tracked or truck-mounted rotary drilling, air-track or other drilling machines to bore large blast holes to specified depths at staked positions in open-pit mine or quarry
Operate drilling machines to drill blast holes in rock at road or other construction sites
Operate tracked or truck-mounted drill equipped with auger or other attachment to drill holes for building foundations or pilings
May measure location and stake out pattern of holes to be drilled, load blast holes with explosives and detonate explosives to dislodge coal, ore or rock.
Blasters
Read instructions or diagrams, lay out drill pattern and determine depth and diameter of blast holes and conduct field tests to determine type and quantity of explosives required
Assemble or direct other workers to assemble primer charges using selected detonators, fuses, detonating cords and other materials
Load explosives in blast holes by hand or direct movement of bulk explosives trucks to load holes
Connect electrical wires, detonating cords or fuses into series and connect series to blasting machines; press handle or button to detonate charges
Handle, store and transport explosives and accessories in accordance with regulations and ensure that safety procedures are observed
May operate air-track, rotary, down-the-hole or other drilling machines to drill blast holes or may direct drilling of blast holes.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$61,025
$81,338
$102,549
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
77expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
On-the-job training is provided.
Experience as a heavy equipment operator may be required for drillers.
Additional information
Drillers and blasters often perform both drilling and blasting activities.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction in B.C.
- Blaster certification
Blaster certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction, you must be registered with the Blaster certification. Eligibility is achieved by providing documentation supporting their practical competency, and pass a written exam.
Work Experience
Work experience recommended
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.