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.
Blasting Specialist
About The Role
We are seeking a Blasting Specialist to provide technical expertise and assurance across drilling and blasting activities, supporting safe, efficient, and compliant blast execution.
This role plays a critical function in ensuring that blast design, charging, initiation, and execution activities align with Rio Tinto standards, engineering principles, and regulatory requirements. The Blasting Specialist works closely with Mine Operations, Technical Services, and contractors to optimise blast outcomes while maintaining strict adherence to safety and compliance frameworks.
You will act as the technical authority on blasting practices, supporting design validation, troubleshooting complex blast conditions, and driving continuous improvement in performance and standards.
- Provide expert input into blast design, initiation systems, and ground condition management, ensuring alignment with engineering standards and site objectives.
- Optimise blast performance, including fragmentation, wall control, vibration, and overall efficiency.
- Deliver in-field technical support during charging, tie-in, and firing, ensuring compliance with approved designs and QAQC standards.
- Oversee QAQC processes, analyse blast outcomes, and drive continuous improvement through post-blast evaluations.
- Ensure compliance and safe management of explosives facilities in line with C8 standards, EMP, and regulatory requirements.
- Manage risks by implementing critical safety controls, supporting pre-blast assessments, and contributing to incident investigations.
- Support governance and stakeholders by ensuring compliance with plans and procedures, collaborating across teams, and mentoring workforce capability.
Essential
Qualifications & Experience
- Significant experience in Drill & Blast operations or engineering
- Demonstrated operational leadership experience in a mining environment, including leading crews, influencing frontline teams, or providing technical leadership in the field
- Strong knowledge of
- Blast design principles and relevant software/systems
- Explosives products (e.g. ANFO, emulsion) and charging practices
- Initiation systems and timing design
- Demonstrated experience in technical support, design, or specialist Drill & Blast roles
- Strong technical knowledge of drilling and blasting principles and practices
- Experience solving complex blasting challenges in an operational environment
- Strong understanding of risk management and critical controls
- Ability to influence operational teams through technical expertise
- Excellent communication skills across multi-disciplinary teams
Desirable
- Shotfirer Licence or equivalent statutory certification
- Experience in large-scale iron ore or Tier‑1 mining operations
- Experience in post-blast analysis and vibration monitoring
- 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.
