Open-pit blaster NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for open-pit blaster.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for open-pit blaster is 73402 (Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction), a TEER 3 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry.
NOC code
73402
TEER 3 · skilled
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 73402 covers
Drillers and blasters in surface mining, quarrying and construction operate mobile drilling machines to bore blast holes in open-pit mines and quarries and to bore holes for blasting and for building foundations at construction sites. Blasters in this unit group fill blast holes with explosives and detonate explosives to dislodge coal, ore and rock or to demolish structures. They are employed by mining, quarrying and construction companies and by drilling and blasting contractors.
| Unit group | 73402 — Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 3 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of less than 2 years, or 6+ months of on-the-job training |
| Broad category | Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Drillers
- Drive and operate tracked or truck-mounted rotary drilling, air-track or other drilling machines to bore large blast holes to specified depths at staked positions in open-pit mine or quarry
- Operate drilling machines to drill blast holes in rock at road or other construction sites
- Operate tracked or truck-mounted drill equipped with auger or other attachment to drill holes for building foundations or pilings
- May measure location and stake out pattern of holes to be drilled, load blast holes with explosives and detonate explosives to dislodge coal, ore or rock.
- Blasters
To use NOC 73402 on an Express Entry profile or reference letter, your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties. See every duty and the full Express Entry breakdown for NOC 73402 →
Other job titles under NOC 73402
- Construction driller
- Rotary drilling machine operator
- Blaster - quarrying
- Blaster - surface mining
- Driller - surface mine
Calculate your CRS score → · All job titles A–Z · High-wage list
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0 (example titles and duties); IRCC high-wage occupations and category-based selection lists. Check the official NOC site before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for open-pit blaster?+
In NOC 2021, "open-pit blaster" is an example title in unit group 73402 — Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction. It is a TEER 3 occupation in the "Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations" broad category.
Is open-pit blaster eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 73402 is TEER 3, which IRCC counts as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class — provided your actual duties match the NOC description and you meet every other program requirement.
Does open-pit blaster get extra CRS points?+
NOC 73402 isn't on IRCC's high-wage list, so there are no extra high-wage or job offer points. Canadian work-length points still apply for TEER 0–3 work.
Can a open-pit blaster get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 73402 isn't on any of IRCC's current category-based selection lists. You can still be invited in general, Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program rounds.
What if my job title says open-pit blaster but my duties are different?+
IRCC assesses your duties, not your job title. Compare what you actually do with the lead statement and main duties of NOC 73402. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.