Purpose of Role
The Master Driller is responsible for training, mentoring, assessing, and developing drill operators and drilling personnel within surface mining operations to ensure that all drilling employees are competent in safe drilling practices, equipment operation, production standards, drilling quality, and compliance with mine safety regulations. The role combines operational drilling expertise with structured workplace training and coaching responsibilities.
Role Context
Operational Tasks:
- Conduct theoretical and practical training for drilling foreman, drilling supervisor, drilling operators and drilling assistants.
- Develop and implement drilling training programs and competency assessments.
- Provide on-site coaching, mentoring, and skills development.
- Evaluate operator competence and recommend certification or additional training where required.
- Conduct refresher training and safety awareness sessions.
- Maintain training records, attendance registers, and competency documentation.
- Assist with onboarding and induction of new drilling personnel.
- Demonstrate proper drilling techniques and best operational practices.
- Ensure drilling activities are conducted according to mine plans and production requirements.
- Monitor drilling quality, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
- Support drill crews in troubleshooting operational challenges.
- Assist supervisors with improving drilling performance and productivity.
- People Management:
- Coordinate and allocate drilling personnel according to operational requirements and training schedules.
- Monitor operator competency levels and identify skills gaps.
- Mentor, coach, and develop drill operators and trainees.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
- Support succession planning and workforce development initiatives.
Resource Management:
- Monitor operator competency levels and identify skills gaps.
- Monitor availability and utilization of drilling rigs and support equipment.
- Ensure proper use, care, and accountability of drilling equipment and tools.
- Minimize equipment downtime through proactive operational support and operator training.
- Monitor drill consumables and report shortages or replacement needs.
- Assist in optimizing drilling productivity and resource utilization.
- Monitor fuel usage, drilling consumables, and operational efficiency.
- Ensure adequate availability and use of PPE and safety equipment.
- Prepare operational and training reports for management review.
- Maintain inventory records for drilling tools, consumables, and training equipment.
- Track employee certifications, licenses, and medical compliance.
Stakeholder Relations
- Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure information, advice or opinions on relevant matters is made available and/or communicated with all relevant stakeholders, to manage expectations and timelines.
Risk, Safety and Compliance:
- Manage and enforce regulatory frameworks and company COP guidelines in relation to Health and Safety by continuously updating all relevant policies and procedures as required and ensuring that they are appropriately communicated with the staff.
- Regularly engage with staff by running regular meetings ensuring all SHEQ policies and procedures are understood and adhered to.
- Monitor and enforce compliance with relevant industry regulations, safety protocols, and environmental standards related to drilling operations.
Qualifications:
- Grade 12 (NQF 4)
- Blasting Certificate for Opencast Mines
Certifications:
- ETDP-SETA accredited Facilitator, Assessor and/or Moderator certification.
- Train the Trainer certification.
- Supervisory or leadership training.
- Surface mine drill rig operator certification (DTH and Top hammers).
- Drilling GET certification (advantageous).
Job specific experience:
- Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in surface mining drilling operations.
- Proven experience as a Senior or Master Driller.
- Previous training or mentoring experience in mining operations.
- Previous experience as drill rig operator.
Valid Driving Licence.
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Inherent requirements
Must be medically fit
Closing date: 17 June 2026
Please note that, in line with our Employment Equity requirements, preference will be given to designated positions.
