Blast-Hole Drill Operator — Precision, Safety, Growth

Careermine; Elko (NV); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinross Gold Corporation operates the Bald Mountain mine in White Pine County, Nevada. The Blast Hole Drill Operator will run a drill in an active mine environment, ensuring safety and efficiency while following Kinross' SOPs and values.

The role requires 3+ years in blast-hole drilling, experience with Pit Viper drills and DML rigs, GPS navigation proficiency, and flexibility for shift work in varying weather. Compliance, precise hole specifications, and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of blast-hole production drill rig experience.
• Experience with Atlas Copco Pit Viper 231/271, Ingersoll Rand DML, Atlas Copco DML.
• Knowledge of DTH and rotary drilling.
• GPS Jigsaw navigation/dispatch system knowledge.
• Willingness to work shift, overtime, holidays and weekends.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be 18+ years old to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate drill per SOPs and supervisor instructions to meet production goals.
• Prepare and maintain drilling paperwork (pre-shift inspections, reports, inventory, sample tags).
• Conduct pre-shift inspections and monitor gauges and equipment.
• Identify hazards in work areas and report to supervisor.
• Maintain logs of bits, hammers, breakdowns, maps, and drill patterns.
• Drill accurately to stake depth and collect samples as needed.
• Navigate drill pattern using GPS/dispatch systems.
• Connect drill pipes with hand tools and power wrenches.
• Operate drill equipment safely with competence and proficiency.
• Maintain radio contact with coworkers and supervisors for safety instructions.
• Operate drill support water trucks as needed.
• Assist blast crew with blasting functions as required.
• Troubleshoot and perform minor maintenance.
• Meet or exceed performance expectations set by management.
• Comply with safety, confidentiality, and environmental policies.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

GPS navigation systems

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Ability to read and write instructions

Tools

Ingersoll Rand DML

Atlas Copco DML

Atlas Copco Pit Viper 231

Atlas Copco Pit Viper 271

Sandvik DR560

Job description

Kinross Gold Corporation operates the Bald Mountain mine in White Pine County, Nevada. The Blast Hole Drill Operator will run a drill in an active mine environment, ensuring safety and efficiency while following Kinross' SOPs and values.

The role requires 3+ years in blast-hole drilling, experience with Pit Viper drills and DML rigs, GPS navigation proficiency, and flexibility for shift work in varying weather. Compliance, precise hole specifications, and teamwork are essential.