Honister Slate Mine is seeking a Trainee Shotfirer to join our production mining team. This is a rare opportunity to develop specialist drilling and blasting skills within England’s last working slate mine.
No previous shotfiring experience is required. Full structured, hands-on training will be provided to support your progression toward becoming a qualified Shotfirer working within an active underground slate operation.
Company Overview
Honister Slate Mine produces the world-renowned Westmorland Green Slate, formed over 450 million years ago and used in roofing, architectural stone, and heritage construction projects across the UK and internationally.
Our operation combines traditional slate extraction methods with modern mining practices, maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and environmental responsibility while preserving skilled stone production within the Lake District.
Your Work Environment
You will work within an operational underground slate mine and surface production areas, supporting extraction, mining, and stone production activities.
The role involves:
- Underground mining work
- Outdoor working in varied weather conditions
- Physical and practical tasks
- Close teamwork within a small, skilled mining crew
Safety, production quality, and operational efficiency are central to everything we do.
Through supervised on-the-job training, you will learn to:
- Assist with drilling and blasting operations underground
- Prepare and secure blast areas
- Conduct face inspections and measurements prior to blasting
- Support preparation of blast designs and charging plans
- Charge shots safely under supervision
- Participate in blast initiation procedures
- Carry out post-blast inspections and reporting
- Maintain accurate blasting and safety documentation
- Support slate extraction and block recovery operations
- Assist with maintenance of mining plant and equipment, including excavators
- Contribute to ongoing safety and compliance procedures
- Support wider mine production activities as required
All work is carried out in accordance with UK legislation and mining safety regulations.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking an individual who:
- Wants to build a long-term career in mining, quarrying, or stone production
- Enjoys practical, hands-on work in a demanding environment
- Demonstrates strong safety awareness and attention to detail
- Works effectively as part of a close-knit operational team
- Is motivated to learn specialist technical skills
Essential Requirements
- Full, valid UK driving licence
- Willingness to work underground and outdoors year-round
- Strong commitment to safe working practices
Desirable Skills
- Basic mechanical or plant knowledge
- Experience with heavy machinery or construction equipment
- Previous mining, quarrying, or construction experience (advantageous but not essential)
- Commercial driving licence preferred
- Good communication and teamwork skills
What’s in It for You?
- Competitive salary with clear progression pathway
- Structured Shotfirer training and certification
- 21 days annual leave plus public holidays
- Ongoing personal and professional development
- Opportunity to work within a historic British stone production operation
- Supportive team culture built around safety and craftsmanship
Why Join Honister?
Honister Slate Mine represents one of the UK’s most distinctive mining operations, producing high-quality natural slate while maintaining traditional extraction skills alongside modern mining standards.
This role offers the opportunity to gain qualifications and develop a career within the mining and natural stone industry.
Apply Now
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.72-£15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
