An inclusive environment for all
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable being themselves. We also want everyone to feel that their voices matter, that all cultures are respected, and that perspectives, as diverse as they are, are not only welcome, but essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation or any other distinguishing aspect.
At Rio Tinto, we welcome and encourage applications from women, older workers, persons with disabilities and representatives from diverse backgrounds.
Everyone is different, and we believe that these differences are our strength. The diversity of skills, life experiences, and perspectives within our team enhances the way we work and our ability to succeed together.
Drill Production Specialist
About The Role
We are seeking a
Drilling Production Specialist to provide technical expertise and assurance across drilling activities, supporting safe, efficient, and compliant drill execution.
This role is critical in ensuring drill design, field execution, and equipment performance align with Rio Tinto standards, engineering requirements, and production objectives.
The Drilling Specialist works closely with Mine Operations, Technical Services, and drilling contractors to optimise drill performance, hole quality, and productivity while maintaining strict adherence to safety and compliance frameworks.
You will act as the technical authority on drilling practices, supporting design validation, resolving complex ground and drilling challenges, and driving continuous improvement in drilling performance and standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical expertise in drill pattern design, methodology, equipment selection, ground condition management, and drilling parameters.
- Review and validate drilling designs to ensure alignment with blast requirements, geotechnical constraints, and production objectives.
- Optimise drilling performance by improving hole accuracy, productivity, utilisation, and cost per metre drilled.
- Deliver in-field technical support to drilling teams, ensuring correct pattern setup and monitoring performance against plan.
- Verify execution compliance with approved designs, QAQC standards, and operating parameters, and correct deviations.
- Oversee QAQC processes, including collar accuracy, hole depth verification, deviation control, and compliance to design.
- Analyse drilling performance data (penetration rates, utilisation, bit life, and output vs plan) to drive continuous improvement.
- Assure contractor and equipment performance, including operator capability, maintenance standards, fleet productivity, and KPI compliance.
- Support training, safety, governance, and collaboration by coaching operators, managing risks, ensuring compliance, and working with key stakeholders.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate
- Strong technical knowledge of drilling systems and practices
- Experience solving complex drilling challenges in operational environments
- Strong understanding of productivity drivers and cost control
- Ability to influence crews and contractors through technical expertise
- Practical, field-based problem-solving capability
Essential
Qualifications & Experience
- Significant experience in mining operations, drilling, or Drill & Blast
- Demonstrated operational or technical leadership in the field
- Strong knowledge of
- Drill systems and fleet capability
- Drilling optimisation and performance metrics
- Ground conditions and their impact on drilling
- Experience working with drilling contractors and equipment
Desirable
- Experience in large-scale iron ore or Tier‑1 mining operations
- Exposure to autonomous or semi-autonomous drill systems
- Experience in drill data systems and analytics tools
- Exposure to RTIO or similar standards and systems
What We Offer
Get recognition for your contributions, your ability to think, your hard work, and the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped the world move forward.
- Work environment where safety is always the top priority
- Competitive base salary based on your skills and experience
- Annual cash incentives for eligible employees
- Career development opportunities and training assistance to achieve your aspirations
- Access to family-friendly health programs, top-notch retirement and savings plans
- Wellness benefits
- Rio Tinto's generous employee stock ownership plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- One-on-one wellness support (personal and professional matters) for you and your family
- Comprehensive leave policy covering all important life moments (vacation/annual, paid parental leave, etc.)
About The Simandou Project
The Simandou Iron Ore Project is located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. It is Africa’s largest infrastructure and mining project and represents one of the largest known reserves of high-grade iron ore in the world.
Rio Tinto holds rights to Simandou Blocks 3 and 4 through SimFer, a joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH). Construction of the mine, together with the associated rail and port infrastructure, is well underway with first production from the SimFer mine expected in 2025.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a global leader in the mining and materials companies. We are established in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and the prosperity of people, communities, and nations. We have been in business for 150 years, drawing on knowledge accumulated over generations and on different continents. Our mission – to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs – guides us in our quest for innovation and continuous improvement, with the goal of making products that are low in emissions and meet the right environmental, social and governance standards. But because we can't do it alone, we focus on creating partnerships that allow us to solve problems, create mutually beneficial situations and seize opportunities.
