Who we are

MSD Mining Solutions are the leaders in underground production drilling throughout Australia, offering the best service and support to our clients. We offer a large range of late model underground production drilling equipment to match your project.

Our history

Established in 2011, MSD Mining Solutions was initially set up to provide quality personnel to the mining industry to assist mines throughout Australia with manning levels, particularly in the management and supervisory areas.

In 2014, MSD Mining Solutions expanded to include a production drilling capability, providing an opportunity for our clients to receive an advanced service using the latest drilling machines on the market. The business is backed by key personnel with 20-30 years’ experience in the field. The Company provides a safety conscious, flexible, and dependable workforce, along with reliable equipment at competitive rates without compromising the end product – accurate drilling.

Our Capability

MSD Mining Solutions prides itself on supplying a service to our clients unmatched by any other mining contractor. Our leadership and operational team come with decades of experience that is invaluable in today’s mining environment. Our Production Drilling service continually demonstrates the ability to provide our clients with the highest quality and accuracy of drilling to meet site monthly schedules. Our drills are operated by experienced drillers and fitters, who can provide a service second to none in the mining industry. MSD Mining Solutions have a track record for meeting contract obligations. We regularly gain extension of contracts at sites we conduct production drilling, demonstrating our willingness to work with our clients.

Our value proposition is that Project success always comes first and that we will assist in all ways to ensure our Client and the Project perform both safely and productively.

Our Vision

MSD Mining Solutions was born out of a desire to provide a level of service and value not seen in the mining industry. Our vision is to bring our operational excellence to provide flexibility to the customer. This is achieved through modern machinery and practices, supported by comprehensive safety guidelines. We believe we are the leading Underground Long-hole Production Drilling focussed business operating in Australia today and we intend to continue our growth in the industry to ensure we remain the leaders in this field.

Please feel free to reach out to any of our references and explore our performance at our sites. We will make a positive difference to the production drilling profile at your mine and look to become a long-term part of your team onsite.

Our company values

  • Safety
    An attitude, not just a topic
  • Respect
    We respect everyone, internally and externally
  • Accountability
    We act with fairness, honesty, and integrity
  • Continuous Improvement
    We serve our clients to the highest possible standard
  • Transparency
    We are honest, fair, and transparent in our dealings

Our Team

Site
Drill Operators
Fitters
Co-ordinators
Total
Beta Hunt Mine
8
2
2
12
Tritton Copper Mine
12
6
1
19
Pajingo Gold Mine
8
3
1
12
Eloise Copper Mine
4
2
6
Management
5
Administration
4
Circa 60 Employees
Murray Deacon

Murray Deacon

Managing Director

Murray founded MSD Mining Solutions in 2011 and has held the position of Owner/Managing Director since then. Murray has 30 years’ experience in the underground mining industry including air leg mining and general operators’ roles. Murray has also held various managerial positions for numerous mining companies and major mine contractors throughout Australia including Project Manager, Mine Superintendent, Alternate Mine Manager and Mine Foreman.

Murray also holds a Western Australian Underground Shift Supervisors Ticket.

Alister James

Alister James

Chief Operating Officer

Alister is a qualified mining engineer and registered First Class Mine Manager with over 20 years’ experience in senior operational, project management, commercial and planning roles across mining and agricultural industries in a number of multi-national companies.

He has significant expertise in asset and project management, mine planning, commercial due diligence, operational improvement and negotiation in the mineral and natural resources industries across Australia.

John Claus

John Claus

General Manager

John has 30 years’ experience in the underground mining industry, working in general operators’ roles including both Production and Development Drilling. John has held positions such as Shift Supervisor, Mine Foreman, Mine Superintendent and Alternate Mine Manager for various mining companies and contractors around Australia.

John holds a Western Australian Underground Shift Supervisors Ticket. John was appointed the position of General Manager of MSD Mining Solutions when he started with the company in 2017.

Mark Nellthorpe

Mark Nellthorpe

Operations Manager

Mark is coming up to 30 years’ experience working across the underground environment and in leadership roles. His experience has been gained through multiple sites providing a wide understanding of what it takes to run a successful mining operation.  Mark’s background began in production drilling and charging before moving into Shift Supervision for 14 years; most recently undertaking the Mine Superintendent role at Stawell Gold Mine.

Michael Ware

Michael Ware

Maintenance Manager

A qualified diesel fitter and auto electrician with 19 years’ experience in the hard rock mining industry.  Michael has an extensive knowledge on mobile maintenance operating in the underground environment.  With a combination of OEM, Mining House, and Contractor experience, based around managing, repairing, maintaining, and rebuilding, brings a new understanding to MSD Mining Solutions.

Sharon Deacon

Sharon Deacon

Administration Manager

Sharon has 20 years’ experience in business management with robust understanding in accounts payable. Sharon has managed and administered businesses since 2002 in various industries before joining MSD Mining Solutions in 2011.