Drillers and Blasters in Surface Mining, Quarrying, and Construction
(NOC 7372)
in All Trades and TransportationDrillers 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 fill blast holes with explosives and detonate explosives to dislodge coal, ore, and rock or to demolish structures. They work for mining, quarrying and construction companies and drilling and blasting contractors.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Drillers and Blasters in Surface Mining, Quarrying, and Construction most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 33% of Drillers and Blasters in Surface Mining, Quarrying, and Construction who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$16.00
Minimum$26.52
Median$35.82
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$32,307
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Drillers 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 fill blast holes with explosives and detonate explosives to dislodge coal, ore, and rock or to demolish structures. They work for mining, quarrying and construction companies and drilling and blasting contractors.
Job duties
Drillers:
- Drive and use 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.
- Use drilling machines to drill blast holes in rock at road or other construction sites.
- Run 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 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 use air-track, rotary, down-the-hole, or other drilling machines to drill blast holes or may direct drilling of blast holes.
Sample job titles
- blaster (except underground mining)
- construction blaster
- construction driller
- driller - quarrying
- driller - surface mining
- drilling machine operator - construction
- quarry driller
Skills
You should have good physical strength, stamina, and health. The ability to follow precise instructions and obey safety regulations is essential. You must be cautious, responsible, and able to work as a member of a team. A mechanical aptitude and an ability to use tools would be helpful.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Experience as a heavy equipment operator may be required for drillers.
- Experience as a blaster helper in surface mining and quarrying or construction may be required for blasters.
- Provincial blasting licence is usually required for blasters.
Other considerations
Drillers and blasters often perform both drilling and blasting activities. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
35-44
45-54
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Less than high school
N/AHigh school
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally do this work.
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.