Position Summary 

The General Rig Mechanic is responsible for the maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and servicing of drilling rigs, support vehicles, compressors, hydraulic systems, diesel engines, and auxiliary mechanical equipment used in mineral exploration and mining activities.

The role ensures maximum equipment availability, operational reliability, safety compliance, and minimum downtime across exploration and mining operations for gold and copper projects. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Equipment Maintenance & Repairs

Perform routine inspection, servicing, preventive maintenance, and breakdown repairs on drilling rigs and associated exploration equipment.

Diagnose mechanical faults in diesel engines, hydraulic systems, transmissions, compressors, pumps, and rotating equipment.

Carry out repairs on Reverse Circulation (RC), Diamond Core Drilling, and other exploration drilling equipment.

Conduct lubrication, filter replacement, fluid checks, and component replacement according to maintenance schedules. 

2. Rig Maintenance Support

Maintain drill rig engines, mud pumps, compressors, hydraulic cylinders, drill heads, rods, winches, and drive systems.

Repair mechanical failures during active drilling operations to minimize operational downtime.

Inspect and maintain drill pipe handling systems and related rig accessories.

Support rig mobilization and demobilization activities.

3. Preventive Maintenance Planning

Execute planned preventive maintenance schedules for all drilling and field equipment.

Maintain maintenance logs, service records, repair history, and equipment checklists.

Identify recurring equipment issues and recommend permanent corrective solutions.

4. Workshop & Spare Parts Management

Maintain workshop tools and ensure proper storage and usage of maintenance equipment.

Monitor critical spare parts inventory and report requirements to management.

Coordinate procurement requirements for mechanical spare parts and consumables.

5. Safety & Compliance

Strictly follow mining safety standards, site safety procedures, and environmental guidelines.

Conduct equipment safety inspections before operational deployment.

Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings, and incident reporting.

Ensure lockout/tagout procedures are followed during maintenance activities.

Maintain compliance with Zambian mining regulations and company HSE policies.

6. Field Operations Support

Provide on-site mechanical support during active exploration drilling programs.

Work in remote field camps under challenging operational conditions.

Respond quickly to breakdowns and emergency repairs.

Assist in maintaining generators, support vehicles, water pumps, and camp mechanical systems.

Required Qualifications

Diploma / Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Heavy Equipment Maintenance, Diesel Mechanics, or equivalent technical qualification.

Minimum 5–8 years of experience in mining, mineral exploration, drilling operations, or heavy equipment maintenance.

Experience working with drilling rigs used in mineral exploration is strongly preferred.

Experience in gold, copper, or hard rock mining operations is an advantage.

Technical Skills Required

Strong knowledge of:

Diesel engines

Hydraulic systems

Pneumatic systems

Compressors

Drilling rigs (RC & Diamond Drilling preferred)

Gearboxes and transmissions

Pumps and fluid systems

Welding and fabrication basics

Preventive maintenance systems

Ability to read technical manuals and mechanical schematics.

Strong troubleshooting and fault diagnosis capability.

Behavioral Competencies

Strong problem-solving ability

High attention to safety standards

Ability to work independently in remote locations

Ability to perform under operational pressure

Team collaboration and communication skills

High accountability and ownership mindset

Flexibility to work extended rotational shifts Working Conditions

Site-based role in remote exploration and mining locations within Zambia.

Work may involve long shifts and rotational schedules.

Exposure to outdoor conditions, dust, noise, heavy machinery, and physically demanding work environments.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Equipment uptime percentage

Breakdown response time

Preventive maintenance compliance

Mean time between equipment failure

Safety compliance record

Cost control in maintenance and spare consumption

Reduction in operational downtime

Preferred Industry Experience Candidates with prior experience in companies involved in: Mineral Exploration Drilling

Gold Mining Operations

Copper Mining Operations

Heavy Mobile Equipment Maintenance

Underground or Open Pit Mining Operations