Lead Diamond Driller

Foran Mining Corporation (TSX:FOM) is a forward-thinking mining company redefining the industry. We are seeking a Lead Diamond Driller to join our growing McIlvenna Bay team. This is a full-time position based at the McIlvenna Bay site working a 14/14 rotation.

The McIlvenna Bay Cu-Zn-Au-Ag deposit is one of the largest undeveloped VHMS deposits in Canada. Foran recently announced (2024) approval by the Board of Directors for the project to proceed to the formal construction phase with initial production expected in Q4 2025. The McIlvenna Bay deposit’s core commodities are critical for the global transition to green energy and Foran aims to extract these critical minerals in a sustainable manner by empowering local communities, contributing to circular economies and protecting the environment for future generations.

The Lead Diamond Driller will act as a working supervisor that executes, organizes and manages grade control drilling functions at site. This includes ensuring that all drilling activities undertaken by direct reports are completed according to site standard operating procedures, ensuring drill and ancillary equipment maintenance is completed as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead by example in promoting a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and conducting regular safety meetings and inspections.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of diamond drillers and drillers helpers, providing guidance and support to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Assist with personnel management (i.e., discipline, personnel performance management plans, recruitment, training, etc.).
• Participate and coordinate with the Chief Mine Geologist and Senior Mine Geologist on project direction and outlook.
• Operate a diamond drill in accordance with site standard operating procedures.
• Setup staging in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Understand basic slinging and load management for drill moves.
• Support and drive the execution of the site grade control strategy.
• Ensure that all holes are grouted as per site operating procedures.
• Provide pre-site and post-site assessments.
• Work with stakeholders to remedy any site deficiencies prior to drill mobilization and work to minimize drill downtime.
• Work with procurement and inventory management of diamond drilling tooling and supplies.
• Assist with management and reporting compliance against the budget.
• Assist with development and implementation of operational standards.
• Assist with daily record keeping for remuneration purposes.
• Assist with the development of training programs for Drillers and Driller Helpers.
• Supervise Drillers and Driller Helpers while ensuring operational tasks are completed in accordance with site standard operating procedures.
• Engage with drill rig and tooling suppliers while in the research and development of new drilling technology and tooling.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost-saving measures, and operational efficiencies within the operation.
• Ensure compliance with mining regulations, environmental permits, and company policies related to underground mining operations.
• Respond to emergencies or incidents that may occur during underground mining activities, following established emergency protocols.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration with other mine site departments and personnel to optimize overall mine site operations.

Job Qualifications and Skills:

• High School Diploma or Vocational training.
• At least 6+ years of Underground diamond drilling experience.
• 2+ yrs. Supervisory experience.
• Experience with piloting and reaming programs would be an asset.
• A basic understanding of business and operational requirements.
• A desire to engage drill rig and tooling suppliers to support the research and development of new drilling technology and tooling.
• Experience with procurement and inventory management.
• Mechanically capable and able to facilitate drill repairs as necessary.
• Possession of relevant safety certifications, such as Mine Supervisor Certification, and First Aid considered an asset.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a diverse group of personnel.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey instructions, coordinate with teams, and communicate with mine site management.
• The ability to identify and address operational challenges, troubleshoot issues, and implement effective solutions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks and manage shifting priorities in a dynamic mining environment.

Physical Demands & Job Hazards:

• Walking and Climbing: The role may require walking long distances and climbing ladders or stairs to access different areas of the mine.
• Standing: You may spend extended periods standing while observing mining operations and coordinating with the mining team.
• Heavy Lifting: Some tasks may involve lifting heavy equipment or materials, such as tools, safety barriers, or core boxes.
• Confined Spaces: Supervisory tasks may sometimes require entering confined spaces within the mine, which could be physically demanding.
• Adverse Conditions: Underground mine environments may have high humidity, poor ventilation, and varying temperatures, which can add to physical strain. Work may also expose personnel to a variety of adverse (i.e., heat, cold, precipitation) outdoor conditions.
• Rockfalls and Cave-ins: The risk of rockfalls and cave-ins is inherent in underground mining, posing a serious hazard to personnel working in the area.
• Dust and Respiratory Hazards: Exposure to dust, fumes, and airborne particles may pose respiratory risks, necessitating proper respiratory protection.
• Noise: Underground mining can generate high noise levels from machinery, drilling, and blasting, which can lead to hearing damage without adequate hearing protection.
• Vehicle Traffic: Managing vehicle traffic and mobile equipment movement within confined underground spaces requires vigilance to prevent accidents.
• Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards: The mine's rugged terrain, uneven surfaces, and sometimes wet conditions can pose slip, trip, and fall risks.
• Emergency Response: Personnel must be prepared to respond to emergencies, such as fires, accidents, or evacuations.
• Rotating Parts: Personnel are regularly exposed to rotating parts that are protected by guards.
• Energized Systems: Personnel may be required to perform maintenance on systems that need to be de-energized and locked out.
• Lifting/Muscle Strains: Lifting and carrying drill core, drill rods and repetitive tasks can pose musculoskeletal risks.
• Ground Control: Monitoring and addressing ground stability issues to prevent collapses or ground movements is crucial to maintain safety.

Tools & Equipment:

• Diamond Drill: A Drillco MDS1000U diamond drill with a rod handler mounted on a trailer assembly is used to conduct all company drilling operations.
• Communication Devices: Two-way radios or other communication devices enable personnel to stay in contact with mining personnel throughout the underground mine site.
• Safety Equipment: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety boots, coveralls, and respiratory protection are essential while underground.
• Mine Maps and Plans: Mine maps and plans are used to navigate the mine site and understand the layout of tunnels, drifts, and mining areas.
• Handheld Devices: Tablets or smartphones may be used to collect underground data, access digital mine maps, receive real-time production data, or communicate with other mine site personnel.
• Safety Inspection Tools: Equipment for safety inspections, such as gas detectors, air quality monitors, or ground stability testing devices, ensures a safe working environment.
• Surveying Equipment: Surveying tools like laser levels or measuring instruments are used to verify the accuracy of mine development, plans and infrastructure.
• Ladders and Safety Barriers: Ladders may be used to access different levels of the mine, and safety barriers to cordon off hazardous areas.
• Incident and Accident Reporting Forms: Documentation tools for recording any incidents, accidents, or safety observations that occur during underground operations.
• Emergency Response Equipment: Personnel need access to emergency response equipment, such as first aid kits and emergency communication devices, in case of accidents or emergencies.
• Reporting and Documentation Tools: Computers or tablets for documenting and managing shift reports, production data, and communication records.
• Mine Monitoring Systems: Monitoring systems and sensors that provide real-time data on ventilation, gas levels, and other critical factors that impact safety and productivity.

Compensation and Benefits:

We offer a competitive starting salary of $34.50/hr in addition to a highly competitive monthly bonus.

• Potential Diamond Driller Lead bonus range: additional $15.46 to $37.67/hr
• Employer paid health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• RSP with company match

Foran is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce as we move into our next phase of growth. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to self-declare when submitting applications and resumes. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, you must be legally able to work in Canada.

McIlvenna Bay Project site is an alcohol and drug free environment with all positions worked at site considered as safety sensitive. Therefore, successful candidates who will be working at the Project Site will be required to pass a Pre-employment alcohol and Drug test as part of their condition of employment.

Deadline for applications to be submitted is: December 10, 2024

General Delivery Pelican Narrows SK, S0P-0E0