About the position
Job Title : Drill Foreman
Department: Mining Operations / Drilling Department
Reports To: Drill Superintendent / Mine Manager
Job Purpose
To supervise and coordinate all drilling activities within the mining operation, ensuring drilling targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and in compliance with mine standards, production schedules, and statutory regulations.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Supervision
- Supervise daily drilling activities and ensure adherence to production
schedules.
- Allocate drilling tasks to drill operators and assistants.
- Monitor drilling performance, penetration rates, and machine utilization.
- Ensure drill patterns and depths are executed according to mine plans.
- Coordinate with blasting and production teams to ensure smooth operational flow.
Safety Management
- Enforce compliance with all mine health and safety regulations.
- Conduct pre-shift safety inspections on drilling equipment and work areas.
- Lead toolbox talks and safety meetings with drilling crews.
- Identify workplace hazards and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure all incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions are reported promptly.
Equipment Management
- Oversee the proper use and maintenance of drilling equipment.
- Coordinate breakdown repairs with the maintenance department.
- Ensure daily inspections of drill rigs are completed.
- Monitor consumables such as drill bits, rods, and lubricants.
- Ensure equipment availability meets production requirements.
Team Leadership
- Supervise and mentor drill operators and support personnel.
- Monitor employee attendance, discipline, and productivity.
- Train team members on drilling procedures and safety requirements.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback.
- Promote teamwork and effective communication.
Quality Control
- Ensure drilling accuracy in line with mine design specifications.
- Verify hole depths, alignment, and spacing.
- Monitor drilling quality to optimize blasting results.
- Report deviations and recommend corrective actions.
- Reporting and Administration
- Prepare daily drilling progress reports.
- Record drilling meters, downtime, and equipment performance.
- Report operational challenges and recommend improvements.
- Maintain shift handover reports and logs.
- Ensure compliance records and inspection reports are completed accurately.
Compliance
- Ensure adherence to the Mine Health and Safety Act, company policies, and standard operating procedures.
- Participate in audits and inspections.
- Maintain environmental compliance during drilling operations.
Qualifications
- Grade 12 / Matric Certificate.
- Blasting Certificate or relevant mining qualification.
- Supervisory qualification will be an advantage.
- Valid Drill Rig Operator certification (preferred).
Experience
- Minimum 5 years drilling experience in mining operations.
- At least 2 years in a supervisory or foreman role.
- Experience with surface or underground drill rigs.
- Familiarity with production drilling and blast hole drilling.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
- Knowledge of drilling methods and mining operations.
- Good understanding of safety regulations and risk management.
- Equipment monitoring and troubleshooting skills.
- Good communication and reporting skills.
- Problem-solving and decision-making ability.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet production targets.
Working Conditions
- Based on mine site operations.
- Required to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays.
- Exposure to dust, noise, and varying weather conditions.
- Must wear required PPE at all times
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Daily drilling target achievement.
- Drill equipment availability and utilization.
- Safety compliance and zero incidents.
- Quality of drill patterns.
- Downtime reduction.
- Crew productivity.
Drill Foreman
Desired Skills:
- people management
- drilling skills & patterns
- operational eye
