Underground Production Driller - Mining

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Oceanagold is seeking a Production Driller for Macraes Underground in Otago, NZ. This residential role offers 7 days on, 7 days off with 12-hour shifts, live locally rather than FIFO, and a competitive package with health benefits and study support. The successful candidate will have at least 2 years’ underground mining experience drilling Up and Down production holes with Top Hammer rigs, strong safety discipline, and a current NZ work right or visa. Key tasks include pre-start checks, drill plan adherence, reporting, and handover. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight underground drilling, license, and relocation readiness, submit by 26 July 2026 to [email protected] and expect immediate shortlisting.

Company Description

OceanaGold is a global intermediate gold and copper producer with more than 35 years of exploration, development and operating experience.  We have four operating mines – Haile in the USA, Macraes and Waihi in New Zealand, and Didipio in the Philippines and a global workforce of ~5,400 employees and contractors.

Our people, assets, and strategy are core to our success. Guided by our values—Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork—we strive to be a trusted company people want to work for, partner with, supply and invest in, to create value. We are committed to safe and responsible mining that generates strong returns and contributes to sustainable development in the regions where we operate. OceanaGold is listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges (TSX: OGC; NYSE: OGC).

Job Description

This is a residential role — live and work in the stunning region of Otago, New Zealand. 

Are you tired of FIFO? Missing family, friends and milestone celebrations regularly? Imagine having a true work-life balance living in the stunning region of Otago. Operating as a residential mine, these Macraes opportunities will be drive in, drive out from nearby Dunedin or Oamaru (or smaller towns closer to site), each with stunning landscapes, adventures and beaches to explore! For the more adventurous, Queenstown is just a 3‑hour drive, offering endless amounts of exciting activities (skiing, hiking, water sports, fishing and more) to enjoy on your days off. 

Our Macraes Underground Operations team are on the hunt for an experienced Production Driller. This role will involve safely operating Top Hammer drill rigs for the purpose of drilling blast holes for stope production and miscellaneous drilling. Additionally, it will provide support to the services section as and when required.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Perform risk assessments during course of duties.
• Perform pre-start and shut-down checks on all equipment, ground conditions, consumables, survey and drill plans.
• Use Top Hammer to drill down and up productions holes and / or service holes to pattern as per drill plans (make minor alterations as necessary).
• Perform site prep, pack-up and clean-ups on start-up and completion of jobs, sign off as required.
• Participate in shift changeover and pass on relevant information, fill out drilling report sheets accurately (including problems encountered, job condition).
• Lead by example and fulfil all job roles trained and competent in.
• Comply with all safety requirements, all company policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Full and Current Driver Licence, ability to drive manual vehicles is preferred.
• Applicants must have unrestricted work rights / Hold a New Zealand working Visa

Experience:                  

A minimum of 2 years’ experience in underground mining with particular knowledge across Up and Down Production hole drilling is essential

Additional Information

• Residential role, live and work in the stunning region of Otago, NZ.
• 7 days on, 7 days off, days/nights, 12hr shift roster
• Competitive salary + bonus structure
• Discounts on retail and services
• Free Southern Cross Healthcare Insurance
• Monthly health and wellbeing allowance
• Living Our Values recognition program
• Onsite Physiotherapist and nurses suite
• Free transport to work
• Study assistance
• Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Exceptional working environment where people are valued and respected

**Applications close 26 July 2026. Shortlisting will commence immediately.

YOU MATTER: OceanaGold is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We believe a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. Should you require any assistance applying for this opportunity, please contact us at [email protected]