Production Charge Up Operator

Production Charge Up Operator | Underground Gold Mining

Competitive Salary + Accommodation Allowance + Private Health Insurance

7 Days On | 7 Days Off | Overtime Opportunities

Build Something Bigger Than a Job

Tradestaff is proud to be partnering with a rapidly growing mining company to recruit experienced Production Charge Up Operators for one of New Zealand's newest underground gold mining operations.

This is more than another underground mining role.

It's an opportunity to join the founding team behind a major underground gold operation as it prepares for first production and enters one of the most exciting stages of its journey.
With first gold production targeted within months, a planned mine life exceeding 10 years, and more than 150 roles expected to be created across the operation, the people who join now will help shape the future success of the business from day one.
For skilled underground mining professionals looking for long-term stability and genuine career progression, this is an opportunity worth considering.

Why Miners Are Joining This Operation

  • Be part of the founding team that shapes the success of the mine

  • Genuine career development and progression opportunities

  • Long-term stability with a mine life exceeding 10 years

  • First gold production targeted within months — be there from the beginning

  • Operate modern underground charging equipment and mining technology

Why Join the Founding Team? The people who join now won't simply be employees.
They'll be among the first underground operators helping establish the culture, standards and future success of a growing underground mining operation.
As the workforce expands and production ramps up, opportunities for development, leadership and advancement will grow alongside it.
The best opportunities often go to the people who were there from the beginning.

What's In It For You?

  • Competitive salary package

  • 7 on / 7 off roster supporting work-life balance

  • Overtime opportunities available

  • Accommodation allowance provided

  • Private health insurance

  • Long-term employment with a growing mining operation

  • Opportunity to work alongside experienced underground mining professionals

  • Career development and progression opportunities

  • Modern underground fleet and equipment

  • Strong safety culture and supportive leadership team

About the Role
As a Production Charge Up Operator, you'll play a critical role in preparing production stopes for blasting by safely loading explosives and blasting accessories in accordance with mine plans and site procedures.
Working closely with Production Drillers, Shift Supervisors and Technical Services, you'll help ensure blasting activities are completed safely, efficiently and in line with production schedules.

Key Responsibilities

  • Safely charge production blast holes using approved explosives and initiation systems

  • Load and handle explosives in accordance with legislative and site requirements

  • Read and interpret blast designs and charging plans

  • Inspect work areas and identify ground support or safety hazards

  • Operate underground charging equipment safely and efficiently

  • Conduct pre-start inspections and routine equipment checks

  • Complete blasting documentation and operational records accurately

  • Work closely with Production, Technical Services and Underground Mining teams

  • Ensure compliance with all explosive handling and storage procedures

  • Promote and maintain a positive safety culture across the operation

About You
To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

  • Previous experience as a Production Charge Up Operator within an underground hard rock mining environment

  • Experience handling and loading underground explosives safely

  • Strong understanding of underground production mining and blasting practices

  • Experience operating Normet Charmec or similar charging equipment is highly regarded

  • Current Driver Licence

  • Strong commitment to health, safety and environmental performance

  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills

  • A proactive attitude and commitment to operational excellence

Desirable

  • Experience within underground gold or metalliferous mining operations

  • Current Shotfirer's Licence or equivalent explosives certification

  • Current First Aid Certificate

  • Additional underground mining qualifications and certifications

  • Experience with electronic initiation systems

Build Your Future Here

Opportunities to join a mining operation at this stage are rare.

The workforce is growing, the operation is expanding and the foundations are being built right now.

If you're an experienced Production Charge Up Operator looking for long-term security, work-life balance and the opportunity to be part of something from the beginning, we'd love to hear from you.

Ready to take the next step? Apply online today with your CV.