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NOC 73402 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction. It is classified TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.
Classification
Trades, transport & equipment operators
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Definition
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.
Main duties
Example job titles
Overview
NOC 73402 covers drillers and blasters in surface mining, quarrying, and construction. Classified under TEER 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, these skilled workers operate mobile drilling machines to bore blast holes and handle explosives to displace rock, coal, or ore, or to demolish structures. Common employers include mining and quarrying companies, construction contractors, and specialized drilling and blasting firms across Canada.
To work in Canada under NOC 73402, candidates typically require secondary school completion and on-the-job training. Blasters must hold a valid provincial blasting licence or certification. Because NOC 73402 falls under TEER 3, skilled workers in this occupation may be eligible for Canadian immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) under Express Entry, various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), provided they meet all specific IRCC program criteria.
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Yes — Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction is TEER 3, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.
Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction is classified as TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.
Yes — Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction is regulated in Québec, so practising there requires recognition from the relevant professional body, and Québec immigration programs take this into account.
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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.