Join Larvotto Resources as we develop the Hillgrove Antimony and Gold Project near Armidale, NSW. We are seeking an experienced Underground Charge-Up Operator to join our growing underground operation on a 7 days on, 7 days off roster, rotating between day and night shifts.

Residential or DIDO Opportunity

For the first time, DIDO arrangements are available for this role, opening the opportunity to experienced candidates outside the immediate Armidale area. Our preference remains for employees to live locally, and relocation assistance is available; however, applications from both residential and DIDO candidates are genuinely encouraged and will be considered.

Position Overview / Purpose

The Underground Charge-Up Operator is responsible for safely preparing, charging and firing underground development and production blasts within Hillgrove’s mining operations. The role requires strict compliance with NSW explosives legislation, site procedures, and geotechnical controls.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring development advance, stope production cycles, and the safe operation of the mine by delivering high-quality charge-up work, managing explosives responsibly, and maintaining disciplined hazard control in all underground environments.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Charge-Up Operations

- Conduct all charging, priming, loading, stemming and tie-up of underground development headings, raises, stopes and special firing tasks in accordance with blast designs.
- Prepare development faces including barricading, scaling, washing down, lifter preparation, perimeter hole identification, and installation of appropriate tagging.
- Conduct tie-in of electronic, NONEL or pyrotechnic systems, ensuring correct delay timing and segregation of circuits.
- Execute misfire management procedures, isolating and reporting hazards immediately.
- Support specialist tasks such as secondary blasting, trim shots, brow firing,



and blast vibration control where trained and authorised.

Safety, Ground Control & Hazard Management

- Carry out thorough pre-task inspections, Take-5s, JHAs and risk assessments before charging work
- Install barricades, signage and exclusion zones prior to firing.
- Enforce strict firing protocols including sirens, radio announcements, time checks and personnel clearances.
- Identify and escalate geotechnical hazards (voids, swelling ground, excessive overbreak, brow instability).

Coordination With Site Teams

- Work closely with jumbo operators, production drillers, survey and geology teams to ensure accurate preparation of charged areas.
- Communicate variations in drilled patterns, broken ground or water conditions that may impact charging or blast outcomes.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

- Operate light vehicles, IT loaders, ANFO loaders, emulsion charge rigs or mechanised charging systems depending on competency.
- Perform daily pre-starts, decontamination, hose flushing, calibration checks, and minor troubleshooting.
- Maintain charging gear, fittings, blast hoses and primers in clean, secure and functional condition.

About You

Tickets and licensing:

- Current Manual Drivers License
- RIIWHS202E – Enter and Work in Confined Space
- RIIWHS204E – Work Safely at Heights
- NSW Explosives Security Clearance (ESC)
- NSW BEUL shotfirer Licence (Underground Metalliferous)
- RII competencies relevant to charge-up, e.g.
- RIIBLA202F - Support underground shotfiring operations
- RIIBLA205E – Store, Handle and Transport Explosives
- RIIBLA301E – Conduct underground production shotfiring




- RIIBLA401E – Monitor Blasting Operations (desirable)

Knowledge and Experience:

- Minimum 2+ years’ underground charge-up or blasting experience in a metalliferous mine
- Strong understanding of blasting principles, explosives chemistry, timing systems and fragmentation standards.
- Experience working with electronic detonators (i-kon, eDev, DigiShot or equivalent).
- Knowledge of ground support, hazard identification, scaling and stope readiness.
- Demonstrated ability to work safely with high-risk materials under strict procedural conditions
- Strong communication skills and reliability in high-pressure operational environments.

Pre-Employment Requirements

- Provide a valid National Police Clearance obtained within the previous six months
- Successfully complete a pre-employment medical assessment, including drug and alcohol screening, and comply with ongoing testing requirements during employment.

Why Join Larvotto Resources?

- Lifestyle-friendly 7/7 roster.
- Residential and DIDO arrangements available.
- Relocation assistance for employees moving to the Armidale region.
- Competitive remuneration based on experience and qualifications.
- Opportunity to join a developing operation and contribute to its growth.
- Ongoing training, career development and advancement opportunities.
- A collaborative workplace with a strong focus on safety and operational excellence.

Larvotto Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect.

If you are an experienced underground production driller looking for a stable roster and the opportunity to join a growing operation, submit your resume outlining your relevant experience and qualifications. Candidates are welcome to apply whether they are considering residential, relocation or DIDO arrangements.

📌 Underground Operator – Charge Up (Armidale)
🏢 Larvotto Resources
📍 Armidale