Shotfirers assemble, position, and detonate explosives to break or dislodge rock and soil. A quarry and open-cut mining Shotfirer uses larger amounts of explosives to clear masses of earth in open areas. Numerous smaller blasts are often detonated together to create a larger force.

A tunnelling and underground mining Shotfirer uses small amounts of explosives to blast through rock underground. Generally, small blasts are detonated in a sequence to minimise the force and decrease the possibility of unwanted damage. Shotfirers usually enjoy practical and manual activities, have good basic maths and science knowledge and are willing to adhere to safety requirements