Description
Assembles, positions and operates a drilling rig and related equipment to extract ore, liquids or gases from the earth. Registration or licensing may be required.
Skill Level
4
Alternative Titles
- Drilling Plant Operator
Specializations
- Directional Driller
- Exploration Driller
- Jumbo Operator
- Power Tong Operator
- Raise Drill Operator
- Rig Manager
- Rock Drill Operator
- Stope Miner
- Tool Pusher
Skills Assessment Authority
Caveats
Group: 7122 Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers
Description
assemble, position and operate drilling rigs and mining plant, and detonate explosives to extract materials from the earth and demolish structures.
Tasks
- dismantling, moving and reassembling drilling rigs and accessory plant
- taking samples of ore, liquids and gases and packaging them
- performing minor maintenance and repairs, and lubricating and cleaning plant
- recording performance details and information obtained from wells, and keeping logs detailing operations
- operating surface and underground mining plant
- undertaking development work such as opening up new shafts, drives, air vents, rises and crib rooms
- positioning explosives in bore holes and priming explosives using detonators and explosive cartridges
- connecting wires, fuses and detonating cords to explosive cartridges and detonators, and detonating explosives
- monitoring operation of plant and ensuring safety of other workers on mining sites and during drilling operations
- operating auxiliary plant such as pumps to expel air, water and mud
Skill Level
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with an AQF Certificate II or III (ANZSCO Skill Level 4).
At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.