Jabulani Bridge Jiyane (26) has achieved consistent career growth during the course of his career at Canyon Coal. Jabulani was appointed to the position of Khanye Colliery Explosives Coordinator in September 2021.

Canyon Coal steadfastly supports young people’s involvement in the mining sector as this not only benefits mines, but also aids in reducing youth unemployment. Canyon Coal is committed to upskilling the youth so that they can contribute positively towards economic growth in South Africa. 

Jabulani is responsible for monitoring the whole blasting process from the drilling to blasting, ensuring that the use of the explosives is done correctly and that the correct controls are in place. This includes making sure the correct type and number of explosives are ordered.

He started his career at Canyon Coal, in 2015 as a general worker at Phalanndwa Colliery in Delmas at that time he was cleaning offices, sign boards and cars at the mine. In a few weeks, he was promoted to work in the mine’s blasting crew and worked as blasting assistant.

Jabulani worked as a blasting assistant for a year during which time he was sponsored by Canyon Coal to get his Blasting Certificate and certifications as a competent person for blasting. He was promoted to the position of team leader in 2018 and was then again sponsored by the company to complete his rock breaking studies at Colliery Training College (CTC)  . After completing his training at CTC, he worked with mine supervisors and foremen as an assistant. He was then appointed as a Blasting Team Leader at Phalanndwa. In July 2020, he was transferred to Khanye Colliery and appointed as a Blaster, a position he held until he was appointed as an Explosives Coordinator.

Breaking New Ground

Jabulani says that the transition from Blaster to Explosives Coordinator has been seamless. “I'm enjoying as I continue to gain experience, and I'm still looking forward to growing further. There have been challenges, especially with regards to the added pressure of now having to make sure the Department of Mineral Resources and Environment (DMRE) Inspectors are satisfied with how blasts are being carried out. But I believe it's just a matter of abiding by the rules and always complying with the Mine Health and Safety Standards. This way you can never go wrong. Working together with the team helps a lot. It has been a great experience and I am very grateful that Canyon Coal didn't go out and look for somebody else, instead they nurtured and supported me as a young man.”

Jabulani notes that he takes a very hands-on approach with his team. “We’ve gelled well together. If there is something that one overlooks, another member of the team picks it up immediately,” he highlights.

Jabulani works closely with the blasting team members in order to train them to become blasters one day. “I want to give them the exposure and knowledge that comes with becoming a blaster.  This means they need to understand their blasting duties from point A to Z, as I believe it is important to mentor people and develop our colleagues so that the company can broaden its talent pool.”