Drill Operator

Job highlights
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
Job ID 1592 Closing date 05/04/2026 Last Updated 05/03/2026

Kamoto Copper Company Société Anonyme, KCC SA in acronym, is a Congolese company operating in Kolwezi, capital of the province of Lualaba, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

KCC SA exploits copper and cobalt ores on a large scale. It includes an underground mine, open-pit mines and integrated metallurgical facilities. The operation has one of the largest copper reserves in the world, with a current life of over 25 years.

As an industrial mining company, we provide safe workplaces and support the sustainable development of the local economy. We maintain a constructive and open dialogue with the communities that host us, as well as with the provincial and national government.

Job Description

 

Under the direct supervision of the Drill Supervisor, the incumbent will be responsible for the safe, accurate, and productive operation of rotary and DTH drill rigs (notably Epiroc D65 and PV231/PV271) within an open pit copper and cobalt mining environment. The role ensures drilling activities are executed in accordance with approved drill plans, operational standards, and applicable HSE procedures. The incumbent is accountable for drilling accuracy (depth, angle, collar position), compliance with technical tolerances, and achieving daily meter targets. The position also contributes to minimizing downtime and optimizing consumable usage. Finally, the incumbent ensures proper equipment condition and preventive maintenance of assigned machinery.

 

He/She will have, among others, the following responsibilities (non-exhaustive):

 

  • Ensure the safety of drilling operations. This includes performing full pre-operational inspections of the drill rig, actively participating in safety meetings (toolbox talks), verifying that the drilling area is safe and cleared, strictly applying isolation procedures and standards, immediately reporting any unsafe condition or geotechnical risk, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment around the equipment.
  • Operate rotary and DTH drill rigs in accordance with approved plans. This includes operating Epiroc D65, PV231, or PV271 drill rigs according to validated drill patterns, respecting open pit mining sequences, and ensuring drilling activities comply with established technical standards.
  • Accurately position the drill rig on designated coordinates. This includes interpreting drill plans and maps provided by the Survey department, correctly positioning the rig on collar coordinates, and ensuring required angles and alignments are respected before commencing drilling.
  • Drill holes according to required technical parameters. This includes drilling to planned depth, respecting deviation tolerances, maintaining the required diameter, avoiding short or over-drilled holes, and delivering clean and stable holes prior to blasting operations.
  • Monitor and adjust operational parameters. This includes monitoring penetration rate, adjusting weight on bit (WOB), rotation speed (RPM), and air pressure, optimizing drilling performance according to geological conditions, and maintaining consistent productivity while protecting equipment.
  • Contribute to the achievement of daily production targets. This includes meeting daily drilled meter targets, minimizing unplanned downtime, optimizing the use of consumables (rods, bits, hammers), and collaborating with supervision to maximize operational performance.
  • Perform inspections and preventive maintenance of equipment. This includes completing daily checklists, monitoring machine performance indicators (pressure, temperature, alarms), maintaining cleanliness of hydraulic systems and compressors, and reporting any technical abnormalities.
  • Collaborate with the maintenance team. This includes coordinating interventions in case of breakdowns, clearly communicating observed faults, participating in basic diagnostics, and contributing to reducing equipment downtime.
  • Ensure proper handling of drilling tools and accessories. This includes correctly handling drill rods, bits, and hammers, preventing damage to threads and couplings, and ensuring proper storage and use of consumables.
  • Maintain operational discipline and effective communication. This includes following the Drill Supervisor’s instructions, communicating effectively with production, geology, and maintenance teams, demonstrating rigor in task execution, and maintaining a high level of responsibility and autonomy.

 

Job Requirements

 

Qualifications and Experience

 

  • Hold a BTS (Higher National Diploma) or Technical Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
  • Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience operating production drill rigs in an open pit mining environment (Epiroc D65, PV231, PV271, or similar equipment).
  • Proven experience operating other heavy mining equipment (excavator, bulldozer, grader, haul truck) with strong technical aptitude.
  • Confirmed experience in a mining environment (copper, cobalt, or other metallic minerals) strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

 

  • Practical proficiency in rotary and DTH drill rig operations.
  • Good understanding of open pit mining sequences.
  • Ability to read and interpret drill plans and maps.
  • Good knowledge of drilling parameters (WOB, RPM, air pressure).
  • Ability to diagnose basic mechanical issues.
  • Knowledge of HSE standards in a mining environment.
  • Ability to optimize performance while controlling consumable wear.

Attitude and Behavior

 

  • Strong safety culture and constant vigilance.
  • Discipline and rigor in task execution.
  • High sense of responsibility and reliability.
  • Team spirit and good communication skills.
  • Autonomy and self-motivation.
  • Ability to work under pressure and achieve daily targets.
  • Results-oriented mindset with strong attention to quality of work delivered.

KCC SA does not accept applications submitted by people under the age of eighteen (18). In accordance with article 1 of the Labor Code of the Democratic Republic of Congo, KCC SA receives all applications without distinction or discrimination. However, as part of its Equal Opportunity, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, applications from women are strongly encouraged.

In accordance with our Compliance Policy and Code of Conduct, KCC SA or its employees do not receive any remuneration or benefits of any kind at any stage of the recruitment process. Violators are subject to legal action.

Any act or attempt of bribery related to this job application must be reported via the Glencore Group Raising Concerns Programme channels. Please scan the QR code to access the channels.

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Furthermore, KCC SA pursues the objective of a transparent, fair and equitable recruitment process and, therefore, does not tolerate any interference or intervention in any way whatsoever in its recruitment process. Any failure on this point will result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate concerned.