Diamond Drillers (DD) & Reverse Circulation (RC) Drillers

About the role

We are building a talent pool of highly skilled drill‑rig operators for upcoming major mineral exploration projects in Southern Africa. The role focuses on deep‑hole diamond (DD) and reverse‑circulation (RC) drilling, delivering production targets while maintaining safety and core quality.

Key responsibilities

• Operate DD or RC rigs safely and efficiently, handling deep‑hole drilling to depths of 800 m and beyond.
• Execute drilling using PQ, HQ and NQ drilling systems, managing wireline equipment, inner tubes, core barrels and overshots.
• Monitor and control drilling parameters (RPM, weight on bit, water pressure, torque) to ensure high core recovery and minimal hole deviation.
• Troubleshoot challenging ground conditions such as fractured zones, water loss or unstable formations to minimise downtime.
• Perform daily rig inspections, routine rod pulling, casing installations and report equipment defects, adhering strictly to HSE and SOPs.

Required profile

• 5–8+ years of hands‑on experience as a drill‑rig operator in mineral exploration, with proven deep‑hole drilling of 800 m–1 500 m.
• High school diploma or equivalent plus a vocational or trade certificate in drilling, mineral exploration or heavy‑equipment operation.
• Valid first‑aid/CPR certification and relevant HSE certifications (e.g., OSHA, IOSH).
• Preferably a heavy‑vehicle or commercial driver’s licence.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving ability in tough geological conditions.

Required skills

• Diamond core (DD) drilling and reverse‑circulation (RC) drilling.
• PQ, HQ and NQ drilling system operation.
• Wireline system handling and core‑barrel/overshot management.
• Drilling‑parameter monitoring (RPM, weight on bit, water pressure, torque).
• Heavy‑equipment operation and routine maintenance.