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Rock Drill Operator

OFO Code: 711302

Last checked 3 October 2026

PATHLENS

1. Occupation identity

OFO code
711302
Occupation
Rock Drill Operator
Classification
OFO 2021
Major group
PLANT AND MACHINE OPERATORS AND ASSEMBLERS
Unit group
7113 · Well Drillers and Borers and Related Workers

Official description
Well drillers and borers and related workers position, assemble and operate drilling machinery and related equipment to sink wells, extract ore, liquids and gases or for a variety of other purposes.

More official OFO detail
  • Maintaining records of drilling and servicing operations
  • Preparing drilling fluid and checking the operation of pumps to ensure adequate circulation of fluid in drill pipe and well
  • Closing and sealing wells no longer in use; may supervise and train crew members
  • Monitoring gauges and other indicators and listening to equipment to detect malfunctions and unusual well conditions, and determining the need to change drilling or equipment
  • Operating machines and tools to extract dust, cuttings and lost and broken drilling equipment from holes and wells
  • Maintaining, adjusting, repairing and cleaning drilling rigs, hoisting and other machinery
  • Dismantling, moving and assembling drilling rigs and auxiliary equipment
  • Assembling and dismantling pipes, casings and drill heads, and replacing dysfunctional equipment
  • Operating controls to lower and raise drill pipes and casings in and out of wells, regulate pressure in the well and control the speed of tools

2. Demand status

Demand evidence not yet linked

This is an official OFO 2021 occupation. Demand status is separate evidence and is not inferred from inclusion in the OFO.

A national demand signal is not a promise of a vacancy in your town.

3. Salary evidence

No sourced salary record has been ingested for this OFO code yet.

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5. Qualification

Qualification evidence pending.

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6. Study funding

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7. Industry, sector and provincial context

National occupation classification. Industry and provincial context are shown only where a separate official source supports the link.

No source-backed modern OFO↔SIC 7 industry link has been ingested for this occupation yet. PathLens does not infer one from the job title.

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8. Next steps — official links

Career explorationNCAP / KhethaOfficial destination ↗QualificationQCTOOfficial destination ↗Public employment serviceESSA / labour centreOfficial destination ↗

9. Decision tools

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