Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Work Preference
Timeline
Generic

Andrew Paterson

Perth,WA

Summary

Shotfirer with extensive experience in mining and construction, specializing in blasting operations and safety compliance. Proven track record of enhancing site safety procedures and operational efficiency through effective team coordination and technical troubleshooting. Expertise in explosives handling, risk assessment, and executing controlled demolitions while adhering to strict safety protocols. Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to train new employees, ensuring high standards in operational practices.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Shotfirer

PLS
Pilgangoora Mine Site, WA
03.2024 - 07.2025
  • Operated blast hole drilling equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Assisted in preparing blasting sites and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
  • Learned to handle explosives according to established safety guidelines.
  • Maintained tools and equipment for optimal performance during operations.
  • Collaborated with team members to coordinate blasting schedules effectively.
  • Conducted pre-blast inspections to identify potential hazards on site.
  • Supported training sessions on safe handling of blasting materials and equipment.
  • Followed procedures for documenting blast activities and site conditions accurately.
  • Responded quickly in case of emergencies involving explosive materials or detonation systems.
  • Loaded explosives into drill holes according to specifications.
  • Inspected equipment for any defects prior to use.
  • Conducted pre-blast surveys of areas surrounding blast sites to identify potential hazards.
  • Ensured all personnel in blasting area were wearing appropriate safety gear.
  • Recorded details such as depth, type, location, and quantity of explosives used in each blast.
  • Investigated causes of misfires or other anomalies resulting from blasting operations.
  • Communicated with supervisors about progress of blasting operations and reported any problems or concerns immediately.
  • Monitored and recorded the depths of blasts, ensuring that they were within safety parameters.
  • Ensured compliance with federal laws pertaining to mining operations.
  • Maintained records of all blasting activities including material usage, timing.
  • Provided instructions to crew members on how to safely handle explosives during loading process.
  • Supervised the drilling operations to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
  • Performed routine maintenance on blasting equipment such as drills and detonators.
  • Calculated the amount of explosives needed for each blast based on geological data and terrain characteristics.
  • Developed strategies for minimizing environmental impact due to mining activities.
  • Reviewed plans for proposed projects to determine if they are feasible from a safety standpoint.
  • Checked and maintained explosives inventory, ensuring proper storage conditions.
  • Coordinated with other workers onsite regarding safe execution of blasting activities.
  • Lifted and loaded materials into machines for blasting preparation.
  • Placed safety cones around blast areas to alert other workers of danger zones.
  • Placed explosive charges in holes or other spots, detonating explosives to demolish structures or to loosen earth and rock.
  • Marked patterns, locations and depths of charge holes for drilling.
  • Used weighted tape measures to measure depths of drilled blast holes.

Shotfirer

Karara Mine Site
Goldfields/Murchison Region, WA
02.2022 - 02.2024
  • Operated blast hole drilling equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Assisted in preparing blasting sites and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
  • Learned to handle explosives according to established safety guidelines.
  • Maintained tools and equipment for optimal performance during operations.
  • Collaborated with team members to coordinate blasting schedules effectively.
  • Conducted pre-blast inspections to identify potential hazards on site.
  • Supported training sessions on safe handling of blasting materials and equipment.
  • Followed procedures for documenting blast activities and site conditions accurately.
  • Responded quickly in case of emergencies involving explosive materials or detonation systems.
  • Loaded explosives into drill holes according to specifications.
  • Inspected equipment for any defects prior to use.
  • Conducted pre-blast surveys of areas surrounding blast sites to identify potential hazards.
  • Assisted in developing new methods for improving safety during the blasting process.
  • Ensured all personnel in blasting area were wearing appropriate safety gear.
  • Recorded details such as depth, type, location, and quantity of explosives used in each blast.
  • Investigated causes of misfires or other anomalies resulting from blasting operations.
  • Communicated with supervisors about progress of blasting operations and reported any problems or concerns immediately.
  • Monitored and recorded the depths of blasts, ensuring that they were within safety parameters.
  • Ensured compliance with federal laws pertaining to mining operations.
  • Maintained records of all blasting activities including material usage, timing.
  • Provided instructions to crew members on how to safely handle explosives during loading process.
  • Supervised the drilling operations to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
  • Calculated the amount of explosives needed for each blast based on geological data and terrain characteristics.
  • Developed strategies for minimizing environmental impact due to mining activities.
  • Reviewed plans for proposed projects to determine if they are feasible from a safety standpoint.
  • Lifted and loaded materials into machines for blasting preparation.
  • Examined blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed.
  • Evaluated existing mining procedures for possible improvements in terms of cost savings or increased efficiency.
  • Tied specified lengths of delaying fuses into patterns to time sequences of explosions.
  • Placed safety cones around blast areas to alert other workers of danger zones.
  • Drove trucks to transport explosives and blasting equipment to blasting sites.
  • Cut specified lengths of primacord to attach primers to cord ends.
  • Marked patterns, locations and depths of charge holes for drilling.
  • Verified detonation of charges by observing control panels and listening for sounds of blasts.

Shotfirer/Blast Crew

Telfer Mine Site
Pilbara, WA
08.2021 - 06.2022
  • Conducted mineral extraction blasting operations at remote mine site.
  • Maintained compliance with safety regulations throughout explosive handling and storage processes.
  • Calculated explosive requirements and prepared blast patterns for multiple projects.
  • Serviced and operated blasting equipment, ensuring peak performance levels.
  • Coordinated with team members to manage blasting schedules and facilitate site access.
  • Monitored environmental conditions to ensure safe blasting operations.
  • Educated new personnel on effective blasting techniques and safety standards.
  • Recorded blast results, ensuring comprehensive documentation of explosives utilized.
  • Prepared blast patterns and calculated explosive requirements for projects.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations during explosive handling and storage.
  • Conducted blasting operations for mineral extraction at remote mine site.
  • Operated and maintained blasting equipment, ensuring optimal performance.
  • Monitored environmental conditions to assess impacts on blasting safety.
  • Collaborated with team members to coordinate blasting schedules and site access.
  • Trained new personnel on proper blasting techniques and safety measures.
  • Documented blast results and maintained accurate records of explosives used.
  • Ensured all personnel in blasting area were wearing appropriate safety gear.
  • Ensured compliance with federal laws pertaining to mining operations.
  • Evaluated existing mining procedures for possible improvements in terms of cost savings or increased efficiency.
  • Provided instructions to crew members on how to safely handle explosives during loading process.
  • Maintained records of all blasting activities including material usage, timing.
  • Inspected equipment for any defects prior to use.
  • Recorded details such as depth, type, location, and quantity of explosives used in each blast.
  • Calculated the amount of explosives needed for each blast based on geological data and terrain characteristics.
  • Supervised the drilling operations to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
  • Conducted pre-blast surveys of areas surrounding blast sites to identify potential hazards.
  • Investigated causes of misfires or other anomalies resulting from blasting operations.
  • Performed routine maintenance on blasting equipment such as drills and detonators.
  • Monitored and recorded the depths of blasts, ensuring that they were within safety parameters.
  • Assisted in developing new methods for improving safety during the blasting process.
  • Reviewed plans for proposed projects to determine if they are feasible from a safety standpoint.
  • Loaded explosives into drill holes according to specifications.
  • Responded quickly in case of emergencies involving explosive materials or detonation systems.
  • Checked and maintained explosives inventory, ensuring proper storage conditions.
  • Lifted and loaded materials into machines for blasting preparation.
  • Examined blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed.
  • Placed safety cones around blast areas to alert other workers of danger zones.

Blast Crew

Dalgaranga Mine Site
Goldfields/Murchison, WA
08.2019 - 04.2021
  • Efficiently operated heavy machinery to facilitate mining operations.
  • Safely managed blast hole drilling equipment to optimize site activities.
  • Prepared blasting sites, ensuring compliance with strict safety standards.
  • Acquired skills in handling explosives as per safety guidelines.
  • Maintained tools and equipment to ensure peak performance.
  • Coordinated with colleagues to align blasting schedules accurately.
  • Performed inspections prior to blasts, mitigating possible hazards.
  • Participated in training, focusing on safe practices for handling blasting materials.

Shotfirer/Blast Technician

Fortescue Metals Group
Solomon Mine Site/Pilbara, WA
06.2018 - 03.2019
  • Assisted in preparing and handling explosives for mining operations, ensuring safe practices.
  • Followed safety protocols to secure detonation procedures across all operations.
  • Maintained equipment and tools, optimizing effectiveness of blasting activities.
  • Collaborated with team members to synchronize blasting schedules for operational efficiency.
  • Conducted inspections of blast sites, verifying compliance with safety regulations.
  • Reported potential hazards to supervisors promptly to mitigate risks.
  • Participated in safety training sessions to enhance knowledge of industry regulations.
  • Supervised drilling operations, ensuring accuracy during explosive loading processes.

Shotfirer/Blast Technician

FMG
Christmas Creek, WA
04.2017 - 02.2018
  • Measured depths of drilled blast holes using weighted tape measures.
  • Verified detonation of charges by monitoring control panels and sound indicators.
  • Marked patterns, locations, and depths for drilling charge holes.
  • Cut specified lengths of primacord for primer attachment.
  • Placed explosive charges in designated holes to demolish structures or loosen earth.
  • Tied delaying fuses into patterns to sequence explosions effectively.
  • Examined blast areas to assess necessary amounts and types of explosives.
  • Maintained detailed records of machinery maintenance, including lubrication schedules.

Education

Some College (No Degree) -

Kelston Boys High
Auckland, New Zealand

Skills

  • Explosives handling and transportation
  • Blast pattern design and optimization
  • Pre-blast inspections and documentation
  • Safety compliance and procedures
  • Equipment maintenance and operation
  • Mining operations management
  • Risk assessment and hazard identification
  • Effective communication skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration strategies
  • Blast monitoring and calculations
  • Quality control measures
  • Protective equipment use

Certification

  • MC license EXP: 09/07/2026
  • Shot firing license EXP: 08/2026
  • Dangerous Goods Security Card EXP: 29/08/2027

References

References available upon request.

Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

On-SiteRemote

Timeline

Shotfirer

PLS
03.2024 - 07.2025

Shotfirer

Karara Mine Site
02.2022 - 02.2024

Shotfirer/Blast Crew

Telfer Mine Site
08.2021 - 06.2022

Blast Crew

Dalgaranga Mine Site
08.2019 - 04.2021

Shotfirer/Blast Technician

Fortescue Metals Group
06.2018 - 03.2019

Shotfirer/Blast Technician

FMG
04.2017 - 02.2018

Some College (No Degree) -

Kelston Boys High

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