Driller

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

Bald Mountain is an open-pit mine with a large estimated mineral resource in the largest private mining land package in the U.S. The mine is located in White Pine County, one of the best mining jurisdictions in the world, along the southern extension of the prolific Carlin trend. Bald Mountain and the nearby Round Mountain mine make up Kinross' Nevada operations.

Bald Mountain is an important contributor to the economy of northeastern Nevada and maintains a comprehensive environmental strategy including wildlife protection, habitat recovery and education.

Job Description

The incumbent will be responsible for the daily operation of a blast-hole drill in an active mine environment. All work must be completed in a safe and efficient manner while continuously aligning daily functions to reflect Kinross' values and work in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Job Responsibilities

• Safely operates drill in accordance with standard operating procedures and supervisor instruction to achieve production goals.
• Prepares and maintains drilling paperwork, including pre-shift inspections, drill reports, inventory sheets, and sample tags.
• Perform and document pre-shift inspections and monitors gauges and equipment frequently.
• Visually inspects work areas for potential hazards and works to correct them or report any problems to supervisor immediately.
• Maintains accurate log of all bits, hammers, breakdowns, maps, and drill patterns.
• Drills accurately and efficiently to stake depth.
• Collect drill-hole samples using proper sampling techniques for laboratory analysis as needed.
• Ability to maneuver on drill pattern using GPS/dispatch navigation system(s).
• Connects drill pipe sections using hand tools and power wrenches.
• Safely operate drill equipment with a high degree of competence, skill and proficiency.
• Maintains radio contact with co-workers and supervisors for operating and safety instructions.
• Operate drill support water trucks as needed.
• Assists the blast crew in blasting functions as needed.
• Troubleshoot and perform minor maintenance as needed.
• Meet or exceed established performance expectations set by management.
• Compliance with all company policies and procedures including but not limited to safety, confidentiality, and environmental policies.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Skill Requirements

• General background in heavy equipment operation preferred.
• Minimum three years experience in the operation of blast hole production drill rigs required. Including: Ingersol Rand DML, Atlas Copco DML, Atlas Copco Pit Viper 231, Atlas Copco Pit Viper 271 production drills (3-5 yrs.) required. Sandvik DR560 pre-split drills preferred.
• A good understanding of DTH and rotary drilling required.
• Understand single-pass & double-pass (adding steel) to reach planned drill depths.
• A good understanding of GPS Jigsaw navigation/dispatch system or similar navigation systems.
• Must be able to work within precise parameters, as holes must be drilled exactly to specifications.
• Must be cognizant of the condition of the surrounding work area and the performance of the machine being used in order to avoid dangerous situations and maintain good working condition of machinery.
• Willingness to work in adverse weather conditions required.
• Must be able to carry out assignments free of constant supervision.
• Ability to work with others in a team environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Employee must have the ability to read and write instructions, perform simple mathematical calculations, and keep records.
• Ability to function within the qualifications outlined in the attached physical demands sheet.
• Punctuality and regular attendance is required.
• Must be available for shift work, overtime, holidays and weekends.
• Must be 18 years old and presently authorized to work in the United States on a full time basis.
• Possession of a valid driver's license required.

Additional Skills

Health, Safety, and Environmental Requirements

• Adheres to all safety and environmental considerations.
• Have a strong commitment to safe working practices.
• Wears Personal Protective Equipment at all times while in the production environment.
• Is alert and observes, corrects, and reports unsafe conditions.
• Follows operating procedures and complies with all regulatory requirements.

Kinross Core Competencies

• Strategic Effectiveness
• Developing and communicating rigorous and creative business strategies that drive sustainable value.
• External engagement
• Understanding and building relationships with external parties that strengthen and sustain competitive advantage.
• Business Focus
• Applying commercial rigor and discipline to all business decisions and customer relationships.
• • Living the Kinross Values
• Aligning behavior, decisions, and actions with Kinross values and principles

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the Drill & Blast Shift Supervisor.

Legislative Requirements

Background Check required

US work permit required

Travel Requirements

Require travel to operational site(s)

Kinross is a Canadian-based global senior gold mining company with operations and projects in the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile, and Canada. Our focus on delivering value is based on our core principles of responsible mining, operational excellence, disciplined growth and balance sheet strength. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC).