7122 Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

• AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Note: some roles within this unit group are at a higher ANZSCO Skill Level.

Registration or licensing may be required.

• dismantling, moving and reassembling drilling rigs and accessory plant
• taking samples of ore, liquids and gases and packaging them
• performing minor maintenance and repairs, and lubricating and cleaning plant
• recording performance details and information obtained from wells, and keeping logs detailing operations
• operating surface and underground mining plant
• undertaking development work such as opening up new shafts, drives, air vents, rises and crib rooms
• positioning explosives in bore holes and priming explosives using detonators and explosive cartridges
• connecting wires, fuses and detonating cords to explosive cartridges and detonators, and detonating explosives
• monitoring operation of plant and ensuring safety of other workers on mining sites and during drilling operations
• operating auxiliary plant such as pumps to expel air, water and mud

• 712211 Driller
• 712212 Miner
• 712213 Shot Firer

Alternative Title:

• Drilling Plant Operator

Assembles, positions and operates a drilling rig and related equipment to extract ore, liquids or gases from the earth. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 4 Note: some roles within this occupation are at a higher ANZSCO Skill Level.

Specialisations:

• Directional Driller
• Exploration Driller
• Jumbo Operator
• Power Tong Operator
• Raise Drill Operator
• Rig Manager
• Rock Drill Operator
• Stope Miner
• Tool Pusher

Alternative Title:

• Mining Plant Operator

Operates plant to excavate, load and transport coal, ore and rock in an underground or open-cut mine. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 4

Specialisations:

• Bogger Operator
• Coal Cutter
• Dragline Operator
• Opal Miner
• Underground Truck Operator

Alternative Title:

• Powder Monkey

Assembles, positions and detonates explosives at a mining or demolition site. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 4