Drillers, Miners, and Shot Firers play a crucial role in the extraction of materials from the earth and the demolition of structures in Australia. These professionals are responsible for assembling, positioning, and operating drilling rigs and mining plants, as well as detonating explosives.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations within this unit group require a certain level of skill, which can be acquired through qualifications and experience. The skill levels for this occupation in Australia and New Zealand are as follows:

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 cases, additional on-the-job training and experience may be required alongside formal qualifications. It is important to note that certain roles within this unit group may have a higher ANZSCO Skill Level and may require registration or licensing.

Tasks Include:

• Dismantling, moving, and reassembling drilling rigs and accessory plants
• Taking samples of ore, liquids, and gases and packaging them
• Performing minor maintenance, repairs, and cleaning of plant
• Recording performance details and maintaining operation logs
• Operating surface and underground mining plants
• Undertaking development work such as opening new shafts and air vents
• Positioning and detonating explosives
• Monitoring plant operation and ensuring safety on mining sites
• Operating auxiliary plant such as pumps

Occupations:

• 712211 Driller
• 712212 Miner
• 712213 Shot Firer

712211 Driller

Alternative Title: Drilling Plant Operator

A Driller assembles, positions, and operates drilling rigs and related equipment to extract ore, liquids, or gases from the earth. This occupation may require registration or licensing. Some roles within this occupation may have a higher ANZSCO Skill Level.

Specialisations within this occupation include Directional Driller, Exploration Driller, Jumbo Operator, Power Tong Operator, Raise Drill Operator, Rig Manager, Rock Drill Operator, Stope Miner, and Tool Pusher.

712212 Miner

Alternative Title: Mining Plant Operator

A Miner operates plant machinery to excavate, load, and transport coal, ore, and rock in underground or open-cut mines. This occupation may require registration or licensing.

Specialisations within this occupation include Bogger Operator, Coal Cutter, Dragline Operator, Opal Miner, and Underground Truck Operator.

712213 Shot Firer

Alternative Title: Powder Monkey

A Shot Firer assembles, positions, and detonates explosives at mining or demolition sites. This occupation may require registration or licensing.

These occupations are vital for the mining industry in Australia, ensuring the extraction of valuable resources and the safe demolition of structures. The skills and expertise of Drillers, Miners, and Shot Firers contribute significantly to the country's economy and infrastructure development.