Mechanical · Specialist
Mining Drill Fitter
Maintains production and exploration drill rigs where hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical and control-system reliability directly affects drilling output.
Indicative 2026 pay$150k–$220kAnnual gross, generally before super
Common roster contextFrequently 2/1 or 2/2; owner and OEM roles may use 8/6 or field-service patterns.
Work environmentsOpen-pit production · Underground production · Exploration drilling · Field service
Role at a glance
What this role actually does.
Maintains production and exploration drill rigs where hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical and control-system reliability directly affects drilling output. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.
The work
Core duties
- 01
Diagnose drill performance faults
- 02
Maintain hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- 03
Repair feeds, rotation and rod-handling systems
- 04
Complete scheduled services
- 05
Support field breakdowns
- 06
Track recurring defects and components
The assets
Equipment and systems
- 01
Rotary blast-hole drills
- 02
Down-the-hole drills
- 03
Underground jumbos
- 04
Compressors
- 05
Hydraulic systems
- 06
Drill control systems
Before mobilisation
Typical foundations
- 01
Relevant mechanical trade qualification
- 02
Verified competence on the drill fleet
- 03
OEM training where requested
- 04
Site isolation, access and lifting requirements
Prove capability
Evidence employers can verify
- 01
Rig make and model
- 02
Drilling symptom and diagnosis
- 03
Hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical repair
- 04
Post-repair testing and availability outcome
Entry pathway
A credible way into the role.
- 01
Qualify in heavy mobile or mechanical fitting
- 02
Build mining fleet experience
- 03
Move onto drill maintenance with supervision
- 04
Develop deep OEM and drilling-process knowledge
Earning context
What tends to move pay
- 01
Underground or surface environment
- 02
Fleet scarcity and OEM depth
- 03
Breakdown and call-out expectations
- 04
Roster and employment type
Before accepting
Questions to ask about the offer
- 01
Is the quoted figure base salary, total cash or a package including super?
- 02
Which roster, shift length and point of hire does the offer assume?
- 03
How are overtime, nights, public holidays, allowances, bonus and travel treated?
Progression
Possible next moves.
Progression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. It is not automatic.
Keep exploring
Related role profiles.
Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining market guides, not promised rates. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Last reviewed 17 September 2026.