About us

K92 Mining Limited are the owners the high-grade Kainantu Gold Mine in Eastern Highlands Province. Since commencing operations in 2016, we have delivered consistent production growth. More importantly, we have contributed significantly to the economy of Papua New Guinea, more than 90% of our employees and contractors are from PNG and our local education and skills development initiatives which include scholarships, traineeships and adult literacy programs continue to bring significant benefit the communities in which we operate. 

We are now transforming the operation with a new 1.2 mtpa process plant as well as extensive construction and expansion across site that will see us triple the output from our mine by 2027. In addition to our ongoing production success, we have an extensive exploration programme across our highly prospective tenement, making K92 a great place to build a long-term career.

About the role

As we continue to expand our operation, we are seeking to add a Diamond Drilling Manager to our underground team. In this role you will manage the Underground Diamond Drill Teams to perform at a high level and achieve the Daily, Monthly and Annual budgeted meters and above, whilst focused on Safety, with minimal core loss, completed downhole surveys and producing good quality core for presentation to Geology. This role requires you to strategically guide drilling operations whilst maintaining a hands on and pro-active safety presence, and ensuring stringent standards for data recording, budget compliance, production, and quality assurance.

Key / Major Accountabilities

• Achieve budget required meters every month per Annum.
• Monitor and work within approved budget.
• Drive teams to achieve in attendance, production, and safety compliance.
• Concise management of the company’s UG diamond drill fleet, and all related machinery and equipment.
• Plan, Lead, Organize and Coordinate daily task, then provide review at the end of each week.
• Ensure data recording and retention of data is correct and updated daily.
• Produce accurate and concise core from all the companies UG Diamond Drills.
• Ensure core is delivered to the Core Processing facility each day.
• Digital communications to offsite Management on daily basis.
• Ensure rectification of issues presented on 274 inspections are completed within 48hrs.
• Inspect every Diamond Drill in the Underground fleet every day and rectify nonstandard practices.
• Be present at all shift change meetings, day shift and night shift.
• Identify and communicate training gap analysis.
• Ensure grouting and hole closure reports are completed without delay or reason.
• Ensure all diamond drill cuddie requirements are communicated with relevant departments as early as possible.
• Ensure recovery rates are above 90%
• Non abandonment of drill holes
• Ensure daily communication is made and received regarding all aspects of projects to offsite management. Plan Lead, Organize and Co-ordinate staff to execute job achieving minimum budget requirement each month and improvement month on month.
• Compile annual budget for Management review.
• Provide information requirements as requested in real time.
• Work within Mining Team to assess performance and identify improvement projects to maximise results, reduce risk and implement cost management initiatives.
• Improve capability of Diamond Drilling Team members.
• Ensure processes for effective communication (recorded pre-shift safety meeting, reported daily inspections, reported hazard identification, reported core management, reported core recovery rates, daily report).
• Direct and train employees on the Set-up, operation, maintenance or repair of Diamond Drill fleet and all related Drilling equipment.
• Continuously mentor and coach Supervisors and operators on effective usage techniques on all related equipment and specialized tooling.
• Identify skills gaps and training requirements and assist in developing training packages as required to close the skills gap.
• Coordinate and assist with the delivery of training to employees including personnel of the Underground Mining Team’s customers.
• Actively review the work performance of operators and provide feedback to the mining supervisors including the talent and succession planning for designated key roles.
• Actively promotes a safe and healthy culture within the teams.
• Completes 3W, Task Observations and Hazard reports daily.
• Demonstrates personal responsibility for own health and safety whilst setting clear expectations of relevant legal obligations, safe workplace practices and HSE operating practices to others, holding them accountable for their actions.
• Ensure industry best standard housekeeping within and around responsible work area.
• Ensure drilling is performed with industry best practices and standards applied.
• Ensure diamond drilling operations can be conducted in a safe manner and in accordance with established procedures and legislation.
• Proactively demonstrate safe working practices and machine operations

About You

Qualifications & Experience

• Certificate 4 or above Drilling Operations
• Certificate IV Training and Assessment
• Certificate IV Workplace Health and Safety
• Internationally recognized or PNG National Driver’s License
• 5+ years relevant work experience in Shift Supervisor or above role in developing nations.
• Experience operating Boart Longyear UG Diamond Drills
• Knowledge and aptitude to rectify faults in linkage, rotation carriage, V slides, rod holder, chuck piston, water pump, basic hydraulic repairs such as cartridge replacement.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Sound planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Organisational skills to ensure budget compliance, core delivery and stock replenishment.
• Strong active listening & interpersonal skills for rapport building, conflict resolution & training.

Life at K92 

K92 is an Equal Opportunity Employer, our commitment is to respect the rights of every individual to work to their highest potential, free from discrimination.  Our values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect for others, Excellence and Safety are at the core of everything we do, and they are the foundation upon which our success has been built.

Our camp is well managed and provides residents with good, healthy meals made from locally sourced fresh produce as well as internet, cable tv and a gymnasium.

At K92, we want all employees to share in our success, so as well as a competitive salary, employees also participate in our long- and short-term incentive plans, we also provide employees with access to savings incentive programs, medical assistance and the option to salary sacrifice for certain expenses.

In addition to all of this, employees can also access our Wellbeing and employee assistance programs whilst working a friendly roster. 

TO COMPLY WITH PNG GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS ALL EXPATRIATE POSITIONS ARE OFFERED ON A FIXED TERM BASIS