Operator

LUKA RESOURCES; Balranald; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

2 weeks on/off roster

New camp facilities

Two gyms

Tennis and basketball court

Training and development

Parental leave up to 18 weeks

Bonuses and allowances

Company share matching

Job summary

Iluka Resources invites applications for a Site Based HDD Assistant/Offsider role at Balranald, NSW. You will support the Drill Operator on a HK550 HDD Maxi rig, handle instrumentation, load equipment, and assist with rig operations in a 24/7 environment.

The role requires experience with HDD techniques, strong mechanical aptitude, and a current HT/HC license is desirable. Enjoy a comprehensive roster, new camp facilities, gyms, and a supportive, inclusive culture.

Qualifications

• Experience operating HDD rigs and related equipment.
• Strong understanding of HDD procedures: drilling, reaming, pullback.
• Proficient with HDD tracking/steering systems for precise placement.
• Good mechanical aptitude and ability to read work requirements.
• Current HT/HC license is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist Drill Operator on HDD Maxi rig and support rig operation.
• Join instrumentation wires inside rods and perform manual handling on deck.
• Load pipes/rods and wash drill pipe.
• Provide relief drilling support as needed.

Skills

Operating HDD rigs

HDD techniques

Tracking systems

Mechanical aptitude

Driver's license HT/HC (Desirable)

Tools

HK550 HDD rigs

Job description

Site Based | Balranald, NSW Permanent Position

lluka Resources is a leading global producer of the critical minerals zircon and high-grade titanium dioxide feedstocks (rutile and synthetic rutile). Iluka has also established a significant position in rare earths. As an international supplier of critical minerals, Iluka’s products are used in an array of applications including technology, construction, medical, lifestyle and industrial uses. As the world moves towards a smarter, safer and sustainable future, Iluka’s high quality products are increasing in demand. Our people are the foundation of our business and are vital to our success now and into the future. Iluka offers an empowering and inclusive work environment that is as diverse as the communities in which we operate. About the location Iluka’s Balranald operation is located in the Riverina district of southwestern New South Wales. The development is focused on the rutile and zircon rich West Balranald deposit, which also contains material quantities of rare earth minerals. Owing to its relative depth (approximately 60 metres below surface), Iluka has over several years assessed the potential to develop West Balranald via a novel, remotely operated, underground mining (UGM) technology. Iluka’s UGM technology is akin to keyhole surgery for the mining of critical minerals. This enables access to ore bodies previously thought uneconomic, with marked reductions in both environmental disturbance and carbon intensity relative to traditional mineral sands extraction techniques, which are themselves less impactful than other commodities. You can choose to reside locally, drive-in drive-out from towns within the regional area, or fly-in fly-out from Melbourne. For South Australian residents we will mobilise you via road transport from our Iluka office in Adelaide. You can find out about our Balranald operation through the following link: Balranald - Resource Development | Iluka Resources About the role You will join one of four Extraction teams supporting our 24/7 operation. You will get exposure in deploying these platforms in conjunction with a technology not operated anywhere else. Thorough training will be delivered for our custom designed HK550 HDD rigs. You will operate as the assistant/offsider to the Drill Operator for a HDD Maxi rig. You will be responsible for carrying out labour tasks associated with the Horizontal directional drilling and mining operation. Under the guidance of the Drill Operator, you will assist on the rig by joining instrumentation wires inside the rods, undertaking manual handling tasks on the deck of the rig, loading pipes and rods, and washing drill pipe. You will manually support the operation of the rig and act as a relief Driller when required. About you Demonstrated experience operating HDD rigs and associated equipment Strong understanding of HDD techniques and procedures, including drilling, reaming and pullback operations Proficient in the use of HDD tracking and steering systems to ensure accurate placement of utilities Ability to understand work requirements and site conditions to complete tasks safely and effectively Good mechanical aptitude Current driver's licence HT or HC license (Desirable) High Risk Work Licences/Tickets including Forklift, Dogging & Rigging, C6 Slewing Mobile Crane, Scaffolding, Telehandler, Front End Loader and Excavator Our offer to you Family friendly 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off roster New camp facilities within proximity to the operation, including two gyms, a tennis and basketball court Be supported through an inclusive and collaborative culture Opportunities for training and professional development Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave Competitive remuneration package including allowances and bonus structure Company share matching scheme We are committed to upholding our Business Values, supporting equal opportunities, gender equality and cultural diversity. If you share our values of Integrity, Respect, Courage, Accountability and Collaboration; and you have the skills and experience to help us to succeed and deliver sustainable value, Our working rights in Australia are required for you to be eligible to apply for this role. Applications Close: 22 September 2026 We respect and encourage diversity in a workforce that reflects our communities. lluka Resources is a global critical minerals company with over 70 years' industry experience in exploration, project development, mining, processing, marketing and rehabilitation. The company's objective is to deliver sustainable value. We are a leading producer of zircon and high grade titanium dioxide feedstocks, rutile and synthetic rutile. We are also set to become a globally material supplier of separated rare earth oxides, via the company's development of Australia's first fully integrated rare earths refinery at Eneabba, in Western Australia. As an international supplier of critical minerals, Iluka’s products are used in an array of applications including technology, construction, medical, lifestyle and industrial uses. As the world moves towards a smarter, safer and sustainable future, 0ur high quality products are increasing in demand. Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Iluka is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Our people are the foundation of our business and are vital to our success now and into the future. We offer an empowering and inclusive work environment. Whether you are working at one of our welcoming sites or corporate offices, you have the opportunity to build strong connections and truly belong.