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Underground Drill Rig Operator Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Red Lake Madsen Mine

Long Hole Drillers

Madsen, ON · On-site

... operating records, including daily drill reports and inventory logs * Other duties as assigned Skills and Experience: * High school diploma * Previous experience of 3 years as an underground long ...

Greenstone Gold Mine

Drill Operator

Geraldton, ON

CA$107K - CA$114K/yr

... underground deposit. Greenstone Gold Mines LP is owned by Equinox Gold Corp, a Vancouver-based ... Job Summary We are seeking a Contour Drill Operator to join our team. Reporting to the Mine ...

WJ Group

Chief Mechanic (NOC 72401)

Gormley, ON · On-site

$42/hr

Forklift operator certification * Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Certificate Required work experience and skills: * A minimum of 5 years of experience as a drill rig or ...

WJ Groundwater

Chief Mechanic (NOC 72401)

Gormley, ON · On-site

CA$42/hr

Forklift operator certification * Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Certificate Required work experience and skills: * A minimum of 5 years of experience as a drill rig or ...

RailWorks

Directional Drill Operator

Guelph, ON · On-site

CA$39.23/hr

... Drill operator performs a variety of tasks related to the operation of directional drill and ... Previous knowledge of Underground Utilities and Locates Ability to read and comprehend construction ...

RailWorks

Directional Drill Operator

Guelph, ON · On-site

CA$39.23/hr

... Drill operator performs a variety of tasks related to the operation of directional drill and ... Previous knowledge of Underground Utilities and Locates Ability to read and comprehend construction ...

Orla Mining

Long Hole, Drill & Blast Miner

Thunder Bay, ON · On-site

CA$113K - CA$139K/yr

Build your career at Musselwhite, a proven, high-quality underground gold mine in Northwestern ... Operating since 1997, Musselwhite has produced more than six million ounces of gold and continues ...

Aecon Group Inc.

Superintendent

Toronto, ON

Lead safe work planning for piling and foundation activities, including hazard assessments, FLRAs, critical lift coordination, excavation/trenching controls, underground utility awareness, drill rig ...

Technica Mining

Boltec Operator

Timmins, ON · On-site

CA$65 - CA$80/hr

Inspect underground headings, scale loose rock, and carry out work in compliance with company ... U0089 - Operate Mechanized Jumbo Drill * U0091 - Operate Haul Truck * Previous experience operating ...

Technica Mining

Boltec Operator

Timmins, ON · On-site

CA$65 - CA$80/hr

Inspect underground headings, scale loose rock, and carry out work in compliance with company ... U0089 Operate Mechanized Jumbo Drill * U0091 Operate Haul Truck * Previous experience operating a ...

ALAMOS GOLD INC.

Jumbo Operator

Dubreuilville, ON · On-site

... underground and open pit operations and are located in northern Ontario, just east of the town of ... Safely operate jumbo and drill rounds as per assignment * Safely muck out blasted round * Safely ...

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All JobsUnderground Drill Rig Operator JobsUnderground Drill Rig Operator Jobs in Ontario

Underground Drill Rig Operator information

See Ontario salary details

$12

$29

$49

How much do underground drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground drill rig operator in Ontario is $29.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underground drill rig operator?

An Underground Drill Rig Operator is a skilled worker responsible for operating drilling machines in underground mines or construction sites. Their main tasks include setting up, maintaining, and controlling drill rigs to bore holes for blasting, exploration, or extraction purposes. Operators must follow strict safety procedures and often work in challenging conditions, such as confined spaces and variable underground environments. They play a crucial role in mining operations, ensuring that drilling is performed accurately and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underground drill rig operator?

To thrive as an Underground Drill Rig Operator, you need a solid understanding of drilling techniques, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant industry certifications. Familiarity with drilling machinery, computerized drilling controls, and safety management systems is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and precise drilling operations in challenging underground environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by underground drill rig operators, and how are they managed on the job?

Underground drill rig operators often work in confined and challenging environments where maintaining safety and equipment efficiency is critical. Common challenges include navigating limited visibility, managing equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety protocols due to potential hazards like rockfalls or gas leaks. Operators typically address these issues by participating in regular safety briefings, following detailed operational procedures, and maintaining constant communication with their team and supervisors. Adaptability and quick problem-solving skills are essential for successfully overcoming these challenges while keeping production on track.

What is the difference between Underground Drill Rig Operator vs Surface Drill Rig Operator?

AspectUnderground Drill Rig OperatorSurface Drill Rig Operator
Work EnvironmentUnderground mining sites, confined spacesOpen-pit or surface mining locations
CertificationsMine safety and operation certifications, underground safety trainingSurface mining safety certifications, equipment operation licenses
Job ResponsibilitiesDrilling in underground tunnels, maintaining underground equipmentDrilling on surface sites, setting up surface drilling rigs
Industry UsageCommon in underground mining operationsCommon in open-pit and surface mining industries

Underground Drill Rig Operators and Surface Drill Rig Operators both operate drilling equipment but differ mainly in work environment and specific safety certifications. Underground operators work in confined underground spaces, requiring specialized underground safety training, while surface operators work outdoors on open sites. Both roles are essential in mining but serve different operational needs.

What are popular job titles related to Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs in Ontario?

For Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs in Ontario look for?

The top searched job categories for Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs in Ontario are:

Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Drill Rig Operator job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $60,939 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Long Hole Drillers

Red Lake Madsen Mine

Madsen, ON • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Be a part of the initial team to grow and operate a regionally significant new underground mine development that is rapidly becoming the future of the iconic Red Lake gold mining district in Ontario, Canada.

Reporting to the Underground Mine Supervisor the successful candidate will work 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off rotation. The Long Hole Driller is responsible for the safe operation of the drill including inspections of the drill, maintaining the drill in optimum condition, changing rods, producing holes and moving the drill. The Long Hole Driller will support the overall production and safe target support for the Red Lake Madsen Mine Project.

The focus of this role will include:

  • Follow safe working practices and site safety guidelines
  • Underground drill site set up
  • Scaling and pre-operation inspection
  • Inserting and pulling rods
  • Conduct drilling as per the longhole drill design as provided by the engineering department using sound drilling practices and techniques
  • Carry out operational maintenance
  • Maintain accurate operating records, including daily drill reports and inventory logs
  • Other duties as assigned


Skills and Experience:

  • High school diploma
  • Previous experience of 3 years as an underground long hole driller
  • Certified in the common core program
  • Ability to work independently
  • Excellent proven team player approach to work
  • Proven safe work approach
  • Valid driver's license

Benefits:

Annual operation bonus program

Travel allowance, accommodations and meals

100% employer paid extended health and dental program

RRSP matching program


***Must be willing to produce a criminal background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol test***

Red Lake Madsen Mine is an equal opportunity employer who appreciates all those interested in working on this exciting project.

Apply