RC Drilling Operator at Tharisa

Purpose of Role

• To conduct daily and weekly Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling operations, using RC drilling equipment according to procedure, to ensure well-fragmented drilled rocks. To work under supervision and report on work progress, ensuring operations meet set targets which support the production of quantity and quality geological samples to the planned drill depth.

Role Context

Compliance, Risk and Safety

• Attend daily safety meetings (Toolbox talks) with the RC Drilling Foreman to discuss risk assessments prior to any drilling work being conducted, to identify and report any substandard conditions.
• Participate in all safety initiatives and attend safety meetings to support identification and reporting of any safety hazards and unsafe work practices.
• Participate in risk assessments, including checking safe usage of drilling equipment and proper usage of PPE, to support the maintenance of a safe working environment.
• Support a safe work environment, by checking the RC Rig prior to starting operations, marking items according to the pre-checklist to ensure all safety measures are met.
• Sign the Safety Declaration, together with the Foreman and RC Drilling team, prior to starting drilling operations, to indicate the block to be drilled has passed the safety inspection.
• Check the block to be drilled is barricaded off prior to drilling to prevent injuries or accidents.

 RC Drilling Operations

• Conduct RC drilling operations, in accordance with established procedures and safety protocols, priorities, and maintain high levels of productivity by efficiently completing drilling tasks within specified timeframes and achieving set targets.
• Optimize drilling techniques to maximise drilling rates while maintaining accuracy and precision in sample collection.
• Measure each drilled hole, using relevant equipment, to check holes are drilled to the correct depth according to the drill plan (depth counter and Rockma system).
• Strictly adhere to safety protocols and procedures, including the drill plan, during drilling operations to minimise accidents, injuries and equipment damage.
• Employ proper drilling techniques and monitor sample integrity throughout the process to ensure the collection of high-quality samples.
• Adhere to sample labelling and recording protocols to maintain accurate data for analysis.
• Conduct regular quality control checks on drilling parameters and equipment performance to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Continuously observe and maintain the drilling cadence of the machine monitoring for drill chip quality, dust and inefficiency.
• Plug holes and discard sample remains according to procedure, to support site rehabilitation. 
• Remove rods upon drilling completion, ensuring there is no contamination or damage to other drill holes.   

Resource Management

• Determine resource needs within own area of responsibility to achieve individual role outcomes.
• Request required assets and resources for the fulfilment of work duties to attain quality work outputs.
• Use assets and resources optimally within own area of responsibility.
• Inspect equipment, reporting on those reaching the end of their lifespan to management, to ensure proper functioning.

Stakeholder Relations

• Engage with all relevant Departments on issues of the area of specialisation, as directed by the Manager.
• Communicate with internal and/or external stakeholders, where required, to achieve work objectives and to maintain relationships.
• Communicate with the Survey team to receive instructions on where to plot the drill holes.

Requirements
Qualifications:

• Grade 12 (NQF4)

Certifications:

• A certificate in Drilling Fundamentals will be advantageous

Job-specific experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of RC drilling experience in the mining environment
• Knowledge of Rockma system will be advantageous