Mineral Exploration Driller - FIFO PNG

Company : Grip

Job Description - Mineral Exploration Driller - FIFO PNG

Job Title: Mineral Exploration Driller - FIFO PNG

Location: Papua New Guinea (PNG)

Industry: Mining & Mineral Exploration – Diamond Drilling

Employment: Full-Time / FIFO / Shift Work

Work Environment: Underground and/or Surface Drill Sites

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Mineral Exploration Driller to join the Diamond Drilling team at an established mining operation in Papua New Guinea.

This is a hands-on operational position responsible for the safe, efficient and productive operation of underground and/or surface diamond drilling rigs, while maintaining high standards of productivity, core recovery and sample quality.

A key part of the role is leading, training and developing local drilling personnel through practical on-the-job coaching and mentoring. The successful candidate will lead a drilling crew on shift while actively developing offsiders, trainees and less experienced personnel towards competent Driller level.

The position requires substantial hands-on diamond drilling experience across both underground and/or surface operations, strong knowledge of wireline coring systems and drilling equipment, and the ability to work effectively in a remote and multicultural mining environment.

Key Responsibilities

Diamond Drilling Operations & Performance

Set up, operate and shut down underground and/or surface diamond drilling rigs in accordance with site procedures and safe operating requirements.

Complete daily inspections and pre-start checks on drilling rigs and ancillary equipment.

Set up drill sites, including rig positioning, anchoring and alignment to planned hole azimuth and dip.

Select and manage drill bits, rods, core barrels and downhole tooling appropriate to ground conditions.

Mix and manage drilling fluids and water supply to maintain hole stability and penetration rates.

Carry out rig moves between underground and surface drill sites, including hole grouting and abandonment where required.

Achieve shift and weekly drilling metre targets without compromising safety or core quality.

Minimise rig downtime through effective shift planning, prompt fault reporting and appropriate management of tooling and consumables.

Monitor bit performance, penetration rates and consumable usage and adjust drilling practices to improve productivity.

Identify opportunities to improve drilling performance and operational efficiency.

Core Recovery & Sample Quality

Maximise core recovery and minimise core loss by adjusting drilling parameters to suit ground conditions.

Correctly remove core from inner tubes and present core in trays with accurate core blocks and identification.

Conduct downhole surveys as required and accurately record results.

Calculate and record hole depth and maintain accurate rod counts when rods are pulled.

Complete accurate run sheets, rig diaries and drilling records for each shift.

Maintain high standards of core quality and drilling accuracy.

Training & Development

Lead and supervise the drilling crew on shift, ensuring work is allocated and completed safely and to the required standard.

Provide structured, practical on-the-job training to local drillers, offsiders, trainees and developing operators.

Demonstrate drilling tasks and procedures before supervising personnel as they develop competency.

Coach personnel in safe drilling practices, rig operation, tooling, core handling and drilling procedures.

Assess practical competency and provide constructive feedback and additional coaching where required.

Maintain appropriate training and competency records.

Report trainee progress to drilling supervision and management.

Develop offsiders and trainees towards competent Driller level and increased operational independence.

Lead by example and conduct effective pre-starts, toolbox meetings and shift handovers.

Underground Drilling

Work in accordance with underground mine requirements, including ventilation, ground control, check scaling, tagging systems and emergency procedures.

Maintain safe access, lighting and housekeeping around underground drill sites.

Manage drilling breakthrough risks and communicate effectively with underground mine operations when drilling near active workings.

Follow site requirements relating to confined spaces, mobile equipment and underground hazards.

Surface Drilling

Prepare and maintain surface drill pads, including sumps, drainage and water management.

Manage surface drilling hazards including weather, uneven terrain, slopes and interaction with mobile equipment and light vehicles.

Maintain safe and organised surface drill sites.

Clean and rehabilitate drill sites following completion of drilling activities as required.

Rig Maintenance & Equipment

Conduct routine servicing and minor repairs on drilling equipment within the scope of the role.

Perform minor maintenance such as chuck jaw, rod clamp jaw and guide bush replacement and carriage adjustment where competent and authorised.

Identify and report mechanical faults promptly.

Assist maintenance personnel with repairs where required.

Monitor drilling consumables and advise supervisors of stock and tooling requirements.

Maintain drilling equipment in safe and serviceable operating condition.

Health, Safety & Environment

Comply with all company HSE requirements, site procedures and applicable Papua New Guinea mining requirements.

Identify drilling hazards and proactively implement appropriate controls.

Complete job hazard analyses and participate in pre-starts, toolbox meetings and risk assessments.

Maintain safe practices relating to manual handling, compressed air, mobile equipment and underground ventilation.

Handle, store and dispose of drilling fluids, hydrocarbons and waste in accordance with environmental requirements.

Maintain a high standard of housekeeping at underground and surface drilling locations.

Lead by example in safety, productivity and drilling quality.

Reporting & Communication

Complete accurate run sheets, rig diaries, drilling records and shift reports.

Report drilling performance, downtime, equipment faults and operational issues to drilling supervision.

Communicate safety concerns and operational requirements effectively.

Work collaboratively with drilling crews, supervisors, maintenance personnel, geologists and mine operations teams.

Ensure effective shift changes and handovers to maintain drilling continuity.

Requirements

Experience & Technical Capability

Minimum 10 years' diamond drilling experience, including substantial hands-on experience working as a Driller.

Demonstrated experience in Underground Diamond Drilling

Demonstrated experience in Surface Diamond Drilling

Strong knowledge of wireline coring systems, diamond bits, core barrels, rods, downhole tooling and drilling fluids.

Strong understanding of drilling parameters, ground conditions, penetration rates and core recovery.

Ability to perform drilling calculations including hole depth, stick-up and rod counts.

Experience operating Boart Longyear and Atlas Copco / Epiroc or similar drilling rigs.

Competent in the use of IMDEX tooling and AMC drilling fluid systems.

Experience working in developing countries, remote mining operations or multicultural environments is highly regarded.

Training & Leadership – Essential

Demonstrated experience training and developing local, national or inexperienced drilling personnel.

Proven ability to lead and supervise a drilling crew on shift.

Strong practical coaching and mentoring capability.

Ability to demonstrate drilling tasks, assess competency and provide practical feedback.

Patient and clear communication style with the ability to transfer drilling knowledge to personnel from diverse backgrounds.

Ability to work effectively within a team and manage multiple operational priorities.

Safety & Communication

Strong understanding of underground and surface mine safety procedures.

Ability to identify drilling hazards and proactively control operational risks.

Knowledge of manual handling, compressed air, mobile equipment and underground ventilation safety.

Good verbal and written English communication skills.

Ability to accurately complete drilling records, run sheets, rig diaries and shift reports.

Tok Pisin language skills are advantageous but not essential.

Qualifications & Licences

Essential:

Minimum 10 years of Diamond Drilling experience as a Driller across underground and/ or surface operations.

Ability to train and mentor the offsiders or driller assistants to become drillers.

Current medical and fitness-for-work clearance, or ability to obtain.

Current driver's licence from country of origin.

Ability to successfully complete pre-employment medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Valid passport and ability to meet PNG work permit and visa requirements.

Highly Regarded:

Recognised drilling qualification, such as Certificate III in Drilling – Mineral Exploration, or equivalent.

Current Expat experience is essential for this role.

Workplace Trainer / Assessor qualification is highly regarded.

First Aid, CPR and firefighting certification.

Underground emergency response or mines rescue training is highly regarded.

Forklift, loader and telehandler tickets is highly regarded.

Working Conditions

FIFO / rotational shift work in Papua New Guinea.

Rotating day and night shifts.

Work across underground and/or surface diamond drilling environments.

Physically demanding position involving manual work in remote mining conditions.

Exposure to typical drilling and mining conditions including noise, dust, water, heat, humidity, confined spaces and remote terrain where applicable.

Ability to work effectively at approximately 1,500 metres above sea level for surface drilling.

Strict adherence to site safety procedures and PPE requirements at all times.

What’s on Offer

FIFO 4 weeks on – 2 weeks off, family friendly roster opportunity with an established gold mining operation in Papua New Guinea.

Hands-on role covering underground and/or surface diamond drilling.

Opportunity to take a key role in developing and mentoring the local drilling workforce.

Long-term exposure to an active mining and diamond drilling operation.

Opportunity for experienced Drillers to progress their leadership and training capability.

Competitive remuneration package.

Accommodation, mobilisation and site arrangements provided in accordance with company policy.

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Mineral Exploration Driller - FIFO PNG

Job Description - Mineral Exploration Driller - FIFO PNG

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