A highly trained and legally certified miner tasked with handling all explosive materials on a blast site. They inspect the drilled pattern, load the holes with the correct sequence of primers and bulk explosives, wire the detonators, and clear the area. Once the blast zone is secured, the shotfirer connects the firing line and physically triggers the detonation.
The drillers just finished the pattern, so the shotfirer is heading in with the powder truck to load the holes.
In many jurisdictions, only a licensed shotfirer holds the key to the blast box, ensuring absolute control over when a shot is fired.
Also heard as
- blaster
- powderman
Related terms
Shotfiring
The process of loading and detonating explosives to break rock.
Tamping
The process of packing material over an explosive charge to direct the blast energy.
Fire
To initiate the detonation of an explosive charge in an underground mine or quarry.
Deputy
A supervisory coal miner responsible for the safety, ventilation, and roof support of a specific district.