Drill Operator
Job Description
Newmont is the world’s leading gold company and a producer of copper, silver, zinc and lead. The Company’s world-class portfolio of assets, prospects and talent is anchored in favorable mining jurisdictions in Africa, Australia, Latin America & Caribbean, North America, and Papua New Guinea. Newmont is the only gold producer listed in the S&P 500 Index and is widely recognized for its principled environmental, social and governance practices. The Company is an industry leader in value creation, supported by robust safety standards, superior execution and technical proficiency. Newmont was founded in 1921 and has been publicly traded since 1925.
At Newmont, people create the value in the metals we mine and are ambassadors in the communities where they live and work. As a team, we foster an environment in support of our people vision, where everyone belongs, thrives and is valued. We have built a diverse and inclusive workplace where our people can bring their differences to support delivering results together.
Our Africa operations employ approximately 5,900 employees and contractors, with the majority working at the Ahafo Mine. We offer an unparalleled blend of opportunity and career satisfaction with all the benefits you would expect from a global company. This, combined with our growth opportunities, makes Newmont a great company to work.
Our Akyem and Ahafo mines have made significant sustainable community development investments in our host communities. These include establishing Development Funds at our Akyem and Ahafo operational areas with each mine contributing US$1 per ounce of gold sold and 1% of net pre-tax annual profit into its community development fund.
Join us and unearth your potential in a global company that is at the forefront of shaping the future of the mining industry.
About This Role
To conduct daily operation of drills, monitor associated consumables to drill in an in-situ rock mass or boulders and prepare them sufficiently for blasting, in a safe and controlled manner.
In This Role You Will
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
Formal Qualification (including Professional Registrations):
Completion of WASSCE or equivalent certificate.
Additional Knowledge
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.
Experience
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.
Behavioural Attributes
Accuracy.
Continuous learning.
Dependable.
Detail oriented.
Flexible.
Goal oriented.
Initiative.
Judgment.
Manual dexterity.
Multi-tasking.
Proactive.
Reliable and independent.
Safety conscious.
Self-motivated.
Team player.
Technically inclined.
Working Conditions
The position will be located at the Akyem Mine Site.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job.
Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to work in confined spaces.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Work requires mandatory PPE such as helmet, goggles, high-visible clothing, safety harness, ear plugs and a dust mask.
We understand no candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!
Our business success comes from the accomplishments and well-being of our employees and contractors. Our goal is to build a workplace culture that fosters leaders and allows every person to thrive, contribute, and grow. We are committed to selecting and developing our employees, and to establishing a work environment where everyone can take an active part in reaching our strategic goals while feeling a sense of pride in working at Newmont.
Newmont seeks to recruit, hire, place and promote qualified applicants, meaning applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the position, without regard to personal characteristics such as gender, race, nationality, ethnic, social and indigenous origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. As part of our diversity efforts. females are encouraged to apply.
NOTE: Newmont does not ask for or require job applicants to pay money to apply or be considered for employment with the Company. In addition, Newmont does not ask potential job candidates to provide sensitive personal data without first submitting a job application through our secure, online portal, and only as requested for legitimate business purposes. If you are asked to provide money or sensitive personal data through any other means, do not respond and please report this immediately to it.sec@newmont.com.
