RC Sampler at Tharisa

Purpose of Role

To collect, examine, and identify RC samples and process geological data into workable information, under supervision of the Geo Technician, and as per procedure, to support the achievement of geological objectives for Tharisa Minerals (TM), ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulatory standards

Role Context

Compliance, Risk and Safety

• Attend daily safety meetings with the Geo-Tech 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
• 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 Sampling

• Conduct sampling operations at designated mine sites using a variety of tools and techniques in line with established schedules and procedures
• Measure each drilled hole, using relevant equipment, to check holes are drilled to the correct depth according to the drill plan
• Collect representative samples from the RC drill holes, delivering quality and timely work within given boundaries of relevant policies and procedures
• Observe, track and record sample characteristics (including colour, texture, shape, size, smell, density, weight, temperature, etc.), ensuring proper handling of collected samples
• Count, measure, weigh, and label samples as needed, ensuring proper handling and documentation of collected samples
• Bag samples for testing at other locations and transport samples to the laboratory for testing if necessary, according to standard procedures, to maintain the safety of samples
• Compare sample to standard model to quickly assess basic quality of sample
• Test samples and confirm their conformance to industry standards; notify management when materials do not meet specifications/irregular findings and indicate percentages of materials of specified size, to ensure the integrity and quality of samples
• Continuously observe and maintain the drilling cadence of the machine monitoring for dust and inefficiency
• Remove rods, together with the RC Drilling Operator, upon drilling completion, ensuring there is no contamination or damage to other drill holes
• Identify opportunities to reduce contamination, by conducting regular site inspections, to support in-pit optimisation

RC Sample Processing 

• Dispatch geological samples to the geology logging area for processing and laboratory for assays according to the daily requirement
• Receive collected drilled RC holes and samples and the corresponding drill chip tray at the geology sample processing plant/area, to enable sample sorting in preparation for logging
• Conduct geological sampling preparation, splitting, compositing and tagging on RC, TH, TFS and Stockpile samples, to ensure quality control of geological pit sampling
• Discard samples remains, including sample plastics, from the geology sampling process area and the laboratory, including on skip bins into the disposing area (stockpiles) according to procedure and per the line manager’s instructions, to support site rehabilitation

 Recordkeeping and Reporting

• Capture all collected sampling data in the SABLE database and generate strip logs to support the creation of verbal and written reports for all stakeholders involved

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
• Monitor the use of assets and resources within the team and own area of responsibility, to ensure assets and resources are consistently and appropriately utilised and managed.
• Monitor and track the operation of RC drilling equipment to ensure the machinery works efficiently to prevent accidents/injuries

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

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications:

• Grade 12 (NQF4) with Mathematics and Physical Science as subjects
• Basic Sampling Course will be advantageous

Job specific experience:

• Minimum of between one to two (1-2) years of experience in the mining environment
• One to two (1-2) years of experience in an open pit mine would be advantageous  
• SABLE or geological database experience is advantageous
• Computer literate

Inherent requirement 

Must be medically fit