Summary
Saudi Gold Refinery is seeking a Driller DD for exploration work in Riyadh and across its field sites. The role operates diamond core drilling rigs, manages core samples and drilling fluids, maintains equipment, and follows safety and environmental controls. It also includes production reporting and directing rig assistants. Applicants need a technical diploma or equivalent, at least five years of hard-rock exploration drilling experience, and the stated field safety certifications.
The posting
As published on careers-page.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Driller DD - Saudi Arabia
About Saudi Gold Refinery
Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a Saudi mining and precious-metals company specialized in the refining of gold and precious metals, bullion production, and value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom's mining value chain, SGR is aligned to the Vision 2030 mining pillar and to the regulatory framework set by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and applicable Saudi and international standards. We produce responsibly sourced, traceable, and certified bullion, operate to LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned quality standards, and invest in the people, processes, and controls behind every bar we produce.
Role Overview
Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Driller DD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to operate diamond core drilling rigs across our active exploration portfolio in the Arabian Shield. The role executes geological drilling programs, maintains high core recovery rates, and ensures strict adherence to field safety and environmental controls. The Driller DD coordinates daily with geologists and maintenance teams to deliver accurate sample data that informs resource estimation and downstream refining planning.
The Driller DD will report directly to the Team Leader and will play a key role in maintaining continuous drilling operations across multiple licensed tenements. This position directly supports SGR's exploration mandate under the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and contributes to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 mineral development objectives.
Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will execute the following responsibilities across SGR's exploration sites.
- Rig Operation and Meterage Execution: The driller operates diamond core equipment to achieve planned borehole depths while maintaining alignment with geological survey coordinates and target lithologies.
- Core Recovery and Sample Integrity: The driller extracts core samples, places them into standardized trays, and completes chain-of-custody documentation before transferring materials to the secure assay facility.
- Drilling Fluid Management: The driller monitors mud viscosity, density, and circulation rates to stabilize borehole walls and prevent fluid loss or formation damage.
- Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting: The driller performs daily inspections, lubricates moving components, and diagnoses mechanical faults in hydraulic systems and rotary heads.
- Field HSE Compliance: The driller implements permit-to-work and lockout-tagout procedures for all maintenance, refueling, and high-pressure hose connections.
- Production Reporting and Documentation: The driller submits daily shift logs detailing drilled meters, downtime causes, fuel consumption, and safety observations to the Team Leader.
- Crew Supervision and Training: The driller directs rig assistants during rod handling, casing installation, and site cleanup while conducting daily toolbox talks.
- Environmental Protection Measures: The driller manages drilling fluid containment systems and prevents uncontrolled discharge into protected wadis or sensitive geological zones.
- Emergency Response and Rig Security: The driller executes blowout prevention procedures, secures the mast during severe weather, and coordinates with site medics during incidents.
Qualifications
- Holds a technical diploma or equivalent certification in drilling operations, mechanical engineering, or mining technology.
- Possesses a minimum of five years of hands-on experience operating diamond core drilling rigs in hard-rock exploration environments.
- Demonstrates proficiency in reading geological drill plans and adjusting drilling parameters to optimize core recovery.
- Maintains valid certifications in field first aid, confined space entry, and hazardous materials handling.
- Understands MHRSD labor compliance requirements and maintains accurate attendance records for direct reports.
- Operates independently in remote field conditions while adhering to corporate safety and environmental standards.
- Communicates drilling progress and equipment status clearly to geologists and shift coordinators.
Preferred / Nice-to-have
- Holds prior experience operating automated drilling control systems on modern exploration rigs.
- Possesses familiarity with TVTC-certified drilling competency frameworks and apprenticeship mentoring programs.
- Demonstrates working knowledge of SASO standards for heavy machinery operation and field equipment calibration.
- Has experience coordinating with SGS field geologists during resource definition drilling campaigns.
Success Metrics
- Achieves a minimum ninety percent core recovery rate across all assigned exploration boreholes.
- Maintains zero recordable safety incidents and zero environmental non-conformances during the reporting period.
- Reduces non-productive drilling time by fifteen percent through proactive maintenance and optimized fluid management.
- Completes all required MIM field documentation and sample chain-of-custody transfers without audit findings.
- Trains two rig assistants to independently manage standard drilling cycles under direct supervision.
- Submits daily production reports with one hundred percent accuracy and within four hours of shift completion.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.