Core Driller

marianaminerals; Moab (UT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing assistance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Mariana Minerals is seeking an experienced Core Driller to operate diamond core drill rigs at our open-pit copper mine, focusing on safe, accurate drilling, high-quality core recovery, and equipment care. The role supports health, safety, and environmental standards while mentoring a Driller Assistant.

Housing and relocation assistance are available. Seven days on / seven days off, 12-hour day shifts, outdoor work, and exposure to environmental conditions.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of drilling experience, ideally as a diamond core driller or similar.
• Strong safety focus and ability to work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Experience training or leading drill helpers is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a diamond core drill rig per site procedures and MSHA requirements.
• Collar holes accurately to plan depths and angles.
• Perform pre-start inspections, routine servicing, and basic troubleshooting.

Skills

Drilling experience

Safety conscious

Leadership

Training others

Job description

About Mariana Minerals

Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

The Core Driller operates diamond core drill rigs at our open-pit copper mine, drilling for mineral exploration and resource definition. The role focuses on safe, accurate drilling to plan, high-quality core recovery, equipment care, and following health, safety and environmental standards. Diamond core experience is ideal, but we also welcome strong drillers from reverse circulation (RC), air rotary or blast hole backgrounds. A driller who can lead and train a Driller Assistant is strongly preferred. Help us build the world's first fully autonomous mine.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a diamond core drill rig in line with site procedures, manufacturer specs and MSHA requirements

• Collar holes accurately and hold the right angles, depths and alignment per the drill plan

• Do thorough pre-start inspections, routine servicing and basic troubleshooting to keep downtime low

• Monitor and adjust drilling parameters such as fluid pressure, rotation speed, weight on bit and penetration rate

• Make sure core is recovered, measured, labeled and boxed correctly, with good contamination control

• Keep accurate drill logs, footage drilled and daily production reports

• Recognize changes in ground conditions and flag them to the geologist and supervisors

• Lead and mentor the Driller Assistant and keep the crew working safely

• Keep the drill pad and equipment area clean and organized

• Handle equipment breakdowns and emergencies with a calm, safety-first approach

Qualifications

• 2+ years of drilling experience, ideally as a diamond core driller

• RC, air rotary or blast hole drillers are also encouraged to apply

• Strong mechanical aptitude and a solid understanding of drilling techniques and equipment

• Experience training or leading drill helpers is a strong plus

• Real commitment to safety

• Valid driver's license; CDL is a plus

Schedule

• 7 days on / 7 days off, 12-hour day shifts

• Housing & Relocation: Housing and relocation assistance options are available.

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work 12-hour shifts outdoors on drill pads and rugged terrain, in all weather and extreme temperatures

• Lift at least 50 lbs, with exposure to dust, noise, vibration and diesel

• Wear all required PPE (hard hat, steel toes, safety glasses, hi-vis, hearing protection, and a respirator when required)

Our culture is built on four principles:

Everyone Gets Home Safe. We never put speed or cost ahead of people.

Extreme Ownership. We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.

Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate. We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.

Share Your Legos. We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.

Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply!