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Science & ResearchISCO 2146

Explosives engineer

An explosives engineer is a person who plans and supervises blasting: designing the drill pattern, setting the charge and running the shot.

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Rate 5 of the 16 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

troubleshoot

issue drilling instructions

decide quantity of explosives required

address problems critically

examine prospective blast area

About explosives engineer

The engineer starts with a design, setting out the drilling pattern — spacing, depth and direction of the holes — and deciding the quantity of explosive needed to break rock to a given size. Geology underpins this, because the same quantity in solid and in fractured rock gives a different result. Instructions are issued to the drillers and the holes checked before charging.

The engineer organises and supervises the controlled blast in a set sequence: charging, stemming, the initiation layout and the delays between charges, securing the zone, the warning and the signals. Afterwards misfires are investigated and reported, because a charge that did not fire remains a hazard to people working at the site.

The engineer manages the explosives magazine: records, issue, returns and accounting for every item, and handles the material in line with the regulations and with safety engineering. Acquiring, storing and using explosives for civil use requires a permit from the authorities.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a explosives engineer.

1

Blast Design and Planning

  • Examine prospective blast areas and analyze geological and site conditions
  • Calculate precise quantities and types of explosives required for each blast
  • Design optimal drilling patterns to achieve project objectives safely
  • Account for geological factors including rock type, structure, and composition
  • Develop detailed blast sequences and timing specifications
2

Explosives Handling and Management

  • Issue detailed drilling instructions to blasting teams
  • Manage explosives magazines and inventory according to safety standards
  • Handle explosives safely and ensure proper storage conditions
  • Maintain detailed records of explosives usage and inventory
3

Safety Compliance and Risk Management

  • Ensure strict compliance with all explosives legislation and safety regulations
  • Conduct comprehensive pre-blast inspections and site assessments
  • Implement safety protocols and risk mitigation measures
  • Address problems critically and implement safety improvements
4

Blast Supervision and Quality Control

  • Directly supervise all controlled blasting operations from planning through execution
  • Monitor blast conditions in real-time and make adjustments as needed
  • Sequence explosions in precise order to achieve desired fragmentation and results
  • Report comprehensive outcomes of blast operations
5

Problem-Solving and Investigation

  • Investigate misfires and unexpected blast outcomes immediately
  • Troubleshoot technical issues affecting explosives or detonation systems
  • Determine root causes of failures and implement corrective actions
  • Document all incidents and recommendations for future improvements

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (16)

impact of geological factors on mining operationsimpact of geological factors on mining operationsBe aware of the impact of geological factors, such as faults and rock movements, on mining operations.geologygeologySolid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.electricityelectricityThe principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.chemistrychemistryThe composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk fa...troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.issue drilling instructionsissue drilling instructionsPrepare charge holes for drilling and issue instructions prior to and during drilling.decide quantity of explosives requireddecide quantity of explosives requiredCalculate the exact amount of explosives needed, based on the amount of material that needs to be removed, budgetary constraints and noise concerns.address problems criticallyaddress problems criticallyIdentify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and a...examine prospective blast areaexamine prospective blast areaExamine explosion areas to determine the appropriate amount of explosives required. Ensure compliance to safety regulations.report outcome of blastreport outcome of blastAfter examining the blast area, report whether the blast was successful or not. Mention any relevant findings from the examination.safety engineeringsafety engineeringThe study of the risks associated with engineered designs and systems, accident prevention as well as the safety benefits of reducing deaths and injuries. The discipline focuses on analysing and mitig...handle explosiveshandle explosivesHandle explosives in accordance with explosives law, including tracking and control of the magazine.ensure compliance with safety legislationensure compliance with safety legislationImplement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.report misfiresreport misfiresReport misfires to relevant parties, such as the mine shift coordinator, legal inspection personnel, and the explosives manufacturer.explosivesexplosivesBehaviour of explosives, pyrotechnics and blasting techniques. Associated risks and legal requirements.sequence explosionssequence explosionsTime specified sequences/patterns of explosions.
Optional (6) — show
mining engineeringmining engineeringFields of engineering relevant to mining operations. Principles, techniques, procedures and equipment used in the extraction of minerals.supervise staffsupervise staffOversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.safely detonate explosivessafely detonate explosivesFollow procedures in safely detonating explosives for mining purposes.present reportspresent reportsDisplay results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.signal for explosionsignal for explosionSet safety perimeter and safety signalisation around blast area; ensure that blast site is clear and safe before explosions.mine safety legislationmine safety legislationThe laws, regulations and codes of practice relevant to safety in mining operations.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an explosives engineer do?

Explosives engineers design drilling patterns and determine the amount of explosives required. They organise and supervise controlled blasts and report and investigate misfires. They manage explosives magazines.

What skills does an explosives engineer need?

An explosives engineer needs 16 essential skills, including impact of geological factors on mining operations, geology, electricity, chemistry, troubleshoot.

Will AI replace explosives engineer jobs?

The AI disruption score for explosives engineer is 19/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: report misfires, decide quantity of explosives required, mine safety legislation. Most resilient: electricity, explosives, handle explosives.

AI Replacement Risk

19/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk

Skills resilient to automation

electricityexplosiveshandle explosives
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Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills16

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