Operator Mining - Driller

We are MMG and we mine for progress. 

At MMG, our vision is to create a leading international mining company for a low carbon future. 

We mine for progress to create wealth for our people, host communities and shareholders with an ambition to grow and diversify our resource, production and value.  

Our aim is to create a workplace that encourages diversity, inclusion and supports our people to grow.  We are guided by our values; think safety first, respect each other, work together, do what we say, and we want to be better.  We recognise the unique value your contribution makes to the progress of our company and the communities in which we operate. 

Dugald River mine is one of the world’s top 10 Zinc mine operations, which has been producing zinc concentrate for customers around the world since 2017. 

The mine is committed to a low-carbon future. In April 2023 the Dugald River Solar Farm began operations, supplying a third of the mine’s power, and reducing emissions by 33% and this is just the start of its renewable energy transition. 

Dugald River employs around 750 employees and contractors on a mix of fly-in, fly-out and local residential basis. The village provides all the amenities including a gym, with a women’s only area, a tennis court, swimming pool, walking track and entertainment area.   

Operator Mining – Long Hole Driller

Reporting to the Shift Supervisor - Production, the main function of the Production Long Hole Driller is to perform safe and effective drilling by working closely with the Technical Services Team to ensure production long holes are drilled accurately for stope production.

You will be responsible and accountable for drilling production long holes accurately, operating drill rigs safely and effectively, and protecting drilled holes for charging while following all Dugald River procedures, work instructions and your legislated duty of care. This role requires a strong safety focus and the ability to work collaboratively within the Mining and Technical Services teams to achieve production objectives..

This role will be based on an 8/7, 7/6 (days and nights) roster, bus in bus out (BIBO) from Cloncurry or Mount Isa or fly in fly out (FIFO) from Townsville or Brisbane. Relocation support will be available for successful candidates who reside outside of the local region who wish to relocate to the Cloncurry or Mount Isa districts.

Qualifications, Competencies & knowledge highly desired;

• Previous Long Hole drilling experience (>2 years) in an underground hard rock mining environment.
• Minimum five years' underground mining experience.
• Proven experience in production stope drilling within an underground mining operation.
• General understanding of underground mining environments and long hole stope production.
• Knowledge of troubleshooting Long Hole drill rig operational issues is desirable.
• Experience operating Sandvik long hole drill rigs is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively within mining operations and cross-functional teams.
• Strong commitment to safety and compliance with all HS&E policies, procedures and reporting requirements.
• Current and valid Australian Driver's Licence.
• Current First Aid Certificate (preferred).
• Working at Heights competency (desirable).
• Ability to obtain a National Police Clearance.
• Broad experience operating heavy mining equipment is desirable.

Some of your key responsibilities will include;

• Operate long hole drill rigs for downhole and uphole drilling activities in accordance with drilling plans and site safety requirements.
• Drill holes for production stopes, paste filling, anchoring and other underground mining activities.
• Liaise with Shift Supervisors, Technical Services personnel and other stakeholders to optimise drilling outcomes and production performance.
• Interpret production targets and schedules and work proactively to achieve planned outcomes.
• Maintain accurate operational records and provide timely radio communication updates to Mine Control.
• Monitor equipment condition, identify hazards and report defects or concerns in a timely manner.
• Ensure drill rigs and associated equipment are cleaned, maintained and presented for servicing as required.
• Work safely at heights and in the vicinity of open voids while adhering to all site procedures and controls.
• Provide guidance, training and support to trainee drillers and less experienced team members.
• Participate in training programs and competency assessments as required.
• Adhere to all Dugald River Mine policies, procedures and industry compliance standards.

What we offer 

Remuneration for this role includes a competitive salary package, annual bonus and generous local allowances for employees living in the local community of Cloncurry and Mt Isa. 

On-site accommodation at Dugald River is provided in fully air-conditioned en-suite rooms and includes meal service and room cleaning. The village features, communal media facilities including 4G coverage, onsite Medical Centre, sporting facilities, swimming pool and gym facilities. 

MMG also provides the following generous benefits for employees living in the local community of Cloncurry & Mt. Isa 

• Gym/PCYC membership 
• Access to MMG Charter flights to Brisbane and Townsville for family/leisure purposes 
• Financial support for families where children attend boarding school 
• Retention payment for long term Cloncurry residents 

MMG is committed to supporting our local communities of Cloncurry Shire and Mount Isa City Council Local Government Areas. MMG encourages local residents to apply for opportunities at Dugald River. We also support successful candidates to relocate to the region and provide a generous relocation package. 

We are an equal opportunity employer who values and respects diversity. If you share our values and feel that you could make a meaningful difference in this role, please apply online. To know more about MMG please visit our webpage https://www.mmg.com/ 

Dugald River is committed to a safe, healthy workplace, requiring all personnel to be clean shaven and fit for work under our zero-tolerance approach to drugs and alcohol.