Summary
Saudi Gold Refinery is seeking an RC Driller for exploration and resource definition projects in Saudi Arabia. The role operates reverse circulation rigs, collects and documents samples, maintains drilling equipment, and follows site safety and environmental requirements. The driller also coordinates assistants and contractor personnel and completes shift and maintenance reports. Applicants need a technical diploma or vocational certification, at least five years of hard-rock mineral exploration RC drilling experience, and current heavy machinery driving credentials and occupational safety certifications.
The posting
As published on careers-page.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Driller RC - 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 RC in Saudi Arabia to operate reverse circulation drilling rigs across active exploration and resource definition projects in the Arabian Shield. The role executes approved drilling programs, manages high-pressure pneumatic systems, and ensures strict sample chain-of-custody standards for downstream assay and resource modeling. The incumbent maintains equipment reliability, enforces site safety protocols, and delivers accurate shift reporting to support SGR's upstream exploration pipeline.
The Driller RC will report directly to the Team Leader and will play a key role in achieving planned meterage targets while preserving geological sample integrity. The position directly influences resource estimation accuracy and downstream refining feedstock planning through disciplined drilling execution and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will execute the following operational and compliance responsibilities across assigned exploration sites.
- Drilling Program Execution: Operates reverse circulation rigs to advance exploration holes according to approved geological targets, depth specifications, and deviation tolerances.
- Sample Collection and Custody: Collects, splits, and seals drill cuttings at designated intervals while maintaining tamper-evident chain-of-custody documentation for laboratory submission.
- Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Conducts daily pre-start inspections, lubrication schedules, and field repairs on compressors, pneumatic hammers, and rotary head systems.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Completes permit-to-work authorizations, executes lockout-tagout procedures, and participates in daily toolbox meetings to mitigate drilling hazards.
- Shift Reporting and Data Logging: Records meterage, downtime causes, fuel consumption, and geological observations in digital shift management systems for geological and planning review.
- Environmental Management: Contains drill cuttings and waste fluids within lined containment areas and coordinates compliant disposal through approved environmental contractors.
- Crew Coordination and Supervision: Directs drill assistants and contractor personnel during rig mobilization, pipe handling, and casing installation activities.
- Regulatory and Permit Compliance: Maintains alignment with Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources exploration permits and site-specific environmental directives during all drilling phases.
- Ground Stability and Deviation Control: Monitors ground conditions, adjusts drilling parameters to prevent hole collapse, and implements corrective casing procedures when required.
Qualifications
- Holds a technical diploma or vocational certification in drilling operations, heavy equipment mechanics, or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Possesses a minimum of five years of documented experience operating reverse circulation drilling rigs in hard-rock mineral exploration environments.
- Demonstrates advanced competency in pneumatic hammer maintenance, drill string management, and high-pressure air system diagnostics.
- Maintains valid heavy machinery driving credentials and current occupational safety certifications recognized under Saudi labor regulations.
- Reads and interprets drilling program schematics, geological cross-sections, and manufacturer technical manuals without supervision.
- Understands MIM exploration licensing frameworks and adheres to site-specific environmental, waste, and emissions management requirements.
- Operates independently during night and weekend shifts while maintaining strict compliance with permit-to-work and lockout-tagout protocols.
- Communicates drilling anomalies, equipment faults, and safety observations to supervisors using standardized reporting formats.
Preferred / Nice-to-have
- Holds prior experience operating RC rigs within the Arabian Shield or comparable Precambrian geological formations.
- Completed formal training in sample preparation, chain-of-custody documentation, and assay laboratory submission protocols.
- Possesses basic proficiency with GPS rig positioning terminals and digital drilling data loggers.
- Demonstrates experience mentoring junior drillers and coordinating camp logistics for remote site operations.
Success Metrics
- Achieves a minimum of ninety percent planned meterage completion across assigned exploration targets within approved deviation limits.
- Reduces unplanned equipment downtime by fifteen percent through disciplined preventive maintenance and rapid field troubleshooting.
- Maintains a zero lost-time injury record and passes all internal permit-to-work and lockout-tagout compliance audits.
- Delivers one hundred percent sample chain-of-custody compliance with zero assay contamination incidents reported by the laboratory.
- Completes all required shift logs, fuel tracking reports, and maintenance work orders within twenty-four hours of shift conclusion.
- Trains two junior operators to independently manage standard drilling operations under established supervision protocols.
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.