This role is to assist in providing support services during the operation of drills, consumable management and change-outs, quality assurance for all drill holes, drill water to all drills to suppress dust and hole collaring in a safe and controlled manner.

In This Role You Will:

Drilling Assistance Activities 

• Attend all pre-drill instruction meetings.
• Communicate with and receive instruction from the Drill Supervisor and follow specified instructions, prior to the execution of activities.
• Support Drillers to efficiently and safely drill holes for blasting.
• Assist the Drillers in the positioning and movement of the drill.
• Understand, select and work with hand tools.
• Utilize pegs to stake out the drill hole sites when the jigsaw system is down.
• Obtain consent from the driller to move into and out of the drilling area.
• Cone off the water filling area.
• Connect and disconnect the hose into the drill container.
• Direct the drill to position in the readiness to take water.
• Supply drills with water, as per standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and standard task procedures (STP’s).
• Move consumables from the field to the workshop and vice versa.
• Monitor truck and flatbed vehicle performance, fluid levels and mechanical fitness.
• Report any other detected issues to Maintenance / Drill Supervisor.
• Signal Dispatcher on the two-way communication radio to inform of any detected water truck defects or issues.
• Raise any water truck malfunctions or service requirements to the Supervisor at the before, during or after the shift.
• Report and escalate all accidents and incidents occurring in the shift immediately to the Dispatcher / Drill Supervisor.
• Measure the depth required for drill holes using measuring equipment.
• Spray-mark the depth of the hole, adjacent to the drill hole.
• Secure drill holes with Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping.
• Support the Driller in the operation of drills and associated equipment.
• Set up and pack up drill sites.
• Assist and conduct inspection of all drill holes in preparation for the blast crew.
• Lubricate and clean equipment post-drilling.
• Keep drilling locations clean and orderly.
• Drive support vehicles, when required.
• Adhere to scheduled training plan to enhance current competencies.

Drill Water Haulage

• Operate and drive heavy water and flatbed trucks to transport drill water.
• Remain responsible for the collection and haulage of water from loading point to drill, at the correct site locations.
• Drive to and from the drills in a safe, slow and controlled manner.
• Confirm that water is charged and discharged, according to safety requirements.

Drill Water Post-Shift Handover

• Communicate and provide work status handovers to incoming Drill Water Truck Operator.
• Communicate with the Dispatcher regarding hazards encountered to provide sufficient information to the incoming Drill Water Truck Operator for the smooth running of Operations.
• Stakeholder Management and Engagement

• Observe ground surface and machine operation for indications of unsafe conditions and notify the Driller and Drill Supervisor.
• Liaise with the Driller to maintain ongoing communication during all support activities.
• Ensure own work meets established statutory standards.

Health and Safety Management

• Follow all safety regulations and procedures.
• Operate the drill water truck in a safe and appropriate manner
• Operate in a safe manner and take steps to prevent minimal wear and tear and / or damage to equipment.
• Work without risk or harm to others.
• Inspect work areas and ensure all areas comply with internal Newmont and external regulatory standards.
• Adhere strictly to internal Newmont drilling standards and comply with safe drilling procedures.
• Maintain a strong focus of safety throughout all activities.
• Provide hands-on assistance during drilling activities to fellow colleagues to ensure that safe work practices are followed.
• Attend daily pre-shift and monthly safety meetings.

Training & Experience

Formal Qualification (including Professional Registrations):

• Completion of WASSCE or equivalent certificate.

Additional Knowledge:

• L & D Certificate.
• Drivers’ License D (truck) & E (drill).

Experience:

• No previous experience is required.
• Experience up to 6 months in length is preferable.

Technical Skills:

• Sound concentration skills.
• Sound time management skills.
• Ability to communicate using signals.
• Ability to follow procedures (especially around hazardous materials and equipment).
• Ability to interact well with people and communicate effectively

Behavioural Attributes:

• Accuracy.
• Continuous learning.
• Dependable.
• Hand-Eye coordination.
• Manual dexterity.
• Multi-tasking.
• Pro-active.
• Reliable and independent.
• Safety conscious.
• Team player.

Working Conditions

The position is located at the Ahafo North Mine site.

Position is in a very remote location.  The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job.

Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, colour vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to sit at a desk for extended periods, climb stairs, walk and stand.

Work Environment: The noise level in the field environment is high. The incumbent is frequently exposed to noise, fumes, high temperature, hazardous environments, sharp edges, dust, pinch-points, vibration, slippery surfaces, and extreme weather conditions.

Protective Equipment (PPE): Work requires mandatory PPE such as helmet, goggles, high visible clothing, safety harness, ear plugs and dust mask according to working conditions.

Incumbent occasionally has to work overtime.

Incumbent is expected to lift heavy materials and / or operate heavy machinery and is also exposed to moving machinery.