Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers

Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers assemble, position and operate drilling rigs and mining plant, and detonate explosives to extract materials from the earth and demolish structures.

**Indicative skill level:**

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.

**Tasks include:**

- 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