Drill Operator (Horizontal Directional Drilling)

• Site Based – Balranald, NSW

• 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off

• Permanent Position
   

Experienced Horizontal Direction Driller (HDD) wanted to extract key critical minerals at Iluka's new operations in Balranald! Transition your drilling expertise to underground mining with our custom-designed rigs and innovative extraction processes!

About us 

Iluka Resources is a global critical minerals company, with a proud 70 year history, entering a pivotal time of growth. 

With a bright future ahead, we are seeking team members for our exciting Balranald operation where we will be deploying a new mining technology. Using remotely operated, novel underground mining (UGM) systems to extract key critical minerals.

The technology we have developed is based on Maxi HDD rig platforms and offers a unique professional experience for competent and adaptable HDD professionals. 

About the location 

Iluka’s Balranald operation is located approximately two hours by road from Mildura in regional NSW.   
 

You can choose to reside locally, drive-in drive-out from towns within the regional area, or fly-in fly-out from Melbourne.  
 

For South Australian residents we will mobilise you via road transport from our Iluka office in Adelaide.

About the role

You will join one of 4 Extraction teams to cover our 24/7 operations. You will get exposure in deploying these platforms in conjunction with a technology not operated anywhere else. Thorough training will be delivered for our custom designed HK550 HDD rigs.

As HDD professionals, when compared to any other industry role, you will get greater exposure to mud processes and steering systems, live data analytics and even processing information. The breadth of professional development is unparalleled.  

About you 

• A certification in drilling, preferably a Horizontal Directional Drilling Certificate

• Exposure/experience drilling

• Preferred High-Risk Work tickets; Forklift, Loader, Dogging & Rigging, Vehicle Loading Crane (Fassi Crane)

Our offer to you 

• Family friendly 2:2 roster

• New camp facilities 

• Be supported through an inclusive and collaborative culture​ 

• Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave 

• Competitive salary

• Company share matching scheme  

We are committed to upholding our Business Values, supporting equal opportunities, gender equality and cultural diversity. 

If you share our values of Integrity, Respect, Courage, Accountability and Collaboration; and you have the skills and experience to help us to succeed and deliver sustainable value, apply now.  

Full working rights in Australia are required for you to be eligible to apply for this role.  
 

Applications Close: 19 August 2025

“We respect and encourage diversity in a workforce that reflects our communities.”