Michael Heffernan

Highly experienced Underground Fitter & Leading Hand with 10+ years working both domestically and internationally (Africa and Australia) in high-pressure, safety-critical mining environments, specialising in Sandvik, CAT, and Normet heavy equipment. Proven leader in maintenance operations, driving productivity, coordinating teams, and ensuring machine uptime through efficient planning, diagnostics, and execution.

Leading Hand Fitter at Byrnecut (2022 – Present)

• Leading maintenance operations on Sandvik i-series fleet (422i, 621i, 663i, DL422, DL432i), ensuring high equipment availability in a fast-paced underground environment.
• Supervising workshop activities, coordinating teams, and ensuring jobs are planned, parts are available, and machines are delivered on schedule.
• Driving productivity on the floor by managing workflow, prioritising repairs, and minimising downtime across critical mining equipment.
• Carrying out major component rebuilds, including RD525 and 1500 series drifters, ensuring optimal drilling performance.
• Completing transmission rebuilds (CAT 938 & 962) and extensive axle rebuilds on Normet AGI and Spraymec equipment, maintaining reliability of support fleet.

Automotive Mechanic at Moran's Garage (2021-01 – 2022-12)

• Carried out servicing and repairs across all vehicle brands, including clutch replacements, engine repairs, head work, and DPF fault resolution.
• Performed advanced diagnostics using Wurth WOW and Autel systems, accurately identifying and resolving faults. Delivered high-quality mechanical work in a busy workshop environment, maintaining efficiency and attention to detail.
• Managed a wide range of jobs independently, ensuring timely completion and customer satisfaction. Strengthened diagnostic and electrical fault-finding skills transferable to modern mining equipment systems.

Underground Fitter (AutoMine Specialist) at Barrick Gold (2019-01 – 2021-12)

• Specialised in AutoMine systems, maintaining and supporting remote-operated loaders on haulage levels. Diagnosed and repaired hydraulic, electrical, and network-related faults, ensuring continuous operation of automated equipment.
• Played a key role in maintaining uptime of remote mining systems, reducing delays in production cycles. Troubleshot and resolved AutoMine communication and control issues, working within a highly technical and evolving mining environment.
• Delivered efficient breakdown response and preventative maintenance, ensuring maximum availability of autonomous equipment.

Underground Fitter at Byrnecut Offshore (2019-02 – 2019-12)

• Sole expatriate fitter responsible for maintaining and repairing Sandvik TH551 trucks, 421 drills, and LHD517 loaders in a high-pressure underground environment.
• Carried out full strip-downs and rebuilds of RD525 drifters, ensuring optimal performance and reliability of drilling operations. Performed preventative maintenance and breakdown repairs on Sullair compressors, minimising downtime across site operations.
• Delivered hands-on training to local workforce in MIG welding, air arc techniques, and safe workshop practices, improving team capability and safety compliance.
• Supported mining operations when required, including charge-up, bogging, and trucking, demonstrating versatility and commitment to production targets.

Leading Hand / Underground Fitter at Byrnecut (2017-01 – 2018-12)

• Maintained and repaired a diverse fleet including CAT 2900 loaders, Toro 50 series, and Sandvik DD421/DD420 drills and DL430 loaders. Led major component rebuilds, including drifters (HLX5, RD525, 710 series), axles, torque converters, and transmissions.
• Supervised teams underground, always ensuring strict adherence to health & safety standards and operational procedures. Coordinated daily work schedules, ensuring tasks were completed efficiently, minimising downtime and maintaining production targets.

Leading Hand / Underground Fitter at Byrnecut (2016-01 – 2017-12)

• Maintained and repaired Sandvik 663 trucks, 621 loaders, 421 & 422i drills, and Normet charge rigs and Spraymec equipment. Completed drifter rebuilds (HLX5, RD525, 710 series), ensuring reliability and performance of critical drilling equipment.
• Managed and prioritised workloads to maximise workshop productivity and meet strict operational deadlines. Operated in a demanding environment requiring long shifts and 24/7 emergency call-out availability, ensuring continuous site support.
• Played a key role in maintaining fleet availability through efficient fault diagnosis, repair planning, and execution.

Underground Fitter at Byrnecut (2013-01 – 2016-12)

• Recognised as a key team member with strong technical expertise and a solid understanding of mining safety standards.
• Performed diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance on a wide range of equipment including Sandvik drills, loaders, trucks, Normet rigs, and MacLean equipment.
• Completed major rebuilds, including HLX5 and RD525 drifters, 1500 series drifters, transmissions, torque converters, and Volvo/Detroit engines.

Fitter at ATS Mining (2012-01 – 2013-12)

Underground Fitter at ACM Mining (2010-01 – 2012-12)

Apprentice / Mechanic at Teddy McNulty Garage (2004-01 – 2010-12)

Qualified Motor Mechanic in Motor Mechanics – FAS (2004-01 – 2008-12)

Leaving Certificate (2005-12)