Drill Rig Operator

Drill Rig Operator – Underground Chrome Mining

Location: Underground Mine – Tsibeng/Moeijelijk Communities, Ga-Wannankaye District, Limpopo Province (between Polokwane and Burgersfort)

Cost-to-company: R240 000 - R264 000 Per Annum.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…