Who we are

MSD Mining Solutions are the leaders in underground production drilling throughout Australia, offering the best service and support to our clients. A workforce of approximately 90 employees, with a fleet 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

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.

Brett Maney

Brett Maney

General Manager

Mining career spanning 39 years, initially as an underground miner and equipment operator, working through to supervisory, training and management roles in both open pit and underground mines throughout Australia. Brett has gone on to hold Senior Management positions, holding overall responsibility for all aspects of raise drilling, shaft sinking, underground drilling and shotcrete operations. He brings significant experience in business development, team building and working with Clients to identify and deliver a safe, efficient and cost-effective service.

Sharon Deacon

Sharon Deacon

Senior Administration & Finance 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.

Samantha Masters

Samantha Masters

Administration Manager

Sam is an experienced mining professional with over 22 years in various underground mining and leadership roles across underground operations, health and safety, sustainability, and business services. She brings broad expertise in managing complex environments and supporting operational performance. Known for her collaborative approach and clear strategic perspective, Sam works effectively across teams to align people, systems, and governance in support of safe and responsible mining operations.

Mark Nellthorp

Mark Nellthorp

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.

Levi Kroon

Levi Kroon

Operations Manager – Easer E10S

A highly qualified and experienced diesel and drill fitter, Levi brings 20 years of exposure gained from maintaining, operating and co-ordinating production drill activities. Levi is a long-term member of the MSD Mining Solutions’ Team and heads up the Easer E10S division with our operations.

Ben Deacon

Ben Deacon

Operations Manager

Highly motivated with a sound knowledge of underground mining operations, Ben brings over 10 years of mining experience, gained from past exposure including operating and supervising. Working his way through the industry into his current role.

Troy Snell

Troy Snell

Operations Manager

Troy has over 30 years’ experience in underground mining, starting his career living and working in the Goldfields of WA before moving into Shift Supervision and Management roles. Troy’s experience in managing people and operations across the country ensure that the high standards of MSD Mining Solutions are maintained as our business grows and expands.

Michael Ware

Michael Ware

Maintenance Manager

A qualified diesel fitter and auto electrician with 20 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.

Steve Njiric

Steve Njiric

WHS Manager

An experienced leader with over 22 years’ expertise in workplace health & safety. Steven has held various leadership positions, working closely with operations to drive improvement in safety, health, and training. Steven’s background across major resource and construction projects for underground, surface mining and oil/gas and water industries brings a strong foundation and a comprehensive perspective to his role, making workplace health and safety essential to operational success.