Exploration drilling superintendent (Mining Projects)

Job Title: Exploration Drilling Superintendent

Location: Saudi Arabia (Mining Projects)
Reports To: Project Manager / Exploration Manager

Job Purpose:

The Exploration Drilling Superintendent is responsible for planning, supervising, and coordinating all drilling operations (Diamond Core, Reverse Circulation, and other exploration drilling methods) to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of drilling programs in support of mineral exploration projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Management:
• Plan, schedule, and supervise exploration drilling activities to achieve project targets.
• Oversee both contractor and company drilling crews to ensure adherence to drilling plans and quality standards.
• Monitor drilling performance, productivity, and recovery rates, ensuring compliance with geological and geotechnical requirements.
• Safety & Compliance:
• Ensure all drilling operations comply with Saudi mining regulations, Aramco/SABIC/NEOM safety standards (if applicable), and company HSE policies.
• Conduct regular safety inspections, risk assessments, and toolbox talks with drilling teams.
• Investigate and report any incidents or near misses, implementing corrective actions.
• Technical & Quality Control:
• Ensure proper sampling, logging, and core handling procedures are followed to maintain data integrity.
• Work closely with geologists to deliver high-quality geological samples and accurate downhole data.
• Troubleshoot drilling issues such as deviation, poor recovery, or ground condition challenges.
• Resource & Equipment Management:
• Supervise utilization, mobilization, and maintenance of drilling rigs, compressors, pumps, and support vehicles.
• Monitor drilling consumables usage (bits, rods, mud, etc.) and manage inventory control.
• Liaise with maintenance teams to minimize downtime and ensure equipment reliability.
• Leadership & Coordination:
• Lead, mentor, and train multinational drilling teams and support staff.
• Coordinate with geologists, surveyors, HSE officers, and contractors for smooth operations.
• Act as the primary point of contact between company management and drilling contractors.
• Reporting & Administration:
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly drilling progress reports.
• Track and control drilling costs against budgets and contracts.
• Maintain accurate drilling logs, shift reports, and operational records.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree / Diploma in Mining, Geology, Drilling Technology, or related field (preferred).
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in exploration drilling, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or superintendent role in mining projects.
• Strong knowledge of Diamond Core Drilling, RC Drilling, and Rotary methods.
• Proven experience working in remote desert/mountainous terrains.
• Excellent knowledge of HSE standards and Saudi mining regulations.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Fluency in English (Arabic is an advantage).
• Valid driver’s license (heavy vehicle license preferred).

Key Skills:

• Leadership & team management
• Drilling operations planning & execution
• Safety management & risk assessment
• Cost and resource control
• Technical problem-solving (mechanical and geological challenges)
• Strong reporting & documentation abilities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ﷼999.00 - ﷼1,999.00 per month