Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Underground Driller

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a skilled Underground Driller (also referred to as Drill Rig Operator or Longhole/Production Driller) to safely and efficiently operate underground drilling equipment in mining, exploration, and tunnelling environments. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with rotary, percussive, and diamond core drilling systems, demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude and rig maintenance capability, follows strict safety and ventilation protocols, collaborates with geologists and blasting teams, and consistently produces high-quality boreholes and core samples. This role is critical to mineral recovery, grade control, and safe underground operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Assistant Driller / Driller’s Helper
Heavy Equipment Operator (underground)
Mining or Exploration Field Technician

Advancement To:

Lead Driller / Senior Underground Driller
Drilling Supervisor / Drill Coordinator
Underground Shift Supervisor or Mine Foreman

Lateral Moves:

Geotechnical Technician / Core Logging Technician
Blasting Technician (with explosives certification)
Maintenance Technician (rig mechanic)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and control underground drilling rigs (track-mounted, skid-mounted, and remote units) to drill production holes, longhole rounds, raiseboring pilot holes, and diamond core for geological sampling following planned hole patterns, orientations and target depths.
Set up, align, and secure drilling rigs and associated jigs, templates and support structures in confined underground drifts and stopes, ensuring accurate hole location and angle per engineering and geological plans.
Collaborate with geologists and surveyors to interpret drill plans, adjust hole collars and azimuths in the field, and ensure core orientation and sample integrity for downstream assaying and logging.
Drill and recover core samples using diamond or wireline core techniques, manage core trays and sample handling, label and document core boxes accurately, and maintain chain-of-custody integrity for geological data.
Perform production and blast-hole drilling for development and stoping operations, ensuring holes meet diameter, depth and tolerance requirements for efficient charging and blasting (coordinate with blasting team; adhere to all explosives handling regulations).
Conduct pre-start and post-shift inspections of drilling equipment, hydraulics, feed systems, motors, hoses, and safety devices; report defects and complete maintenance logs to ensure rig reliability and minimize operational downtime.
Troubleshoot, diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic and electrical faults on drilling rigs; perform routine servicing including lubrication, filter changes, and replacement of wear components to maintain production targets.
Monitor drilling parameters (pressure, feed rate, torque, penetration rates) and make real-time adjustments to optimize penetration and prolong tool life while preventing equipment overload or hole deviation.
Install and remove drill steel, bits, collars, core barrels and reaming tools safely, using proper rigging and handling procedures to prevent injuries and equipment damage.
Supervise and mentor trainee drillers, assistant drillers and helpers; provide on-the-job training in safe drilling practices, equipment operation and underground procedures to build crew competency.
Maintain accurate electronic and paper drilling records including daily production reports, meters drilled, consumable usage (bits, rods), and tool performance metrics for cost tracking and QA/QC.
Implement and enforce safety procedures at drill sites: ground support awareness, exclusion zones, lockout-tagout procedures, working at heights precautions and reporting of hazardous conditions.
Coordinate with ventilation, ground support and production teams to sequence drilling activities safely around blasting cycles, mobile equipment traffic, and shifts in mine layout.
Manage drilling fluid systems and additives when applicable; monitor fluid levels, solids control, and ensure environmental compliance with disposal and containment practices.
Conduct core orientation, geological logging support and assist geologists with in-situ sample descriptions, assisting in the accurate capture of lithology, structure and mineralization data.
Safely transport, rig up and de-rig drill units, pumps and ancillary equipment in constrained underground environments, following site-specific transport and man-riding protocols.
Perform rig moves underground, including site reconnaissance, establishing safe access, setting up crib lines, and ensuring all equipment is secured and serviceable before recommencing operations.
Participate in hazard identification, workplace inspections and incident investigations; contribute to continuous improvement by recommending safer methods and operational efficiencies.
Maintain inventory of drilling consumables, spare parts and PPE; initiate requisitions and manage stock to avoid production interruptions.
Enforce environmental controls around drilling activities, including sediment and sump management, spill prevention and response, and proper handling of lubricants and solvents.
Assist in the preparation and review of drilling plans, risk assessments, method statements and permit-to-work documents for complex or high-risk drilling campaigns.
Use positioning and surveying tools to verify hole collar locations, depths and mid-hole deviations; document deviations and advise supervisors if corrective actions are required.
Operate support equipment as required (lifts, winches, pumps, compressors) and coordinate with surface teams for fuel, water and compressed air logistics.
Maintain clear communication with shift supervisors, blast crews, geologists and maintenance to ensure drilling aligns with production goals and site safety requirements.

Secondary Functions

Assist geological teams with core photography, sample dispatch and digital logging to support exploration and grade control databases.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by recommending tooling upgrades, consumable alternatives and drilling technique optimizations based on field observations.
Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks and training sessions; contribute to mentoring programs and skill development for junior staff.
Provide input to drilling cost estimates, job scopes and scheduling for upcoming underground drill programs.
Help coordinate contractor drilling teams, ensuring subcontractor compliance with site standards and safety expectations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven experience operating underground drill rigs: longhole, production, rotary and diamond core drilling systems.
Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on rig maintenance: hydraulic systems, gearboxes, feed systems, and basic electrical troubleshooting.
Competence in core handling, wireline core retrieval, core orientation techniques and accurate sample labelling for geological analysis.
Familiarity with drill tooling: selection, wear patterns, bit life optimization and rod/pipe handling.
Experience reading and interpreting drilling plans, azimuths, collars, and survey data; use of basic surveying and positioning instruments underground.
Knowledge of shot hole / blast hole practices and close coordination procedures with blasting personnel (non-operational explosives knowledge).
Ability to operate and monitor drilling fluid systems and understand solids control principles where applicable.
Competence with maintenance logs, daily production reporting and digital data capture for drilling activities.
Licenses and certifications relevant to underground operations: confined space, elevated work platforms, heavy equipment, and site-specific underground certifications.
Proficiency with safety management systems, permit-to-work processes, and incident reporting requirements.
Familiarity with ventilation principles, ground support practices and hazardous atmosphere detection devices.
Experience using communication and fleet-tracking systems commonly deployed in underground mines.

Soft Skills

Strong safety mindset with the ability to identify hazards, take action and influence safe behaviours among peers.
Clear verbal and written communication skills to liaise with geologists, supervisors and maintenance teams.
Problem-solving and troubleshooting aptitude under pressure to minimize downtime while maintaining safe practices.
Team leadership and coaching skills to mentor junior drill crew members and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams.
Attention to detail for core logging, sample handling and accurate reporting.
Adaptability and resilience to work in physically demanding, confined and remote underground environments.
Time-management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks and meet production targets.
Reliability and accountability, demonstrating consistent shift attendance and adherence to site procedures.
Collaborative mindset to work effectively across production, maintenance and geological functions.
Continuous improvement orientation and willingness to adopt new drilling technologies and methods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (required). Vocational trade certification preferred.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or diploma in Mining Technology, Drilling Technician program, Mechanical or Electrical trade apprenticeship.
Specialized training certificates in underground mining operations, drill rig maintenance or geotechnical sampling.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mining Engineering Technology
Mechanical or Heavy Equipment Maintenance
Geology or Applied Geosciences
Industrial Trades / Apprenticeship programs

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2–7+ years of hands-on underground drilling experience, depending on role seniority.

Preferred:

5+ years operating underground drilling rigs with proven production metrics and demonstrated crew leadership.
Prior experience in underground hard-rock mining, mineral exploration drilling, raiseboring or production blasting support.
Site-specific certifications (underground mine site induction), first aid, confined space and any jurisdictional licensing for heavy equipment.