Drill Operator

Job Descriptions 

Responsibilities

Drilling Pre-Shift and On-Shift Activities

• Attend all pre-shift instruction meetings.
• Communicate with and receive instruction from the Drill Supervisor and follow the specified instruction and daily drill plan, prior to the execution of activities.
• Perform pre-start inspections of drilling machine
• Conduct pre-operational checks and monitor conditions by verifying component functionality, fluid levels and fittings, as well as depth and alignment of collaring positions.
• Constantly monitor equipment performance and consumable parameters to achieve planned life span or better.
• Maneuver and position drill by using jigsaw system, site plans and layouts and set correct angles and depths.
• Start and stop drills and coordinate with other workers on-site
• Utilise the pre-split drill (Cubex) to accomplish the following activities:
  • Understand the drill plans.
  • Drill using high precision GPS (Jigsaw).
  • Utilise inclinometers to set angles correctly 
  • Maintain strict wall control by drilling closely spaced drilling patterns, according to specific parameters.
  • Maintain high levels of accuracy to minimise detrimental cost impacts.
  • Feed Dispatch accurate information regarding drilling activities.
  • Report issues encountered with the inclinometer.
• Utilise the production drill (D45KS) to accomplish the following activities:
  • Understand the drill plans.
  • Drill using high precision GPS.
  • Collar drill holes to clear the mouth of holes from any debris.
  • Conduct drilling to the required depth.
  • Track planned versus targeted depth.
  • Correct any deviations encountered.
  • Report issues encountered with GPS to the Dispatcher.
  • Manage drill consumables efficiently to prolong its life.
  • Maintain high levels of accuracy to minimise detrimental cost impacts.
• Regulate air pressure, rotary speed and downward pressure, according to the type of rock being drilled.
• Conduct drill consumable change-outs, when required.
• Inspect, lubricate and replace components to maintain drill functionality.
• Meet all drill production targets, while avoiding unnecessary damage to the drill.
• Maintain high quality of work, under routine supervision.
• Conduct post-drill clean ups of the drill area.
• Report and escalate all accidents and incidents occurring in the shift immediately to the Dispatcher / Supervisor.
• Meet and / or exceed established performance expectations in drill meter targets set by management.
• Supervise the activities of the Drill Helper to assure that all rocks are moved; adhere to consumable management protocols and report loss of consumables to the Drill Supervisor.
• Assist in developing peers to perform drilling duties.
• Perform other related activities, as assigned by the Supervisor

Drill Post-Shift Handover

• Communicate and provide work status handovers to incoming Driller.
• Communicate with the Dispatcher and Supervisor regarding hazards encountered to provide sufficient information to the incoming Driller for the smooth running of Operations.
• Prepare and maintain daily drill report and log book to outline shift activities and include information such as:
  • Meters drilled.
  • Consumable serial numbers.
  • Equipment defects 

Stakeholder Management and Engagement

• Liaise with the Drill Supervisor to maintain ongoing communication during all drilling activity.
• Collaborate closely with maintenance mechanics and the mine production team.
• Communicate with Dispatcher and other Drillers using communication devices such as two-way radios.
• Ensure own drilling work meets established statutory standards

Health and Safety Management

• Follow all safety policies, procedures and legislation.
• Operate in a safe manner and take steps to prevent minimal wear and tear and / or damage to equipment.
• Work without risk or harm to others.
• Inspect work areas and ensure all areas comply with internal Newmont and external regulatory standards.
• Adhere strictly to internal Newmont drilling standards.
• Comply with safe drilling procedures.
• Maintain a strong focus of safety throughout all activities.
• Provide hands-on assistance during drilling activities to fellow colleagues to ensure that safe work practices are followed.
• Attend daily morning safety meetings.

Your Trainings, Skill & Experience Checklist:

• Completion of WASSCE or equivalent certificate.
• MINCOM Equipment Competency.
• License E (drill).
• Strong understanding of drill tool mechanical systems.
• General understanding of mining operations.
• General understanding of equipment controls and electronics.
• General knowledge in mid-to-heavy equipment operation.
• Minimum of 2 – 3 years’ drilling and off-siding experience in a large open pit or quarry environment.

Technical Skills:

• Strong technical communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Strong concentration skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Strong risk management skills.
• Strong troubleshooting skills.
• Sound planning, organising and prioritising skills.
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Sound information monitoring skills.
• Ability to communicate using signals.
• Ability to follow procedures (especially around hazardous materials and equipment).
• Ability to operate a two-way radio and follow instructions.
• Ability to visualise three-dimensional (2D / 3D) layouts.