Did You Know? For more than 40 000 years before the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Harbour, Australian Aborigines had been mining the land for ochre and stone. NSW Department of Primary Industries: Prime Facts Now at WebArchive Prime Facts February 2007 Local Copy: Word doc Aborigines depended on their stone implements to gather and process their food; ochre was a vital ingredient in art and religious practices; quarries and ‘processing’ sites were developed to cater for the demand for these products; and transport routes were established to allow for their trade. While ochre and stone of one sort or another can be found almost anywhere in Australia, the ochre and stone deposits that were exploited by Aborigines were of particularly high quality. The higher the quality, the larger the mining operation and the greater the distance over which the product was traded. Ochre from north western South Australia and from eastern Western Australia and stone axes from Mount Isa-Cloncurry were traded far outside these districts. At times many different clans would gather near a quarry site to trade for the stone or ochre and to hold ceremonies, initiations and other important cultural events. Ownership of mines rested with the clan on whose land they occurred and access to them was allowed only with the permission of these custodians. Within a clan, the actual mining was often undertaken by a smaller group who had special knowledge of how to correctly extract the resource. Mines were generally open cut, although some mines did extend underground. At Koonalda Cave in South Australia there is evidence that flint mining extended about 75 metres below the surface and up to 300 metres from the entrance of the cave. Ochre was mined by Aborigines for use in cave and body painting and for the decoration of artefacts. The quarried flint nodules from the cave were taken elsewhere to be made into tools. Operations at most major Aboriginal mines appear to have ceased no later than 50 years ago, although deposits of ochre are still being exploited for use in art and ceremonies. There are 416 recorded Aboriginal mine sites in eastern Australia (Queensland, NSW, Victoria), although new sites are being identified all the time. In NSW there are 183 identified sites (144 stone quarries and 17 ochre mines, with no information, beyond location, being available for the remaining 22). Ochre Ochre is iron oxide. It is found in a range of colours, from yellow through to red and brown. The ochre ‘ore’ is ground to a powder and then wetted, usually with water but sometimes saliva, blood, the fat of fish, emu, possum or goanna, or with orchid juice for a fixative. The resulting pigment is used for cosmetics, body and artefact decoration, and cave painting. Ochre Pits, MacDonell Range, Alice Springs 2022 https://youtu.be/LHeH_UBPEpg

 

 

 

Mine managers are responsible for planning, organising and supervising the activities of a mine. They are responsible for planning future mine production, overseeing the development and tunnelling of the mine, checking the quality of stone, rock and minerals and inspecting the mine for danger.

Mine managers also carry out generic management duties, such as hiring staff, organising staff training, overseeing financial administration, and liaising and negotiating with suppliers, contractors and other stakeholders. They also ensure occupational health and safety guidelines are followed, which includes planning and overseeing maintenance of the mine and developing emergency response plans.

OSCA ID: 132233

Alternative names: Production Manager (Mining), Mine Superintendent,

Specialisations:

• Quarry Manager (Open Pit Mining)

• Offshore Installation Manager (Mining)

• Underground Mining Manager

Knowledge, skills and attributes      

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Mining Engineering,

• at least 5 years’ experience at Section Manager / Mine Overseer Level.

• Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competence,

• valid driver’s license,

• underground mining experience essential,

• broad technical knowledge of underground mining operations and processes,

• knowledge of relevant legislation,

• sound computer skills, mine planning and analysis, financial and project management,

• Good business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking,

• ability to create team synergy, manage diversity and promote a high performance culture

•  excellent interpersonal skills with good verbal and written communication skills in English.     

(Source: IMINCO)

 

Duties and Tasks

• Determines, implements and monitors production strategies, policies and plans.

• Plans details of production activities in terms of output, quality, quantity, cost, time available and labour requirements.

• Controls operation of production plant and quality procedures through planning of maintenance, designation of operating hours, and supply of parts and tools.

• Monitors production output and costs, adjusting the processes and resources to minimise costs.

• Informs others about production matters.

• Oversees the acquisition and installation of new plant and equipment.

• Directs research into production methods, recommending and implementing appropriate initiatives.

• Controls the preparation of production records and reports.

• Co-ordinates the implementation of occupational health and safety requirements.

• Directs staff activities and monitors their performance.

• Maintenance and encouraging a positive safety and environment culture at all times in the organization

• Preparing and implementing operational plans for the mine, and monitor and report progress,

• Proposing capital expenditure projects to expand capacity or improve operations,

• Leading the mine operations management team and manage all mining personnel and resources

• Preparing production and operating budgets, and monitor and report performance and costs

• Contributing to business planning and company strategy to improve competitiveness, profitability and growth

• Recognizing and anticipating operational, technical and safety challenges, take action to prevent or overcome them, and seek continuous improvement

• Engagement with local communities and regulatory authorities to promote company policies

• Collaborate with other management colleagues and corporate executives to achieve overall business objectives

• Work closely with maintenance department to ensure continuous, safe, efficient operations

• Oversee new projects, such as installing new mining equipment or opening a new shaft

• Manage relations with trade unions

• Oversee the recruitment and development of superintendents, supervisors, and operators, providing support, encouragement, advice and guidance to build an effective workforce.

Working conditions

Mine managers work in mines and offices throughout Australia. They often work at mines in remote locations and may need work on a fly-in, fly-out basis. Depending on the type of mine, they may work outside in most weather conditions, or underground in cramped, enclosed spaces. Most mines operate 24-hours a day, so shift work may be required, which can include working nights, and on weekends and public holidays. The work can often be dangerous, so strict safety policies must be followed and enforced to minimise risks.

Tools and technologies

Mine managers use a combination of office and mining equipment. When in the office they use standard office equipment, including computers with specialised mining software. When on mine sites they need to be familiar with a range of explosives and heavy machinery, including drilling equipment, diggers, trucks and rock-cutting devices. They must also wear safety equipment including overalls, a hard hats, safety glasses, steel-capped boots, hearing protection and reflective clothing.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You usually need a formal qualification in mining, engineering, business or another related field to work as a Mine Manager. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.

To become a mining production manager you must hold a First Class Mine Manager's Certificate of Competency, issued by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. In order to qualify for the mine manager's certificate you must have completed an engineering degree majoring in mining, have five years practical mining experience (including three years underground), have a current Apply First Aid Certificate and be at least 25 years old.

 

(Source: SafeWork SA)

 

 

Mining support workers assist in operating equipment such as continuous mining machines or mineral ore processing plants. They assemble and dismantle mining equipment, load and unload tools and materials, load chemicals into ore processing plants and clean and wash equipment. They may also gather ore, rock and dust samples.

Mining Support Workers perform routine tasks in mining and mineral ore treating operations, such as assembling, operating and dismantling mining equipment, taking ore, rock and dust samples, and mixing ore treating chemicals and catalysts.

OSCA ID: 821933
 

Alternative names: Mineral Ore Processing Labourer; Acclimatisation Chamber Operator/ Heat Tolerance; Battery Bay Attendant/ Battery and Lamp Repairer; Belt Attendant; Centrifuge Pump Operator/ Pump Attendant; Coal Hewer; Gravel Worker; Mine Sampler / Worker; Mine Stage Assistant; Mine Survey Recorder; Mineral Ore Processing Labourer; Mining Surfaceman; Onsetter Helper; Pit Crew Support Worker; Quarry Hand / Worker; Sand Pit Worker; Shaft Assistant; Shaft Sinking Helper; Sorter (Mining); Strata Control Observer; Ventilation Observer

  
Specialisations: Pit Crew Support Worker, Mineral Sampler, Nipper (Mining)
  

Knowledge, skills and attributes       

•  Ability to work as a part of a team and independently when required

• Willing to contribute and adhere to the safety requirements of the mine

• Ability to work in an underground mine

• Ability to undertake shift work, both days and nights

• Ability to work on rotating rosters. Rosters can vary depending on contractual arrangements e.g. 5 days on 2 days off, rotating shifts and 7 days on up to 4 days off rotating shift

• Car drivers licence – preferably open manual

• Other licences such as truck licences - Medium Rigid (MR) or Heavy Rigid (HR)

• First Aid certificate

• Work Health and Safety Induction

• National Police Check

• Industry experience or part of a training program

• Pre-employment medical

• Pass regular drug and alcohol tests

(Source: YourCareer)

 

Duties and Tasks

• providing general support and assistance to skilled trades people on an specified mining projects/sites

• assembling, operating and dismantling mining equipment, taking ore, rock and dust samples, and mixing ore treating chemicals and catalysts.

• as directed by the Line Manager to assist with general site storage, lifting, fetching supplies, unloading and checking deliveries and undertaking tasks to assist tradesmen generally

• performs routine jobs

• loads ore onto mine trucks or conveyor belts

• strengthens roofs and walls of mine shafts

• uses power tools

• cleans underground rooms and work areas

• helps teams of mine workers construct tunnels

• installs lamps and pumps

• general labouring including site preparation and clearance,

• maintaining general site tidiness,

• assisting in operation of tools and equipment,

• cleaning and maintaining tools and equipment,

• assisting in maintaining site safety and security.

Working conditions

Mining support workers often work at mines in remote parts of Australia and must be prepared to live on-site away from home or work on a fly-in, fly-out basis. They may work in above ground or underground mines and conditions can be hazardous. They must follow workplace health and safety standards and wear protective clothing to minimise any associated risks.

Mining support workers may work long hours involving shiftwork, weekends and public holidays. While on-site, Mining support workers typically work for 10 - 12 hours per day.

  
Tools and technologies

Mining support workers use mining equipment such as continuous mining machines or mineral ore processing plants. They maintain fluid pumps and conveyor belts, mix ore treating chemicals, and maintain and drive four-wheel drive vehicles. They must also wear personal protective clothing (PPE) such as reflective clothing, steel-capped boots, hard hats, goggles and earplugs.

  
Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Mining Support Worker without formal qualifications, however, a certificate I or II in resourced and infrastructure operations or mining operations (field or exploration) may be useful.

To become a mining support worker you usually need to undertake a traineeship in metalliferous mining operations (processing) (level 2), underground metalliferous mining (level 2), extractive industries (operations) (level 2) or process plant operations (level 2). The traineeships usually take between 12 and 18 months to complete. The process plant operations (level 2) traineeship is available as a school-based traineeship.

Alternatively, you can also gain a qualification in process plant operations. The Certificate II in Process Plant Operations is offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

 

Apprenticeships and traineeships
  
As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer, enabling you to complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You spend time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider.

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.

If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.

 

 

Shotfirers assemble, position and detonate explosives to break or dislodge rock and soil or to demolish structures. Shotfirers assemble, position and detonate explosives at a mining or demolition site. Shotfirers usually decide on the quantity of explosives required and check blasting areas to make sure they have met safety regulations before positioning explosives in bore holes and priming explosives using detonators and explosive cartridges.

They connect the wires, fuses and detonating cords to explosive cartridges and detonators, making sure they test electrical circuits and repair any malfunctions before detonating the explosives. They will inspect the area to make sure all explosives have been detonated and that the site is safe after blasting has been completed.


OSCA ID: 732332

Alternative names: Shot Firer, Blaster, Powderman, Blast Hole Driller,

Specialisations:

• Agricultural Blaster - uses small-scale blasting to clear rural areas of objects, such as stumps and boulders, and to create holes for things such as small dams and trenches.

• Blast Crew Operator

• Charge Up Operator

• Construction Shotfirer - uses blasting to create trenches in which to place foundations for civil constructions such as buildings and bridges. Implosion and explosion techniques used to demolish buildings are a specialised area and require many years of experience.

• Drill & Blast Supervisor

• Fireworks Specialist - uses small explosions to create special effects, generally for public viewing.

• Oil and Gas Well Blaster (Offshore and Onshore) - uses explosives to access oil and gas reserves.

• Quarry and Open-cut Mining Shotfirer - uses larger amounts of explosives to clear masses of earth in open areas. Numerous smaller blasts are often detonated together to create a larger force.

• Seismic Blaster - detonates explosives to create seismic waves which provide information about underground mineral and petroleum deposits.

• Submarine (Underwater) Blaster - uses explosives to clear areas underwater as well as create holes for the foundation of civil constructions, such as bridges.

• Tunnelling and Underground Mining Shotfirer - uses small amounts of explosives to blast through rock underground. Generally, small blasts are detonated in a sequence to minimise the force and decrease the possibility of unwanted damage.

(Source: Seek)

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes   

To become a shotfirer or blaster, you would need:

• strong concentration skills

• critical thinking and decisiveness

• willingness to adhere to safety requirements

• excellent attention to detail

• good physical and medical fitness - able to pass a medical examination

• the ability to work in confined spaces, including underground

• enjoy practical and manual activities

• able to lead and supervise a team

• able to accept responsibility

• able to cope with the physical demands of the job

• able to work in confined spaces, including underground

• basic skills in mathematics and science      

Shotfirer Training
(Source: Blastcon)

Duties and Tasks

As a shotfirer, you would:

• check blasting areas to ensure they meet safety regulations

• establish safe exclusion zones around and on the blast area to control movement of personnel, livestock and vehicles around and on the blast area

• decide on the quantity of explosives required - calculate quantity of explosives required to achieve desired result

• apply basic geology to assist in blast design, and interpret and apply blast design principles

• cut channels under working faces

• insert detonators and charges into blast holes

• connect and test or inspect the blasting circuit

• fire charges

• inspect the blasting area to make sure all explosives have detonated

• check bore-hole depths and ensure that they are clean

• inspect the area to make sure all explosives have been detonated

• manage explosives magazine stock control

• check site safety after blasting (falling rock hazards, underground mine roof supports and harmful fumes, for example), and declare the area safe

Working conditions

Shotfirers usually work outdoors or underground in underground mines, opencast mines, quarries and demolition sites. Shotfirers may be required to work underground at considerable depth in cramped conditions. They may also be required to work in remote areas where conditions can be hot, wet, noisy, dirty and dusty. In many cases, as a shortfirer or blaster, you would travel and spend long periods away from home. The hours can be very long.

Shotfirers work outside or underground, and they are expected to work in a variety of weather conditions. This job can be dirty, dangerous and also loud.

Workers wear protective clothing such as hard hats, safety boots and other safety equipment. Shotfirers may be required to work shifts. Work will involve frequent squatting or crouching, twisting of the body and bending.
  

Tools and technologies

Shotfirers are required to use a range of tools and technologies including hand tools and power equipment such as explosives, detonators, drills, bores, chisels, pliers and detonators.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a shotfirer you will need to undertake specialised surface and/or underground operations training from a Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. Training delivered by unaccredited providers will generally not be accepted as evidence of competency for a shotfirer licence application.

To become a shotfirer you usually have to obtain a licence for the appropriate class of work, and demonstrate knowledge in and practical application of the safe assembly of detonation and explosive materials. Licences are issued by the regulatory body in the State in which you reside. Training, work experience and supervision requirements may vary depending on the type of work you wish to carry out (for example, construction, mining or fireworks).

To apply for a licence to work with explosives, you must be at least 18 years of age, pass a National Police Check, and provide a medical report.

Employment Opportunities

Shotfirers are mainly employed by drilling and blasting contractors. Although mining companies, quarries, civil engineering and road construction firms require shotfirers, this role is often contracted out to specialist companies. Shotfirers work in many industries including mining, oil & gas exploration, agriculture, construction, tunnelling and pyrotechnics (fireworks).

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have industry experience on a mine site. As the mining industry, in particular, experiences a prolonged slowdown, employment opportunities for shotfirers are expected to decline.

More opportunities may be available in the construction and agricultural industries, which are going through a period of strong expansion.

 

Blaster Training
(Source: AMPT)

 

  

Drillers supervise the drilling of holes in the earth for oil, water and natural gas, mineral exploration, building foundations and site investigation. Drillers assemble, position and operate drilling rigs and related equipment, to extract ore, liquids or gases from the earth. They oversee the transport, installation, maintenance and operation of drilling rigs, collect drilling core samples, undertake development and pumping tests and operate pumping equipment, and clean the areas around their wake.

Drillers also make decisions about which section of a drilling operation will work at which times, and supervise teams of assistants who help to carry out the tasks undertaken in each section of an operation.

Drillers perform on-site drilling activities and run the day to day onsite drilling operations, usually with a supervisor. Senior drillers operate the drill and usually operate without a supervisor.

Some of the work drillers will do includes preparing sites for foundations to be laid, piling, mining, tunnel construction and geothermal energy installations.
They use lots of different machinery depending on the job at hand. Sometimes they will need to collect core samples for geological testing, or to assess soil quality.
They might be there to prepare a site or they might be drilling anchors into the ground or drilling a bore for explosives so a site can be cleared.

Some drillers will also operate pumps to extract air, water or other waste from sites.

This can be complex and high-risk work so there are lots of regulatory requirements you’ll need to be on top of, and you will have to be incredibly safety conscious. The
work of a driller is important and dangerous and not to be taken lightly.

 

OSCA ID: 399231

  
Alternative names
  

Specialisations:

• Blast Hole Driller

• Diamond Driller

• Directional Driller,

• Exploration Driller,

• Jumbo Operator,

• Power Tong Operator,

• Raise Drill Operator,

• Rig Manager,

• Rock Drill Operator,

• Stope Miner,

• Tool Pusher
    

Knowledge, skills and attributes   

• enjoy practical and manual work

• like working outdoors

• able to give precise instructions

• able to work as part of a team

• physically fit

• use technology appropriately

• able to work away from home

• senior first aid certificate

• HR licence (desirable, dependent upon enterprise)

• people who have some initiative in handling both daily drilling tasks and the unexpected problems that can come up in any job.

• good communicators

• Forklift ticket and/or Vehicle loading train

• submit to regular medical and drug test        

The rig has been operating at Fortescue Metals Group’s Solomon iron ore mine in the Pilbara since July 2020
in conjunction with JSW’s project joint-venture partner and traditional owners, the Eastern Guruma people.
(Source: Australian Mining)

 

Duties and Tasks

• Dismantles moves and reassembles drilling rigs and accessory plant.

• Takes samples of ore, liquids and gases and packages them.

• Performs minor maintenance and repairs, and lubricates and cleans plant.

• Records performance details and information obtained from wells, and keeps logs detailing operations.

Working conditions

Drillers work on drilling rigs with large mechanical machinery. They work outside or underground in most weather conditions and their work may be hot, noisy or dirty, as well as potentially hazardous. They may work long hours on a roster system, which may include long periods of time away from home.

Drillers may work anywhere around Australia, on large-scale construction projects and oil/gas/mining operations.

 

Tools and technologies

Drillers need to be familiar with the parts and operation of small portable and large-scale drills, as well as the pipes, cables and coil tubing used in conjunction with these. They may work with mechanical, electric, hydraulic or pneumatic drills.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a driller you usually need to undertake a traineeship in drilling operations (level 2 or level 4) or driller (level 3). The traineeships usually take between 12 and 24 months to complete. You can work as a Driller without formal qualifications, however, a certificate III or IV in drilling oil & gas (on shore) or drilling operations may be useful.
  

Apprenticeships and traineeships
  
As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer, enabling you to complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You spend time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider.

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.

If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.

 

Employment Opportunities

Size: This is a small occupation.
Location: Drillers work in many parts of Australia. Western Australia and Queensland have a large share of workers.
  
Industries: Most work in Mining; Construction; and Manufacturing.
  
Full-time: Most work full-time (94%, much higher than the average of 66%).
Hours: Full-time workers spend around 67 hours per week at work (compared to the average of 44 hours).
  
Age: The average age is 37 years (compared to the average of 40 years).
  
Gender: 1% of workers are female (compared to the average of 48%).

 

This is a highly complex and high-risk role. Drillers need to be continually upskilling and the more complex the work, the higher the qualification they will need. As you can see, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas might be needed depending on the type of work you want to do.

If you want to be working on oil rigs off-shore, or mostly doing geological drilling work, you will need to look at the additional qualifications you’ll need to obtain.
Drillers are needed in the construction industry, but also in mining and infrastructure so there is a lot of possible career options and mobility.

Drillers can also specialise in fields like oil and gas drilling, geotechnical drilling, or directional drilling, each of which offers opportunities for further career advancement and higher earning potential.

Summary (Master Builders Ultimate Career Guide p.80 )

What should you be good at?  • Working with machines and/or technology • Working with your hands • Being part of a team • Keeping fit • Working within set processes and procedures	What should you enjoy?  • Troubleshooting • Working inside and outside alike • Working with different technological tools • Working within processes and protocols • Machinery and problem solving when things go wrong
Relevant qualifications  • Certificate III in Drilling Operations (RII31820) • Certificate IV in Drilling Operations (RII40920) • Advanced Diploma of Drilling Management (RII60415) • Diploma of Drilling Oil & Gas (Onshore) (RII50820) • Certificate IV in Drilling Oil & Gas (Onshore) (RII41120) • Diploma of Drilling Operations (RII50620) • Traineeship	What subjects are helpful to do at school?  • Maths • Science – physics or chemistry • Industrial design • Design and technologies

 

 

 

 

Drillers' Assistants perform routine tasks in setting up, operating and dismantling drilling sites for extraction of oil, gas, mineral ore or water. Drillers' assistants help move, set up and operate drilling rigs and related equipment to drill holes for such things as oil, natural gas and water, building foundations, minerals exploration and site investigation.

 

OSCA ID: 821931

Alternative names: Driller's Offsider or Roustabout (Oil and Gas)

Specialisations: Derrick Hand, Roughneck, Well Treatment Offsider

The major sectors in the drilling industry are:

• Blasthole drilling to place explosives for the removal of rock and ore in quarries and mines, as well as the construction of roadworks, dam sites and other capital works.

• Mineral exploration and investigation drilling for suspected or known mineral deposits (this is carried out both in Australia and by Australian companies overseas).

• Oil and gas drilling (this is carried out offshore and onshore by contract companies that are mainly employed by oil companies). See Petroleum Engineer

• Site investigation/geotechnical drilling to determine the characteristics of soil and rock on construction sites.

• Foundation/construction drilling on construction sites, usually in towns and cities, as a part of the building or construction process.

• Water well drilling for stock and domestic or commercial bores (this is mainly carried out by private contractors based in rural areas).

Knowledge, skills and attributes  

• reliable and adaptable

• good organisational skills

• enjoy working as part of a team

• able to cope with the physical demands of the job

• enjoy practical and manual activities

• aptitude for mechanics and machinery

• willing to work in remote areas under difficult conditions

    
(Source: Good Universities Guide)

     

Duties and Tasks

Drillers' assistants may perform the following tasks:

• Working with an experienced driller sets up rig and drilling equipment.

• Directs assembly and disassembly of pipes, casings and drill headings and controls speed and force of drilling.

• Examines cores and cuttings to ascertain nature of strata.

• Caps well or regulates valves which control outflow of gas or oil.

• Attaches and detaches lifting equipment to lower or raise sections of drill pipe into or out of bore hole.

• Controls pumps which circulate mud through drilling equipment.

• Services pumps.

• Help move drilling rigs and equipment from site to site, set up in the new site and connect power cables or hoses for water and air supply

• Help obtain high-quality drilling core samples

• Assist drillers with all drilling processes

• Mix and test drilling fluids, chemicals and grout

• Assist with slotting, welding and inserting casing screens

• Assist with well development and pumping tests

• Operate equipment such as pumps for air, water and mud

• Carry out routine maintenance and repairs

• Clean and maintain equipment, as well as drill and camp sites

Driller - runs a team of drillers' assistants performing the above tasks. Drillers may specialise in diamond core drilling, rotary/percussion drilling, coal seam drilling or water well drilling.

  

Working conditions

Drillers and drillers' assistants usually work long hours on roster systems, either outdoors or underground, as members of teams or crews. The work is often manual and physically demanding. Compliance with all safety systems is essential.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Driller's Assistant without formal qualifications, however, a certificate II or III in drilling operations, drilling offshore (oil or gas) or well servicing may be useful. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a driller's assistant through a traineeship in Drilling Operations or Drilling Oil/Gas (Offshore/Onshore). Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

 

Additional Information
  
All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). In NSW, training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations authorised by SafeWork NSW. In the ACT, training is provided by Registered Training Organisations approved by WorkSafe ACT.

To work as a driller's assistant you must be at least 18 years of age, undergo a National Police Check and pass a pre-employment medical examination and drug and alcohol clearance. Many worksites will also require you to have a heavy vehicle drivers licence and a Provide First Aid Certificate.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Resources and Infrastructure Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

  

Employment Opportunities

Drillers' assistants are employed by drilling contractors, mining companies, oil companies, consultants and farmers. They work at construction sites, mines, and oil and gas exploration and production facilities situated offshore and onshore.

Demand for drillers' assistants varies greatly with commodity prices, general economic conditions and government policies in relation to mining, groundwater regulations and infrastructure projects.

Crossover from one sector of the drilling industry to another often occurs when a sector is quiet. Many drilling contractors operate in several sectors.

Opportunities exist for those with sound practical experience to move into management or supervisory roles.

Underground Diamond Driller Assistant
(Source: Norcat)

 

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
(Jobs not linked are currently being worked on)

 

Army Officer Explosives Technician	Civil Engineer	Construction Worker Demolition Officer	Electrician
Firefighter	Geologist	Geophysicist	Hazardous Materials Labourer
Hydrologist	Mineral Processing Operator	Mining Engineer	Petroleum Engineer Roughneck or Roustabout - Oil & Gas
Pyrotechnician	Surveyor	WHS Officer

 

Materials sourced from

Jobs & Skills WA [Miner; Mining Production Manager; Mining Support Worker; Shotfirer; Driller;  ]
WebArchive Only - CareersOnline [Shotfirer; Driller's Assistant; ]
WebArchive Only - CareerHQ [Shotfirer or Blaster; Roughneck/Driller's Assistant; ]
IEOM Society [Mine Manager; ]
Hume Coal [Mining Support Worker; ]
CareerPlanet [Mining Support Worker; ]
Skills Provision [Mining Support Worker; ]
Skills DMC [Drilling; ]
Best Accredited Colleges [Explosives Technician;]
Master Builders Ultimate Career Guide p.80
Your Career [Miner; Mine Manager; Mining Support Worker; Shot Firer; Driller; Driller's Assistant; ]

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