Operator 3 - Longhole Drill (Evergreen)

About the role

AngloGold Ashanti is hiring a full-time Operator 3 for its Evergreen longhole drill at the Geita Gold Mine in Tanzania, within the Underground Mining department. The operator drills underground production blast holes of various sizes and precise service holes such as cable bolt holes, working independently to meet daily production targets.

Key responsibilities

• Operate the longhole drilling equipment safely and productively, meeting or exceeding daily targets while following OEM specifications.
• Monitor ground conditions and adjust drilling technique and components to maintain penetration and avoid drifter vibration, shank bounce and rotation issues.
• Un-bog and remove rods from holes using a back hammer as per the OEM manual; if unsuccessful, mark the hole, consult the supervisor and planning engineer, drill a second hole and plug or grout the original hole.
• Remove drill cuttings and sludge to keep holes clean and prevent bit blockage and rod bogging.
• Complete accurate documentation of meters drilled, re-drilled holes, ground conditions, delays, variations in hole length, hazards, consumables and rig/job status.
• Control engine speed between 1200 and 1900 rpm, protect tyres, hoist rams, brakes and the transmission, and provide accurate breakdown information for the Solo rig.
• Work with minimal supervision to drill 125 to 200 metres per shift.

Required profile

• Secondary school, Advanced Level or Diploma in Mining or Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 5 years of underground mining experience, starting in development or as a UG operator before moving to a Solo rig.
• Valid driving licence (an added advantage).
• First aid knowledge and good written and oral English.

Required skills

• Operating Sandvik DL421 or DL420 series rigs.
• Reading shift plans, underground mining terminology and processes.
• Reading geological markings, identifying rock hardness and managing hole deviation.
• Assessing ground conditions, scaling loose rock and following underground safety protocols.
• Good hand-eye coordination, housekeeping standards, reporting principles, cross-shift communication and coaching new employees.

What we offer

• Medical insurance, employee assistance programmes and wellbeing initiatives.
• Company-supported pension or provident fund contributions.
• Annual leave, sick leave and public holidays in line with company policy.