Kahutia Ward

I started at Mt Holland in June 2022 and my role was a Driller / Shotfirer. Throughout my time at Mt Holland I oversaw daily operations of the Drill and Blast department, demonstrated commitment to the organizations core values, collaborated with other departments to achieve organizational goals.

Role Responsibilities - I have performed as part of this role include:

• Supervised drill site setup, ensuring proper installation and alignment of drilling equipment for maximum operational efficiency.
• Supported management of all drilling and rig move operations
• Increased overall productivity with efficient crew management and clear communication of drilling objectives.
• Monitored employee safety and coached workers on safety standards and procedures to prevent injuries.
• Streamlined communication with drilling teams, coordinating necessary adjustments to drill patterns for accurate shot placement.
• Contributed to effective teamwork by collaborating closely with supervisors and colleagues in planning and executing blasts safely and efficiently.
• Developed strong relationships with clients by delivering consistent results that met their project specifications while adhering to schedule commitments.

Role Responsibilities - I have performed as part of this role include:

• GD5000 Top Hammer
• Atlas Copco T45 Drill Rig Top Hammer
• Atlas Copco D65 DHH
• CAT MD 6250 DHH
• Conduct regular equipment inspections and safety checks, follow and enforce all health and safety regulations
• Report and equipment malfunctions or hazards
• Report incidents, near misses, and non-compliance promptly
• Monitor drilling operations to ensure safety and quality standards
• Conduct drilling activities under guidance and supervision of experience drillers and trainers
• Drill holes to specified depths and angles, monitor pressure gauges, rotary speed and adjust parameters based on ground conditions and behaviour
• Handled complex drilling scenarios under high-pressure conditions through effective problem-solving skills.
• Managed drilling team members, promoting a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
• Performed drilling operations in various and different ground conditions and environment, Contour drilling Oversized drilling Collar Pipe drilling

Role Responsibilities – I have performed as part of this role include:

• Meet all OHSE requirements including reporting of hazards & incidents, abiding by all safety, health and environmental rules and comply with all site policies & procedures
• Training and mentoring trainee shotfirers and blast crew members, setting and maintaining high housekeeping standards demonstrating a high regard to safety of self and others
• Educated personnel on safe handling and use of explosives, avoiding injuries.
• Developed strong relationships with clients by delivering consistent results that met their project specifications while adhering to schedule commitments.
• Manage and control explosives in compliance with safety standards and practices while coordinating with Orica (Bulk Explosives) truck deliveries in line with optimum time management ensuring all tasks are undertaken in a safe, timely, and efficient manner
• Optimized resource usage by accurately calculating required explosive quantities based on geological conditions.
• Enhanced accuracy in blasting outcomes through careful measurement and recording of blasthole depths before loading explosives.
• Increased productivity by maintaining an organized inventory of explosives and equipment, reducing downtime between blasts.
• Tying in shot patterns, instructing and quality checking activities of blast crew team members when tying in blast area
• Connect and inspect the connected blast holes and explosives prior to firing
• Connect detonation line and operate detonation device
• Inspect the blasting area post-blast ensure all explosives have detonated
• Conducting reconciliation of explosive equipment post-shift

Role Responsibilities – I have performed as part of this role include:

• Assist shot firers with blast loading activities including loading blast holes, stemming and tying in shot patterns under the direction of shot firer
• Assist with maintaining accurate records of drill hole, blast pattern and ground conditions QAQC
• Ensuring adequate signage is in place to isolate area, warnings are given and assist in inspecting area after blast
• General labouring duties
• Spotting and guiding machinery including haul trucks, heavy vehicles and Integrated tool carrier
• Assist Pit Technician with markup (outline) of ore and waste sections of the pit and drill hole patterns
• Be able to work in a team environment
• Conduct work in a highly efficient manner to meet time constraints of weekly blasting activities.
• Complete studies in Shotfiring whilst working full-time
• Be able to communicate effectively within the work environment
• Demonstrate a positive attitude
• Demonstrate a high regard to safety of self and others
• Meet all OHSE requirements including reporting of hazards & incidents, abiding by all safety, health and environmental rules
• Comply with all site policies & procedures
• Ensure all tasks are undertaken in a safe, timely, and efficient manner