SUMMARY:
Drill Rig Operator – Underground Chrome Mining
POSITION INFO:
Drill Rig Operator – Underground Chrome Mining
Location: Underground Mine – Tsibeng/Moeijelijk Communities, Ga-Wannankaye District, Limpopo Province (between Polokwane and Burgersfort)
Purpose of the Position
We are seeking an experienced, competent and safety-conscious Drill Rig Operator to operate underground drilling equipment and accurately drill blast holes according to approved drilling patterns, plans and specifications.
The role requires proven underground trackless mining experience, strong equipment operating skills and the ability to safely position, operate and monitor drill rigs while identifying and reporting equipment or drilling-related issues.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely and efficiently operate underground drill rigs and associated equipment.
- Position and align drill rigs according to approved drilling plans and patterns.
- Drill blast holes to the required depth, angle, spacing and position.
- Monitor drilling progress, penetration rates, pressure and other operating parameters.
- Adjust drilling parameters where required and ensure drilling remains within required tolerances.
- Conduct equipment inspections before, during and after operations.
- Monitor ground conditions and immediately report unsafe or abnormal conditions.
- Correctly use and maintain drill rods, bits and other consumables.
- Assist with changing drill bits, rods and components within competency.
- Conduct daily pre-start inspections and report equipment defects.
- Operate equipment according to OEM procedures and site requirements.
- Perform basic operator-level troubleshooting within training and competency.
- Report mechanical, hydraulic or electrical faults and breakdowns.
- Maintain equipment cleanliness and good housekeeping.
- Complete operator checklists, inspection records and production documentation.
- Park, isolate and secure equipment correctly when not in use.
- Comply with all mine health and safety requirements, drilling/blasting procedures and machine safety protocols.
- Conduct workplace inspections and identify/report hazards and unsafe conditions.
- Follow isolation and lock-out/tag-out procedures and wear required PPE.
- Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings, inspections and training.
- Achieve required drilling targets without compromising safety or quality.
- Work closely with miners, supervisors, blasting teams, engineering and other underground personnel.
- Provide accurate feedback on drilling progress, ground conditions and equipment performance.
- Minimise downtime through efficient operation and early reporting of defects.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 / Matric – Required
- OEM Drill Rig Operator training/competency – Required
- Relevant OEM competency for other underground mining machines will be advantageous.
- Minimum 5 years'' underground trackless mining experience.
- Minimum 2 years'' proven Drill Rig Operator experience.
- Proven experience operating underground drilling equipment in a mining environment.
- Ability to accurately follow drilling patterns, instructions and specifications.
- Practical understanding of underground mining and drilling operations.
Additional Requirements
- Medically fit and able to obtain a mine-entry medical certificate.
- Physically fit and comfortable working underground in confined, demanding and challenging conditions.
- Able to obtain a clear criminal background check.
- Good verbal and written English communication skills.
- Reliable, responsible and disciplined.
- Able to follow instructions and established safety and operational procedures.
- Willing to work as part of an underground mining team.
- Willing to work shifts, overtime, weekends and public holidays when required.
- Non-local candidates must be willing to relocate at their own expense.
- Must comply with all mine-specific safety, induction, medical, access and competency requirements.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong commitment to occupational health and safety.
- Proven ability to operate underground drill rigs safely and efficiently.
- Strong understanding of drilling patterns, hole positioning, depth and angle requirements.
- Good knowledge of underground trackless mining practices.
- Good spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
- Ability to monitor drilling parameters and identify deviations.
- Basic mechanical and equipment troubleshooting ability.
- Good understanding of machine pre-start inspections.
- Ability to identify and report equipment defects and unsafe conditions.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Reliable, disciplined and able to work under pressure in a production-driven environment.
- Willingness to comply with instructions, procedures and safety standards.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have substantial underground trackless mining experience and proven hands-on Drill Rig Operator experience. The candidate must be technically competent, safety-focused and able to accurately position and operate drilling equipment according to approved patterns and specifications.
Experience with OEM underground drill rigs and other trackless mining equipment will be advantageous. Strong concentration, discipline and attention to detail are essential, as drilling accuracy directly impacts the blasting and mining cycle.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit:
- Comprehensive and updated CV detailing underground mining and drilling experience.
- Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
- Relevant OEM Drill Rig Operator certificates/competency certificates.
- Additional relevant mining, machinery and operator certificates.
- Details of relevant underground trackless mining and Drill Rig Operator experience.
Important: Only candidates meeting the minimum requirements and required experience/competencies will be considered. Shortlisted candidates may undergo medical, criminal background, competency and mine-entry screening.
Candidates must comply with all mine safety requirements, induction procedures, site rules and operational policies.
If you do not receive feedback within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
