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Mining Blaster Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

As a Drill and Blast Engineer, you will provide drill and blast engineering services according to ... S. inMine Engineering or related fieldor equivalent. * 5-7 years of recent mining experience

Geologist

Eveleth, MN · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Oversee mining operations pertaining to ore grading and it's effect on plant metallurgical and production results on scheduled weekends. * Perform sampling of blast holes when ore quality is in ...

Geologist

Taconite, MN

$80K - $100K/yr

Oversee mining operations pertaining to ore grading and it's effect on plant metallurgical and production results on scheduled weekends. * Perform sampling of blast holes when ore quality is in ...

Plant Manager

Waite Park, MN · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

Direct quarry and plant operations including drilling, blasting, crushing, washing, screening, and load-out. * Develop and execute mining, stripping, reclamation, and pit development plans. * Manage ...

Who We Are Dyno Nobel is a global leader in commercial explosives, manufacturing and blasting technology, delivering innovative solutions to the mining, quarry, construction, and seismic industries.

Mining Blaster information

See Minnesota salary details

$13

$20

$33

How much do mining blaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for mining blaster in Minnesota is $20.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mining blaster, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mining Blaster, you need a strong understanding of explosives handling, safety regulations, and mining operations, typically backed by relevant certifications or licenses. Familiarity with blasting caps, detonators, specialized drilling equipment, and digital blast design software is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring safe and effective blasting activities. These skills and qualities are vital to minimize risks, comply with legal standards, and achieve efficient extraction of resources.

What is a mining blaster?

Mining Blasters are skilled professionals responsible for safely handling, placing, and detonating explosives to break rock or earth in mining operations. They assess geological conditions, calculate explosive requirements, and ensure all safety protocols are followed to protect workers and equipment. Their work is crucial for extracting minerals efficiently while minimizing risks to people and the environment. Mining Blasters typically require certification and specialized training to perform their duties safely and legally.

What is the difference between Mining Blaster vs Driller?

AspectMining BlasterDriller
Required CertificationsBlasting certifications, safety trainingDrilling licenses, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderground or open-pit mines, blasting sitesMining sites, drilling locations
Job RolePrepares and detonates explosives to break rockOperates drilling equipment to create blast holes
Industry UsageCommon in mining, quarryingCommon in mining, construction

Mining Blasters and Drillers work closely in mining operations, but their roles differ. Blasters focus on explosive detonation, requiring specific blasting certifications, while Drillers operate equipment to prepare for blasting. Both roles are essential for efficient mining and share similar safety training requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by mining blasters, and how can they be addressed?

Mining Blasters often face challenges such as working in hazardous environments, adhering to strict safety protocols, and coordinating closely with drilling and engineering teams to ensure precise timing and placement of blasts. Managing environmental impacts and minimizing vibrations or fly-rock are also key concerns. These challenges can be addressed through ongoing safety training, effective communication with team members, and staying updated on technological advancements in blasting techniques and equipment.

What are popular job titles related to Mining Blaster jobs in Minnesota?

For Mining Blaster jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mining Blaster jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Mining Blaster jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Mining Blaster jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Mining Blaster job openings:

Infographic showing various Mining Blaster job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,738 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Mine Drill and Blast Engineer

AK Steel

Hibbing, MN

$80K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Location:Hibbing, MN

Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opening for Mine Drill and Blast Engineer at Hibbing Taconite in Hibbing, MN. As a Drill and Blast Engineer, you will provide drill and blast engineering services according to the short range mine plan to provide the required material for mine operations.

Summary of Responsibilities

  • Manage Drill and Blast consumable and explosive products inventory. Monitor consumable inventory, create requisitions for materials, follow up ondeliveriesand provide advice on future consumable contracts. Monitor performance ofconsumablesand explosive products to look for opportunities for improvement.
  • Design and manage drill and blast patterns. Manage drill and blast records of individual blasts. Develop efficient blast patterns that satisfy mine fragmentation goals and follow budgets. Work with operations to make sure blasting activitiescomply withMinnesota and Federal laws. Use software to create drill and blast patterns for implementation.
  • Measure and improve drill and blast performance.Monitor driller performance through Modular and provide coaching to drillers and supervisors to improve drill performance and operation.
  • Monitor powder factor to maximize plant performance. Look for opportunities for improvement. Provide feedback tothird partysuppliers. Monitor and adjust any improvements implemented.
  • Monitor crusher performance for oversized material. Understand problemareas,develop opportunities for improvement. Implement any changes for improvement and evaluate and readjust asrequired.
  • Provide information for drill and blast performance to the annual budget andmaintainmonthly performance data by drill and blast pattern.
  • Provide feedback to corporate sourcinggroupon new explosive products and techniques as well as drill products and techniques.
  • Develop andmonitordrill and blast metrics. Analyze trends looking for areas of improvement.Provide recommendations to Section Manager and monitor implementation and provide feedback on any changes.
  • Provide advice andmonitorsurveyor work in relation to blast patterns.

Minimum Qualifications

  • B.S. inMine Engineering or related fieldor equivalent.
  • 5-7 years of recent mining experience
  • Ability tomaintainATF certification
  • Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills such as team building and conflict resolution are required.
  • Willingness to promote team concepts and company policies.
  • Ability to motivate, delegate, establish, and work in a collaborative environment.


Regular attendance is an essential requirement. Must be able to physically perform all these responsibilities safely: walk on uneven surfaces, climb equipment, operate pickup, and other small fleet vehicles, etc.

The salary range for this role is $80,000 to $105,000. An employee's pay within the salary range will be based on numerous factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location and business or organizational needs.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail tocareers@clevelandcliffs.comor call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.


AK Steel logo

About AK Steel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AK Steel is a leading producer of flat-rolled carbon, stainless, and electrical steel products in the United States. With a rich heritage spanning over a century, AK Steel is known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. AK Steel's product portfolio encompasses a wide range of steel solutions tailored to meet the needs of various industries, including automotive, construction, appliances, electrical, and packaging. The advanced manufacturing facilities and state-of-the-art technologies enable AK Steel to produce high-quality steel products that meet stringent specifications and performance requirements.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

West Chester, OH, US

Year founded

1899

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