How to Be Mining Driller - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 16, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The mining driller is an important tool used in the mining industry. Its purpose is to drill through rock, hard-packed soil, and other materials to reach deposits of minerals, metals, and other resources. The mining driller is essential to the mining process, as it allows miners to access and extract materials that would otherwise be inaccessible.

This has a direct effect on the industry's productivity and efficiency, as it allows miners to work more quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, the mining driller also contributes to safety, as it helps miners avoid dangerous and hazardous conditions. it reduces the environmental impact of mining by allowing miners to reach resources in a more efficient manner.

All of these factors contribute to the success of the mining industry and are enabled by the mining driller.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require mining drillers to have a high school diploma or GED. It is important to have a good foundation of basic education to understand the instruction and safety protocols required for this job.
Earn a Mining Certificate or Degree. A certificate or degree in mining or a related field, such as geology or engineering, can be beneficial when seeking employment as a mining driller. Vocational schools and universities offer programs in mining and related fields.
Obtain On-the-Job Training. Most mining drillers are required to undergo extensive on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced personnel. This training period usually lasts several months, and it covers topics such as safety protocols, operating machinery, and analyzing data.
Acquire a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Most mining drillers are required to possess a valid CDL, as they may be required to transport equipment and materials to the job site.
Gain Certification. Certification is not always required to become a mining driller, but it can be beneficial when seeking employment. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) offers certification courses, which cover topics such as safety protocols, accident prevention, and proper operation of machinery.

The mining industry relies heavily on skilled and competent drillers to safely and efficiently extract resources. To become a skilled and competent driller, it is necessary to have the right knowledge, experience, and training. One must have a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and tools used, as well as the regulations and safety protocols for working in the industry.

drillers should have a good understanding of geology and engineering principles, in order to accurately assess the risks associated with their work. Having the proper experience and qualifications can also improve a person's ability to operate machinery and interpret data. Finally, ongoing training and development are essential for staying current on industry standards and best practices.

All of these components together are necessary to become a skilled and competent mining driller.

You may want to check Mining Project Manager, Mining Environmental Scientist, and Mining Chemist for alternative.

Job Description

Operate heavy mining machinery, such as bulldozers, backhoes, and drills, to excavate and extract minerals, ore, and other materials from beneath the Earths surface.
Monitor the drilling equipment to ensure it is functioning properly and that it is safely operated.
Make necessary repairs and adjustments to the drilling equipment as needed.
Load and unload supplies and materials from the drilling site.
Record information about the drilling process, such as depth, speed, and type of material extracted.
Coordinate with other workers on the job site to ensure efficient and safe operation of the drill.
Follow safety protocols and regulations to ensure a safe work environment.
Perform basic maintenance on the drilling equipment, such as lubrication, changing filters, and inspecting belts.
Survey the drilling site to identify potential hazards or obstructions that may need to be cleared or avoided.
Assist with loading and unloading of equipment and supplies to and from the job site.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of mining techniques and methods.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Strong physical condition and endurance.
Proficiency in operating heavy machinery.
Ability to follow safety regulations.
Good hand-eye coordination.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
Attention to detail.
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures.
Ability to work alone or as part of a team.

Mining drillers play a vital role in the mining industry, as they are responsible for drilling deep into the earth to remove valuable minerals and metals. Having the right skills is essential in this role, as it requires precision and accuracy. One of the most important skills a mining driller must have is knowledge of safety protocols.

Mining can be a hazardous profession, and drillers must be aware of their environment and their safety at all times. knowledge of drilling equipment, advanced mathematics, and geology are all necessary for a successful career in mining drilling. By having these skills, drillers can execute their duties efficiently and safely, leading to a successful outcome for the mine.

Mining Cost Estimator, Mine Design Engineer, and Mining Quality Control Inspector are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in mining drilling and exploration?
Describe safety protocols you follow while operating a drill.
How do you handle difficult working conditions in the field?
What equipment have you operated in the past?
How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of your data?
What challenges have you faced when working with underground drilling?
How do you handle difficult terrain and weather conditions?
What experience do you have in conducting core sampling?
How do you stay organized and efficient in your work?
How do you maintain and repair equipment in the field?

Common Tools in Industry

Jackleg Drill. A portable rock drill used to make holes in rocks. (eg: Used in mining operations to bore through hard rock)
Rotary Drill. A machine used to drill holes in hard rock with the help of rotating cutting tools. (eg: Used in oil and gas wells for drilling deep into the earth)
Diamond Core Drill. A drill designed to cut through hard rock and concrete with diamond-tipped bits. (eg: Used to drill small precision holes in concrete and rock)
Air Track Drill. A drill powered by compressed air, used to drill holes in hard rock. (eg: Used in tunneling operations to create ventilation shafts)
Top Hammer Drill. A drill that uses a hammering action to break up rock before drilling. (eg: Used in quarries and mines to break up large rocks in preparation for drilling)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mining and Reclamation (ASMR)
Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME)
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA)
International Society of Mine Safety Professionals (ISMSP)
Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
National Mining Association (NMA)
American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA)
The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE)
American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers (AIME)

We also have Mining Safety Manager, Mining Scheduler, and Mining Data Analyst jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Drilling Rig. A drilling rig is a machine designed to bore holes in the ground, usually for the purpose of extracting oil, gas, or water.
Drilling Mud. Drilling mud is a mixture of fluids and solids used in oil and gas drilling operations to lubricate and cool the drill bit and to carry cuttings away from the bit.
Core Barrel. A core barrel, also known as a drill core barrel, is a device used in the mining industry to extract samples from the ground.
Drill Bit. A drill bit is a cutting tool used to make holes in different materials, most commonly in rock or earth.
Drill Collar. A drill collar is a steel pipe used in the mining industry to increase the weight of the drill string and to provide a stable platform for the drill bit.