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.
Superintendent Drill & Blast
Roster 4 weeks on / 2 weeks off (4 2)
Be part of a safety‑driven organisation that values inclusion, teamwork, and continuous improvement. This is a permanent opportunity offering leadership responsibility on one of the world’s most significant mining projects.
We are finding better ways™ to provide the materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values of
care, courage, and curiosity guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About The Role
We are seeking a
Superintendent Drill & Blast to lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of all drill and blast activities at the Simandou Iron Ore Project.
The role provides leadership, planning, and technical oversight for drilling and blasting, with a strong focus on managing contractor performance across drilling, charging, and on‑bench execution. A key component of the role is coordinating pit water impacts to ensure drilling access, hole condition, and blast timing are maintained.
Reporting to the Mine Services Manager, you will work closely with Mine Planning, Geology, Water Management, Mine Services, and Mine Operations to deliver safe, efficient drill and blast outcomes aligned with the mine plan.
Key Responsibilities
You will be responsible for
- Leading and overseeing all drill and blast activities across the operation
- Managing and driving performance of drilling and blasting contractors across drilling, charging, and firing
- Ensuring all activities comply with
- Simandou site standards and procedures
- Applicable Guinean legislation and explosives regulations
- Approved blast management plans and designs
- Managing pit water impacts on drill and blast, including wet holes, sump placement, pumping, and sequencing with dewatering plans
- Coordinating closely with Mine Services on bore pump installations, relocations, and pipeline movements that influence drilling access and blast timing
- Working with Technical Services to optimise fragmentation, wall control, vibration, and overall blast performance
- Monitoring productivity, cost, and quality metrics and driving continuous improvement with contractors
- Maintaining safe on‑bench practices, consistent charging standards, and equipment readiness
- Contributing to short‑, medium‑, and longer‑term planning, including drill fleet requirements, explosive supply systems, and water management strategies
- Leading safety interactions, planning meetings, and performance reviews
- Participating in incident investigations, audits, and assurance activities
- Developing capability within the team, including coaching and mentoring national supervisors and engineers
Safety & Leadership
- Provide visible leadership in safety across all drill and blast activities
- Ensure critical risks associated with explosives, drilling, and blasting are identified and effectively controlled
- Promote a culture of accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement
- Act as a role model for Simandou values and operational standards
About You
To be successful in this role, you will bring
- Strong safety leadership with a practical, field‑based approach
- Demonstrated experience managing drill and blast operations in an open‑pit mining environment
- Experience managing and influencing contractor performance across drilling and blasting scopes
- Sound understanding of drill and blast design, execution, and performance optimisation
- Experience working in water‑affected drilling and blasting environments
- Ability to coordinate effectively with Mine Services on pumping and water control
- Strong communication and the ability to influence across operational and technical teams
- Well‑developed planning, organisational, and cost management skills
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in drill and blast operations within open‑pit mining
- Strong understanding of explosives management, blasting practices, and regulatory compliance
Desirable
- Experience with non‑electric and electronic initiation systems
- Experience in high rainfall or complex groundwater environments
- Experience on large‑scale iron ore or greenfield mining projects
- French or Chinese language skills
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.
