Every year on June 3, the diamond drilling industry comes together to celebrate International Driller’s Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the skilled people whose work helps drive our industry forward.
At the CDDA, we believe this is an opportunity not only to celebrate the industry but also to highlight the people behind it: the drillers, helpers, supervisors, and leaders whose dedication, hard work, and expertise keep our industry moving forward. This year, we invited our members to help us showcase these stories and recognize the rewarding career paths that diamond drilling can provide. Here are some of their stories:
The CDDA was pleased to receive the following message from Réal Lemoine, Vice-President, Operations and Partner, Forage RJLL Drilling, and are proud to share his tribute to members on his team:
“Today, I would like to dedicate this recognition to the individuals who played a decisive role in the future of RJLL Drilling. These men were the very first drillers to embark on this journey: Benoit Lemoine, Éric Ducharme, Sébastien Lemoine, and David Gagné. They were the ones who completed the very first drill hole in RJLL’s history.
This first contract represented much more than just an assignment. It was our first opportunity to demonstrate what we were capable of. From the very beginning, we knew we had to stand out. Upon arriving on site, we quickly grasped the scale of the logistics and organization required to deliver high-quality work.
The team did everything possible to ensure a safe, efficient, and professional startup. Despite receiving the equipment, fully setting up the site, and dealing with a few minor breakdowns that were quickly resolved, we were ready to drill the very next day.
And once drilling began… the team delivered an outstanding performance. See Full story in english and french here.
The CDDA is also pleased to share this story from Hy-Tech Drilling, recognizing the resilience, professionalism, and dedication of one of its team members. Hy-Tech Drilling has officially resumed underground drilling operations at Red Chris following the extensive ground consolidation and rehabilitation work completed by Newmont.
Kevin Coumbs is one of the three crew members involved in last year’s incident. Kevin is part of the returning crew and back underground drilling alongside his colleagues. His leadership during the event, and confidence in the work completed since, helped reinforce trust and readiness across the team. See Full Story Here.
The CDDA is also proud to spotlight Stuary May for International Driller’s Day alongside Dorado Drilling. Stuart May began his career in diamond drilling as a helper in 2010 and, through hard work, dedication, and years of experience in the field, has advanced to the role of Foreman with Dorado Drilling. His journey is a great example of the rewarding career opportunities available within the drilling industry. Stuart shares the following reflection on his experience:
“I started as a driller assistant, learning the job through long shifts, hard conditions, and hands-on experience. Over the years I worked my way through the ranks, building my knowledge both in the field and as part of a crew, eventually moving into leadership and foreman roles.
The drilling industry has taught me discipline, problem solving, teamwork, and the importance of leading by example. Every position I’ve held has helped shape the way I approach the job today — with respect for the crews I work with, pride in the work we do, and a commitment to continuing to learn and improve every day.”
The CDDA is also proud to join FTE in recognizing their entire team. For International Driller’s Day, FTE Drilling chose to recognize and celebrate the entire team that contributes to their success. From drillers and helpers to support staff and leadership, every individual plays an important role in keeping operations running safely and efficiently.
By highlighting their entire workforce, FTE Drilling is acknowledging the dedication, hard work, and teamwork that drive the company forward and help strengthen the diamond drilling industry as a whole.
The CDDA is pleased to recognize Jordan Whiteduck, a driller with Forage Orbit Garant Drilling working on one of the company’s Northern projects. Jordan represents the many skilled and dedicated drillers who play a vital role in advancing exploration and development projects across Canada and around the world.
The CDDA is proud to join Orbit Garant Drilling in recognizing Jordan’s contributions and thanking him for the important role he plays in supporting the success of the diamond drilling industry.
For International Driller’s Day, Foraco is taking the opportunity to recognize the people behind their success.
From drillers and driller helpers in the field to support personnel, technical specialists, and management, every team member contributes to the safe and efficient delivery of drilling operations.
This recognition reflects Foraco’s appreciation for the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork demonstrated across the organization each day. International Driller’s Day is a chance to celebrate the individuals who help move our industry forward, and the CDDA is pleased to join Foraco in acknowledging the hard work and commitment of their entire team.
The CDDA is also pleased to recognize Jordan Iannone, President of Hardrock Diamond Drilling Ltd., whose career is a testament to the opportunities and growth that exist within the diamond drilling industry. Beginning as a helper and advancing through the ranks to become a driller, supervisor, and ultimately company president, Jordan’s journey reflects the value of hard work, dedication, and hands-on experience.
As Jordan shares, “I moved up from helper to driller, and eventually into supervisory roles, learning the business from the ground up and earning the respect of the teams I worked with.” His story highlights the rewarding career paths available in diamond drilling and the importance of developing skills, leadership, and industry knowledge over time. The CDDA is proud to celebrate Jordan and Hardrock Diamond Drilling’s achievements and thanks them for his continued contributions to the industry.
The CDDA is also pleased to recognize Jon Cebula and Gabe Servant of NPLH Drilling. Representing the next generation of skilled drilling professionals, Jon and Gabe embody the teamwork, dedication, and positive attitude that help keep the diamond drilling industry moving forward.
International Driller’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the people in the industry and acknowledge the commitment they bring to the field every day. The CDDA is proud to join NPLH Drilling in recognizing Jon and Gabe and thanks them for their contributions to the industry.
The CDDA would like to extend its sincere thanks to all of the members who participated in this year’s International Driller’s Day campaign. By sharing the stories and experiences of your teams, you have helped highlight the skilled, dedicated individuals who are the foundation of our industry and demonstrated the many rewarding career paths available in diamond drilling. To learn more about opportunities in our industry we encourage you to visit our job portal.
We encourage all members to continue celebrating International Driller’s Day by sharing photos, stories, and words of appreciation for your crews on social media. Be sure to tag the CDDA in your posts, and we will be pleased to share them with our network as we continue recognizing the people who make our industry stronger every day.
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