Site Drilling Manager-Deep Diamond-FIFO-Kazakhstan

Job Title: Site Drilling Manager Deep Diamond Drilling
Location: Kazakhstan
Company: Mining & Drilling Services
Employment: Full Time
Roster: FIFO 4 weeks on / 2 weeks off
Hours: 12-hour shifts

Our client is an international drilling contractor delivering mineral exploration drilling services across Asia and Central Asia. Due to continued project growth they are seeking an experienced Site Drilling Manager to lead a deep diamond drilling project in Kazakhstan.

Reporting to the Operations Manager the Site Drilling Manager will lead the day-to-day delivery of deep diamond drilling operations including drilling performance safety personnel equipment logistics client reporting and project cost control.

This role requires demonstrated deep diamond hole experience and a practical understanding of gas hazards that may be encountered during mineral exploration drilling. The successful candidate must be capable of identifying managing and communicating gas-related drilling risks in accordance with company procedures client requirements and applicable local requirements.

The role also requires professional engagement with clients local government representatives and communities near exploration leases particularly regarding drilling safety environmental controls and gas-risk management procedures.

• Lead and manage daily deep diamond drilling operations across the project.
• Ensure drilling programs are delivered safely efficiently and in accordance with approved plans client requirements and company procedures.
• Monitor drilling performance metres drilled core recovery downtime equipment utilisation consumables and costs.
• Coordinate drilling schedules rigs crews support services equipment mobilisation and remote-site logistics.
• Provide practical technical leadership in deep-hole diamond drilling including drilling fluids core recovery hole stability deviation control and downhole problem-solving.
• Identify operational issues and implement practical solutions to minimise downtime and protect drilling performance.
• Ensure drilling activities meet contractual quality and reporting requirements.

• Lead the identification assessment and management of gas hazards associated with mineral exploration diamond drilling.
• Ensure appropriate gas monitoring exclusion zones emergency controls reporting and escalation procedures are implemented.
• Ensure crews understand the required actions if gas is detected or suspected including stopping work where required isolating the area notifying responsible personnel and following approved emergency procedures.
• Conduct regular safety meetings toolbox talks inspections and risk assessments including gas-hazard awareness and response procedures.
• Investigate incidents near misses and gas-related events and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with company HSE systems client requirements environmental controls and local regulatory obligations.

• Lead mentor and develop drilling supervisors drillers assistants and support personnel.
• Ensure crews are trained and competent in deep diamond drilling methods gas-risk controls emergency procedures and company standards.
• Manage workforce planning rosters performance training needs and site resources.
• Provide clear operational drilling safety KPI and cost reports to the client and company.
• Clearly explain company drilling safety environmental and gas-management procedures to relevant local government representatives client personnel and community stakeholders near exploration leases.
• Manage site operating budgets equipment use consumables and project costs.

• Minimum 10 years experience in mineral exploration drilling operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing supervising or drilling deep diamond holes.
• Previous experience as a Site Drilling Manager Drilling Manager Operations Manager Senior Drilling Supervisor or similar senior role.
• Strong technical knowledge of diamond drilling equipment drilling fluids core recovery hole stability deviation control and downhole problem-solving.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience managing gas hazards in mineral exploration drilling environments.
• Experience implementing gas monitoring gas-risk controls emergency-response procedures and crew training.
• Experience managing multiple rigs drilling crews equipment logistics and remote-site operations.
• Strong HSE leadership reporting planning communication and organisational skills.
• Experience working with multicultural crews and on remote international projects.
• Strong written and verbal English skills.

The successful candidate must be able to provide the qualifications supporting documents and personal information required for employment mobilisation and the Kazakhstan work-visa process.

• Hold a relevant recognised drilling qualification trade certificate or documented competency in mineral exploration diamond drilling. This qualification is a mandatory requirement for the Kazakhstan work-visa application.
• Provide original qualification documents that can be verified and apostilled by the issuing training organisation. The issuing organisation must still be operating and able to verify the qualification and support the apostille process.
• Evidence of deep diamond drilling experience through employment history qualifications and/or referees.
• Valid passport with sufficient validity for international mobilisation and visa processing.
• Current unrestricted drivers licence suitable for site and light-vehicle driving.
• Ability to provide qualification certificates employment evidence police clearance or other documents required for the Kazakhstan work-visa process.
• Current or ability to obtain a pre-employment medical and medical fitness clearance for remote-site work.
• Ability to complete drug and alcohol screening company requirements and client/site inductions before mobilisation.
• Physically fit and able to work 12-hour shifts on a remote FIFO drilling project.

• BOP certificateor documented practical experience with BOP equipment and gas-control and previous experience with the use of gas mitigation equipment.
• Gas detection emergency-response confined-space or gas-hazard training.
• Defensive driving qualification.
• Previous international work-visa or expatriate mobilisation experience.
• Previous work experience in Kazakhstan Central Asia or comparable remote international exploration projects.

• Attractive net USD remuneration package with in-country tax paid by the client.
• FIFO roster of 4 weeks on / 2 weeks off.
• Site accommodation meals and point-of-hire-to-site travel provided.
• Opportunity to lead deep diamond drilling operations on a major Kazakhstan mineral exploration project.