One of Equinox Gold’s cornerstone Canadian assets, the Valentine Gold Mine (VGM) is a new, world-class, long-life gold mine located in the central region of Newfoundland and Labrador. The mine achieved first gold in September 2025 and commercial production in November 2025 and, when operating at full capacity, will be the largest gold mine in Atlantic Canada and a significant economic driver and employer in the province. VGM currently has an estimated mine life of more than 14 years, with significant exploration potential. Equinox Gold is a public company (TSX: EQX; NYSE-A: EQX) headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a regional office located in Grand Falls-Windsor, NL.
Additional corporate and VGM information is available at www.equinoxgold.com
Equinox VGM is currently inviting applications for a Drill & Blast Engineer to join our growing team as the company transitions from mine construction to mine operations.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Chief Mine Engineer, the Drill and Blast Engineer Role is responsible for the design and approval of open pit drilling and blasting, following the best engineering practices. The incumbent will ensure that the goals and objectives of the mine plan are achieved while promoting and respecting the core values of Equinox Gold outlined in the Health, Safety, and Environmental procedures as well as legislative requirements.
This position is located at the Mine site, working on a 14 days in/14 days out rotation.
Accountabilities/Responsibilities:
Demonstrates leadership in Health, Safety, and Environment through personal behaviors and conversations.
Establish and promote a respectful and healthy work environment at all times.
Be a courageous health, safety, and environment leader, adhere to promote health, safety, and environmental standards, policies, and procedures.
Actively participate in and help lead site safety initiatives.
Perform accurate design duties on time for all drill and blast activities.
Undertake ‘Drill and Blast’ related project studies and investigations.
Liaise with engineering and operations team to efficiently schedule the drilling and blasting requirements and minimize interruption of other mining operations.
Responsible for the design, review, and approval of drilling, loading and tie-in designs for open pit mining.
Develop and maintain high technical standards for drilling & blasting.
Keep track of all the drilling and blasting performances through data reporting and databases.
Assist the Mine Planners with short- and long-term planning of drill & blast activities.
Evaluate performance and adjust parameters accordingly.
Conduct audits/inspections and optimization programs, to reduce drill deviation and maintain dilution control.
Manages the open pit blasting program.
Promote innovation and continuous improvement in safety and productivity.
Adhere to all company policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Mining or Civil Engineering.
Professional designation (P.Eng) in Newfoundland or able to quickly obtain the designation.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in designing drill and blast patterns.
Experience working in a remote mining or industrial setting is an asset.
Skills and Knowledge:
A strong work ethic and positive attitude.
Excellent knowledge of drilling and blasting regulatory requirements.
Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships.
Team leader, problem solver, and excellent oral and written communication skills required.
Ability to work outside in varied weather conditions for extended periods of time required.
Ability to cross-train with the IT and dispatch group required.
Excellent working knowledge of all Microsoft Office Suite applications especially Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
A valid driver’s license and drivers abstract required.
Equinox VGM is an equal opportunity employer committed to local hiring preferences and all applications will be considered on this basis. We value equity and diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace environment for all employees. Equinox reserves the right to hire only those candidates who are appropriately qualified for the position advertised.
Equinox will review all applications; however, we will only contact those candidates who best fit the requirements.
To apply for this position, please do so by clicking on the following link: Careers.
JOB ID: 1639
Deadline to apply: Applications accepted until the position is filled.
