Mobile Plant Welder
Location: Hemerdon Mine, South Devon
Job Type: Permanent
Join the team restarting one of the world's largest tungsten mines
Tungsten West plc is bringing the world-class Hemerdon Tungsten-Tin Mine in South Devon back into production.
As the 100% owner of the Hemerdon Mine, we are restarting one of the world's largest tungsten resources to help meet the growing global demand for critical minerals used in modern technology.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the mine restart, from the rebuild and commissioning phase through to full production.
** This role requires you to pass a Drug and Alcohol test on day one **
About the Role
We're looking for an experienced Mobile Plant Welder to carry out high-quality welding, fabrication and structural repairs on heavy mobile mining equipment.
You'll work both in the workshop and out in the field, helping to keep our fleet safe, reliable and available for operation.
What You'll Be Doing
- Weld and repair heavy mobile plant, including buckets, trays, booms, chassis and structural components.
- Carry out fabrication work including cutting, grinding, fitting and assembly.
- Perform repairs using MIG, MMA/Stick and other welding processes where required.
- Rebuild worn components and strengthen equipment to maximise service life.
- Read and work from engineering drawings, specifications and repair instructions.
- Support planned maintenance activities and respond to equipment breakdowns.
- Inspect equipment for cracks, wear and structural damage.
- Prepare equipment for repair by cleaning and stripping components.
- Complete repairs efficiently to minimise downtime.
Safety Responsibilities
Safety is at the heart of everything we do.
You'll be expected to:
- Follow all site health, safety and environmental procedures.
- Work in accordance with hot work permits, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
- Wear and maintain the correct PPE, including welding and respiratory protection.
- Ensure fire prevention measures are in place during hot work.
- Report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Deliver repairs that meet engineering and quality standards.
- Inspect completed work to ensure structural integrity.
- Help identify recurring equipment issues and recommend improvements.
- Support initiatives that improve reliability and reduce equipment failures.
Workshop & Field Work
This role includes work both in the workshop and across the mine site.
You'll also:
- Operate mobile welding equipment and service vehicles where required.
- Maintain welding equipment, tools and work areas.
- Respond to urgent structural repair call-outs.
- Work closely with maintenance, operations and supervisory teams.
- Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings and shift handovers.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Proven experience as a Welder/Fabricator within mining, quarrying or heavy industry.
- Strong welding skills, including MIG and MMA/Stick welding.
- Experience repairing heavy mobile plant.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
- Good understanding of welding safety and hot work procedures.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
- NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent welding/fabrication qualification.
- Experience working on Komatsu, Caterpillar, Hitachi or other OEM equipment.
- Knowledge of hardfacing and wear protection systems.
- Previous field service or in-pit maintenance experience.
- Full UK driving licence.
- First Aid and/or Fire Marshal training.
Why Join Tungsten West?
- Be part of the exciting restart of a world-class mining operation.
- Help shape the future of a growing UK mining company.
- Work with modern heavy mining equipment.
- Join a supportive team focused on safety, reliability and continuous improvement.
- Play a key role from commissioning through to full production.
Apply today and become part of the team bringing Hemerdon Mine back into production.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- This role is based at a mine site near Hemerdon, Plymouth, with no public transport links. Do you have a driving licence and access to your own vehicle?
- Do you live in Devon or Cornwall?
Work Location: In person
