Drilling Supervisor

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Site-based role with subsistence

Career development opportunities

Competitive salary + potential bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Drilling Supervisor for our Richards Bay facility to oversee drilling operations, lead drill crews, and ensure safe, efficient exploration programs. You will manage equipment maintenance and coordinate with geologists and engineers to optimize plans and meet project objectives.

The role requires strong leadership, deep drilling knowledge, and a commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards in a demanding mining setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in mineral exploration or production drilling.
• Supervisory or leadership experience in a drilling team.
• Knowledge of RC, Diamond Drilling and Blast Hole methods.
• Understanding of drilling equipment operation and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily drilling operations, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Mentor drilling crews with clear direction and technical support.
• Enforce health, safety and environmental policies.
• Oversee maintenance and repair of drilling rigs and equipment.
• Keep accurate records of drilling activities, core recovery and ge data.
• Coordinate with geologists and engineers to optimise plans.

Skills

Leadership

HSE knowledge

Drilling methods

Communication

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned and safety-conscious Drilling Supervisor to oversee drilling operations at their facility in Richards Bay . This critical role involves leading a team of drill operators, ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective execution of drilling programs for mineral exploration and geotechnical assessments. You will be responsible for equipment maintenance, operational planning, and strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of drilling techniques, and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence in a demanding industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise daily drilling operations, ensuring targets are met safely and efficiently.
• Manage and mentor drilling crews, providing clear direction and technical support.
• Implement and enforce all company and regulatory health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of drilling rigs and associated equipment.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping of drilling activities, core recovery, and geological data.
• Coordinate with geologists and engineers to optimize drilling plans and achieve project objectives.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mineral exploration or production drilling.
• Proven experience in a supervisory or leadership role within a drilling team.
• Strong knowledge of various drilling methods (e.g., RC, Diamond Drilling, Blast Hole).
• Understanding of drilling equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Certification in First Aid and Health & Safety (e.g., SAMTRAC) is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, essential for operations in Richards Bay.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Accommodation and subsistence provided for site-based work.
• Opportunities for training and professional development in drilling technologies.
• A stable and supportive work environment within a reputable mining company.