Rio Tinto Nature Solutions Scholarship Programme 2025
Are you interested in finding better ways to address climate change and deliver positive outcomes for people and nature? Are you passionate about sustainable development, and nature protection and restoration? We are encouraging the next generation of leaders and innovators through the Rio Tinto Nature Solutions Scholarship Programme.
The Nature Solutions team is a small, diverse and purpose-driven group of experts investing in and developing nature-based solutions projects that generate carbon credits and bring positive outcomes in Rio Tinto’s operating regions. Together, we are looking for future leaders to work with us on projects that help address climate change and secure more resilient livelihoods for communities through the protection, sustainable management and restoration of nature.
The Rio Tinto Nature Solutions Programme offers a great opportunity for students in the following fields at accredited South African institutions:
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Natural Sciences
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Climate Sciences
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Social Sciences
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Data Science/carbon modelling
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GIS
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Finance, Econometrics, Economics
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Management, Business Administration, Project Management
Why Apply?
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Financial support: covering tuition fees and learning materials
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Exclusive mentorship: guidance from experienced professionals in your field.
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Workplace experience: hands-on work within a global organisation
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Career opportunities: steppingstone into opportunities within a global company committed to finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.
Who Can Apply
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Students enrolled in an honours level degree or in the final year of a Master’s degree.
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Students with excellent passing grades and good reviews from their institution
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Passionate about innovation and committed to making a difference in their communities.
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Purpose-driven and passionate about outcomes for people and nature, beyond carbon credits.
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An interest in and knowledge of biogeochemical processes, ecosystem services and/or inferential statistics will be beneficial.
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Not receiving any other scholarship funding.
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Serious about turning knowledge into action.
Based on your results you may have access to our Graduate program in 2026 once you complete your Honours/Master’s degree.
How to Apply
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Submit your application online
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Attach your CV, academic transcripts, and a motivational letter outlining why you’re the perfect candidate.
(Please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered)
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.
Every Voice Matters
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation and/ or anything else that makes us different.
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Women, the LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities (PWD) and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We acknowledge that all people are different and believe that our differences are our strength. The diversity of skills, life experiences and perspectives within our teams enhance our way of working and our ability to achieve success together
JOB_POSTING-3-3510
Take your leadership career to the next level.
Where can Rio Tinto take you?
You’re passionate and ambitious with tremendous career aspirations. The breadth and growth of our organisation empowers you to define your ideal career path.
Take a look at Katie’s career journey
Take a look at Theresia’s career journey
- 2022 - PresentManager Projects - Energy DevelopmentBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2021Superintendent Operations CentreBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2020Development / Drill and Blast SuperintendentPilbara, Western Australia
- 2019Deputy Quarry ManagerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2018Development SupervisorPilbara, Western Australia
- 2017Senior Engineer of Drill, Blast and SurveyPilbara, Western Australia
- 2016Production EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2015Mine scheduler - 2 week plannerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2014Drill and Blast EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2012Graduate Mining EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2022 – PresentChief advisor Nature SolutionsJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- 2018 – 2022Head of Environment, Global HSESMontreal, Quebec, Canada
- 2016 – 2018Principal advisor: EnvironmentJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- 2013 – 2016Superintendent: Ecology and RehabilitationRichards Bay Minerals, KZN, South Africa
- 2012 – 2013EcologistRichards Bay Minerals, KZN, South Africa
Working at Rio Tinto
Help us deliver the materials that make human progress possible.
The plane you’re flying in just landed. You fire up your phone and get your laptop out of the overhead bin. Immediately, you’re in work mode – thousands of miles from your office. Do you ever stop to think about all the materials that make life in the 21st century possible? At Rio Tinto, we discover, develop and deliver the materials that drive human progress. When you work with us, you’ll experience advantages you won’t find anywhere else.
Working in one of our function’s teams
We supply the materials that drive human progress. You make it all possible.
With business operations that stretch from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Perth, Western Australia, we have exciting opportunities in virtually every discipline imaginable. From HR to marketing, finance to technology, infrastructure to supply chain, and much more, the opportunities are endless. Join us and enjoy:
Our application process
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Apply
The first thing you’ll need to do is apply to the role. You can do this with your LinkedIn profile or you can upload your resume. We’ll also ask you to complete a few questions before you submit your application.
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Undergo assessments
Our assessments are designed to help us work out whether you are suitable for the role. We will let you know which ones you’ll need to complete.
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Interview(s)
Our interviews could be in person or online. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know you a bit better, answer any of your questions and talk about the exciting career opportunity you have applied for.
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Offers and checks
At this stage, we will let you know if you have been successful. If you have been, we’ll need to conduct a couple of checks, such as a background or security check. You may also need to do a medical assessment depending on the role you have applied for.
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Join the Rio Tinto team
Once the checks have been completed, we’ll be in touch to talk with you about your start date and answer any questions you may have before you start with us.