Refinery Operator

• Start a career in one of only two copper refineries in the United States – no prior mining or refinery experience required

• Play a hands-on role in producing the copper that powers electric vehicles, solar panels, and critical national infrastructure

• Join a team where safety is non-negotiable, diverse perspectives are welcomed, and your long-term growth is supported

At Rio Tinto, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to succeed. We actively encourage applications from women and from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We know that great technical capability comes in many forms, and we’re focused on building teams that reflect the communities we operate in and support each other to do their best work.

We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide the materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other.

About the role

As a Refinery Operator, you will play a hands-on role in the final and most precise stage of the copper production process: transforming 750-pound copper anodes into the high-purity cathodes that power everything from electric vehicles to solar panels. No prior mining or refinery experience is required; what matters is that you take safety seriously, pay attention to detail, and want to build a long-term career at a world class mining company.

We are looking for a Refinery Operator to support the safe and efficient operation of our copper refinery.

Reporting to the Refinery Supervisor on a 4 day / 4 night rotating shift schedule and working collaboratively with operational teams, you will be responsible for:

• Operating and monitoring refinery equipment and instrumentation to support continuous, safe copper production

• Adhering to all site safety procedures, standards, and MSHA requirements at all times

• Identifying and reporting equipment issues, hazards, or process abnormalities promptly

• Supporting the team to meet daily production targets and quality standards

• Performing housekeeping and routine maintenance activities within your assigned work area

• Participating in shift handovers, team communication, and continuous improvement activities

• Operating a forklift where required (forklift qualification is an advantage)

About you

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team

• An industrial background or experience working in a physical, hands-on environment (forklift qualification is an advantage)

• Strong work ethic and a willingness to show up on time, ready to contribute every shift

• A team-oriented mindset with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

• Self-motivated and accountable – you take ownership of your work and follow through

• A problem-solving approach and the curiosity to keep learning on the job

• Minimum high school diploma or GED

• Valid driver’s license

This role is open to candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

What we offer

• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority.

• Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus.

• Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.

• Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program.

• Attractive share ownership plan.

• Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.

• A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you’re able to spend quality time with your new family.

• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing.

• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life’s challenges.

Where you’ll be working

Our Kennecott mine is a world-class, fully integrated copper mining operation, including a concentrator, smelter, and refinery, located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903 and is one of the top producing mines in the world, comprising approximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.

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