Operator 3, Longhole Drill – Geita Gold Mine

OBJECTIVE OF THE ROLE

• Carry out underground production drilling of precise blast holes into ore bodies and drill service holes and cable bolt holes.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Operate longhole drilling equipment safely and productively within OEM specifications to meet or exceed daily targets.
• Monitor ground conditions and adjust drilling techniques and components to maintain penetration and prevent drifter, shank, rotation, and hole issues.
• Un-bog and remove rods; use back hammer per OEM; if unsuccessful, mark the hole, consult supervisor and planning engineer, drill a second hole, and plug or grout the original hole.
• Remove cuttings and sludge to keep drill holes clean, preventing bit blockage and rod bogging.
• Complete required documentation accurately, including meters drilled, re-drills, ground conditions, delays, hole length variations, hazards, consumables, and rig/job status.
• Protect equipment by operating within rpm limits and best practices, perform operator maintenance, and work with minimal supervision to achieve 125–200 m per shift.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Education & Qualification

• Completion of Secondary School Education or Advanced Level Education or Diploma in Mining or Mechanical Engineering.
• Valid Driving License (added advantage).

Experience

• A minimum of at least 5 years of underground mining experience started in development or as UG Operator before transitioning to a Solo rig.

Knowledge & Skills

• Read and understand daily production shift plans.
• General overview of underground mining processes and terminologies.
• Experience in operating Sandvik DL421 or DL420 series.
• Ability to read geological markings, identify varying rock hardness, and manage hole deviation.
• Ability to assess ground conditions, scale loose rock, and strictly adhere to underground safety protocols.
• First Aid knowledge; good written and oral communication skills in English; excellent hand and eye coordination; ability to maintain high standards of housekeeping; strong work ethics; physically and mentally fit; principles of reporting; cross shift communication; proper planning and execution; coaching new employees; good interpersonal skills.