Industry Resources

Industry Information Resources

The resources listed below provide sources for Industry Information regarding various topics such as Health and Safety, Recommended Wages, Industry Associations, Drug and Alcohol Policy Recommendations, Drafting Drill Bid Contracts, Drilling on the Ice Procedures and more. CDDA Members have access to more exclusive content and resources. For information on how to become a CDDA Member, Click here. 

Contact the CDDA to Assist with Organizing Your Safety Meeting

CDDA Safety Meeting Planning Assistance

CDDA Diamond Drilling Recommended Hourly Wages

2025 Average Recommended Diamond Drilling Wages

(Based on a national membership survey of Canadian diamond drillers)

The following ranges represent the hourly wages for drillers and driller assistants reported in the CDDA Membership Survey, across different regions of Canada. The ranges (e.g., $28–30/hr) reflect the spread of answers received from companies in that region, while the average is the midpoint wage most respondents reported per hour.

It is important to note that:

• These figures do not include bonuses, retention incentives, or benefits.

• Wages can vary depending on experience level, company policies, and specific project conditions.

• Atlantic Canada Driller Assistant: $28–30 an hour (avg: $29)
• Ontario Driller Assistant: $24–30 an hour (avg: $27)
• Quebec Driller Assistant: $28–30 an hour (avg: $29)
• Prairie Province Driller Assistant: $24–30 an hour (avg: $27)
• Northern Canada (The Territories) Driller Assistant: $28–30 (avg: $29)
• Western Coast Driller Assistant: $27–34 (avg: $30.50)

• Atlantic Canada Driller: $36–42 (avg: $39)
• Ontario Canada Driller: $30–42 (avg: $35)
• Quebec Canada Driller: $40–42 (avg: $41)
• Prairie Province Driller: $30–42 (avg: $35)
• Northern Canada (The Territories) Driller: $30–42 (avg: $35)
• Western Coast Driller: $30–42 (avg: $35)

2019 CDDA’s recommended wages Power Point

Industry Links and Resources

1. Top 10 Health and Safety Risks in the Surface diamond drilling sector
2. Best Practice Ice Roads
3. Borehole Deviation Guidelines 
4. Canada Oil and Gas Drilling and Production Regulations
5.  Cannamm Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training
6.  Cannabis  Effects Research Links 
7. Cannabis and the Workplace Discussion paper
8.  CDDA Standard Drilling Services Agreement (SAMPLE)
9.  Drilling in West Africa- A Lesson Learned Presentation 
10.  EHS Management System Guide 
11.  Employment Standards Act 
12.  Equipment and Operations Wells, Installations, Equipment, Facilities and Support Craft
13.  Helicopter Slinging Training
14.  Implications of Cannabis
15. Legislations and Regulations For Mining
16. Mental Health Commission of Canada Strategic Plan
17. Investing_in_Mental_Health_FINAL_Version_ENG
18. Mining Matters
19. Mining Statistics 2015
20.  Minerals and Metals Policy of Canada
21.  Natural Gas Facts 
22. PNN-Information 
23. Procurement Modernization Presentation
24. Safety and Environmental Protection Laws Canada 
25. The Canadian Mining Certification Program Presentation 
26.  The Northern Miner
27. A complete guide: The importance of socially responsible mining in developing nations
28. Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana

Industry Associations

1. Alberta Chamber of Resources
2. Association de l’exploration minière du Québec
3. Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia
4. Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association
5. Canadian Association of Mining Equipment and Services for Export (CAMESE)
6. Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
7. Canadian Mining Industry Research Organization
8. Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists
9. Coal Association of Canada
10. Mining Association of Canada
11. Mining Association of British Columbia
12. Mining Association of Manitoba
13. Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Mineral Resources
14. Northwest Territories and Nunavut Chamber of Mines
15. Northwest Mining Association
16. Ontario Mining Association
17. Ontario Prospectors Association
18. Quebec Mining Association
19. Saskatchewan Mining Association
20. Yukon Chamber of Mines

The Mineral and Metals Policy of the Government of Canada

1. Attracting Investment: “Canada is Open for Business and Committed to Sustainable Development 
2. Finance and Taxation
3. Health and the Environment
4. Promoting Economic Growth and Job Creation
5. Recycling of Minerals and Metals 
6. The Business Climate: Ensuring the Competitiveness of Canada’s Minerals and Metals Industry
7. The Role of the Federal Government in Minerals and Metals
8. V. Aboriginal Communities: Promoting Involvement in Minerals and Metals Activities
9. See PDF File of Entire Policy for More