Centerra Gold
Centerra Gold
Centerra Gold
Centerra Gold

Technician, Mine Blast

Job No: MTM987
Location: Fort St. James, BC

  • fBecome a valuable addition to Centerra's Mount Milligan Mine operations team
  • Boost your career by joining an established organization
  • Receive a competitive hourly wage of $36.10 - $44.13, plus bonus and benefits

About Centerra Gold

Headquartered in Toronto, Centerra Gold (TSX: CG) is one of the leading North American gold and copper producers engaged in the operation, exploration, development, and acquisition in Asia, North America, and other markets worldwide.

Centerra’s vision is to build a team-based culture of excellence that responsibly delivers sustainable value and growth. We are committed to the safety, integrity, ethics, and fairness of our operations, promoting the highest standards of ethical business conduct of our employees, officers, and directors. 

For more information, please see our website. 

About Mount Milligan Mine

Located approximately 155 kilometres northwest of Prince George in central BC, the Mount Milligan Mine is a conventional truck-shovel open-pit copper and gold mine and concentrator with a 60,000 tpd capacity copper flotation processing plant. 

Mount Milligan operates with comfortable camp accommodations equipped with private washrooms, TV, Wi-Fi, an onsite gym, and other recreational activities. Bus transportation to and from site is provided free of charge from several locations within the region. 

Mount Milligan promotes a drug and alcohol-free workplace and has adopted a zero-tolerance policy with respect to alcohol or unauthorized drugs on site.

About the Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for an Technician, Mine Blast to join our Mount Milligan Mine (MTM) operations site.

This role operates on a rotation of 7 days on / 7 days off at a 12-hour daily schedule with camp accommodations provided. 

The Technician, Mine Blast is responsible for safely and efficiently carrying out all blasting activities in accordance with Mine Health and Safety legislation, company policies, and approved blast designs. This role supports production goals by ensuring accurate loading, tie‑ins, and initiation of blast patterns while maintaining strict adherence to safety standards and controlled blasting techniques. The Technician works closely with Mine Operations, Engineering, and other blasting personnel to execute high‑quality and compliant blasting activities within the open‑pit environment. 

About You

The following will be critical to successfully perform this role:

Blasting Execution

  • Perform all blasting activities in full compliance with Mine Health and Safety legislation, regulations, and company standards.
  • Load blast holes as directed and in accordance with approved blast designs and instructions.
  • Install primers, boosters, detonators, and stemming materials accurately and safely.
  • Conduct tie ins of blasting patterns using nonelectric and electronic initiation systems.
  • Verify hole conditions, explosives quantities, and pattern readiness before blasting.

Controlled Blasting Techniques

  • Apply controlled blasting methods including trim blasting, presplitting, buffer rows, and other specialized techniques as required.
  • Ensure blast patterns are executed to minimize dilution, overbreak, vibration, and fly rock.

Safety & Compliance

  • Conduct hazard assessments, take corrective actions, and participate in safety meetings and audits.
  • Maintain secure storage, transportation, and handling of explosives in compliance with regulatory and site procedures.
  • Ensure proper signage, clearance zones, and communication protocols before blasting events.

Quality Control & Documentation

  • Assist with blast monitoring activities, including vibration, fragmentation, and burden/spacing assessments.
  • Record and document blast details, materials used, and any deviations encountered.
  • Communicate effectively with Mine Operations and Engineering to support continuous improvement of blast performance.

General Duties

  • Operate light vehicles, 930 stemming loaders, blasting equipment, and tools safely and efficiently.
  • Participate in ongoing training and skill development.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support mining operations.

 

Education & Certification

  • Valid British Columbia Blasting Ticket.
  • Valid Class 5 Driver’s License.

Experience

  • 3–5 years of blasting experience in an open pit mining environment.
  • Experience working with nonelectric and electronic initiation systems.
  • Familiarity with controlled blasting techniques (presplit, trim, buffer blasting).

Technical Skills

  • Strong understanding of blasting principles, explosive products, and initiation systems.
  • Ability to accurately follow engineered blast designs and instructions.
  • Competent in safe handling, storage, and transport of explosives.
  • Ability to read and interpret field layouts, maps, and pit plans.

Soft Skills & Competencies

  • Strong commitment to safety.
  • Attention to detail and high degree of accuracy.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work independently and follow established procedures.

Working Conditions

  • Work involves a camp-based role at the Mount Milligan Mine site with a set work schedule on a 7x7, 12 hours per day
  • Candidates must be able to maintain high levels of performance for extended shifts, up to 12 hours in duration
  • Occasional exposure to hazardous environments with the requirement of wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Mount Milligan is a safety-sensitive environment and promotes a drug & alcohol-free workplace and has adopted a ZERO – TOLERANCE policy, with respect to alcohol or unauthorized drugs/paraphernalia on site
  • Bus transportation to and from site is provided free of charge from Prince George, Fort St. James and Mackenzie

About the Benefits

As a valued member of Centerra's Mount Milligan Mine operations team, you can look forward to a competitive compensation structure based on experience, skills, and qualifications. You'll also gain access to some incredible benefits, including:

  • Tax-free travel allowance commensurate with the distance required for travel
  • Extended group health, dental, vision, and travel insurance
  • Life Insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D
  • Company-sponsored pension with Company match 
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program
  • Healthcare Spending Account / Lifestyle Wellness Spending Account
  • Reimbursements on work gear and equipment
  • Annual Incentive Bonus
  • Employee Share Purchase Plan with Company match
  • Parental leave top-up program
  • Professional development within the organization
  • Join a company committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion

This is your chance to be part of an established, industry-leading global organization with incredible room for career growth and personal development.   

If you have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, then we invite you to apply today!

Apply Now

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PEOPLE FIRST

Respecting the rights of our people, developing and promoting our talent, and creating an inclusive work environment that recognizes the diversity and the unique experiences of our employees is fundamental to our People First mandate.

Centerra Gold puts People First in every region we operate, by committing to nurture an inclusive culture that respects, values, and celebrates the global power of all perspectives. We welcome diverse backgrounds and experience at all our sites, and qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic characteristics, disability, or national or ethnic origin. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

To learn more about the industry-leading financial, health, and wellbeing benefits of joining Centerra, please visit this website!