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Mining Blaster Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Austin Powder

Blaster

Norton, VA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Under direction or in position of Blaster in Charge, reviews drill patterns and diagrams ... Exposure to dust, noise, oils and other mining elements. * Position requires the ability to walk ...

Austinpowder

Blaster

Norton, VA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Exposure to dust, noise, oils and other mining elements. * Position requires the ability to walk, stand, stoop, kneel and hand/finger dexterity to operate controls/tools. * Loads and unloads 40-60 ...

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All JobsMining Blaster JobsMining Blaster Jobs in Virginia

Mining Blaster information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$20

$34

How much do mining blaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for mining blaster in Virginia is $20.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $22.64 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 Virginia? For Mining Blaster jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mining Blaster jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Mining Blaster jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mining Blaster jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Mining Blaster job openings:
Mining Blaster jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mining Blaster job openings in Virginia 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 $43,262 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Blaster

Austin Powder

Norton, VA • On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 hours ago

Austin Powder rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

Join the Family - Come work for an exciting company offering great benefits, challenging opportunities, and colleagues who feel more like family.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
  • Under direction or in position of Blaster in Charge, reviews drill patterns and diagrams, determines product and shot layout necessary to meet customer needs.
  • Communicates blast details with all personnel on job site.
  • Performs duties necessary to prepare and detonate a shot safely and successfully.
  • Conducts pre/post Shot Safety Audits and documentation per Austin's policy on all shot service events.
  • Ensures the shot crew complies with customers' policies/procedures,
  • Coordinates the handling of all customer issues, blast area incidents, and/or public concerns related to the event with appropriate APC personnel.
  • Communicates regularly with the sales representative and/or Location Manager regarding customer accounts.
  • Maintains a safe and healthy work environment by assuring compliance at the location, at customer sites, and during transit as required by regulation and company policy.
  • Complies with APC inventory management procedures.
  • Completes and maintains necessary paperwork or software programs as required by company policies and procedures, Department of Transportation, or other federal or state agencies.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 21+ years old as required by ATF.
  • Current blaster's license as required by state.
  • Experience of all initiation systems, laser profiling, and seismographs

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
• Must meet requirements of all state and federal explosive laws and qualify as an ATF explosive possessor.
• Ability to clearly communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to audibly hear and respond to the work environment of an active mining site.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
  • Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
  • Outdoor climate and terrain.
  • Exposure to dust, noise, oils and other mining elements.
  • Position requires the ability to walk, stand, stoop, kneel and hand/finger dexterity to operate controls/tools.
  • Loads and unloads 40-60 pound product bags or boxes from company trucks. Unloading may require repeatedly carrying product/boxes.

Location
Travel is required to customer location within LLC's geographic area.
Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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