Oyu Tolgoi’s workforce today is more than 97 per cent Mongolian, and a major strategic focus for the company is to develop a skilled workforce that is continuously learning. We aim to attract the best talent, so that we can together deliver a safe and globally competitive copper business that contributes to the prosperity of Mongolia.
Oyu Tolgoi LLC is operating a copper-gold mine in southern territory of Mongolia. The company aspires a vision ‘Natural wealth to enduring value, knowledge, and skill’, and pursues a mission, 'Together deliver a safe and globally competitive copper business that contributes to the prosperity of Mongolia' to build one of the largest copper-gold mines worldwide.
Specialist Geology
- Make an impact and contribute to the development of a world-class project within a pioneering organisation
- Great opportunity to work for a global company at the forefront of mining
- Dynamic work culture and great exposure to multicultural teams
- FIFO to site (4weeks on 2 weeks off) or Residential 5/2
Join one of the world’s most exciting copper-gold mining projects
Oyu Tolgoi is one of the most exciting projects in copper and gold mining for several decades. It contains reserves and resources that make it one of the world’s largest known copper and gold deposits. The project, managed by Rio Tinto, is expanding underground. With a high demand of skills required to complete the project safely and successfully, Oyu Tolgoi is expected to be a significant contributor to Mongolia’s development and the prosperity of the Mongolian people.
Discover more about Mongolia and Oyu Tolgoi
Mongolia’s increasingly becoming a destination for tourism and expatriate residents. As a rapidly developing city, Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar is seen as a comfortable, yet exciting place to live. With an array of cultural and social activities available and a growing network of international schools, housing options, and leisure facilities, its home to a growing community of international expatriates.
Located in the South Gobi Desert, just 80 kilometers from the Chinese border, the Oyu Tolgoi open pit mine and camp is a large, well-run and comfortable site with multiple amenities including recreational and sports facilities, a cinema, shops, restaurants and bars catered to a growing community. For more about OT site, please check out this video.
As part of the Oyu Tolgoi Underground Mining Operations team, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to something significant and learn and develop both personally and professionally. We offer a collaborative, high-performing environment where success is achieved by working together.
The Opportunity
The Specialist Geology is to The primary purpose of this role is to support the Underground Geology Superintendent in ensuring efficient geological operations and strategic execution. Responsibilities include providing leadership, reviewing processes, verifying geological data accuracy, and maintaining operational continuity through departmental roster coverage.
The Specialist Geologist will also develop and manage processes for monthly sample analysis, QA/QC, model comparisons (e.g., density and lithology), and assist in managing the drilling contractor and drilling progress and schedule.
They will work closely with the IT team on SQL table configurations and Power BI reporting templates, delivering clear, high-quality reports for stakeholders, including the Government of Mongolia.
Additionally, the role supports ore control optimization and contributes to End-of-Month, quarterly, and annual reconciliations. It also involves stepping in for the Superintendent and assisting with team projects.
What the role entails
Day-to-day execution of underground geological functions including:
- Provide operational support for the Underground Geology Superintendent and assist with cross-functional team projects.
- Support departmental roster rotations, including Ore Control, Projects, Modeling, and Development teams.
- Guide and mentor junior geologists to foster their professional growth and prepare them for future roles.
- Review and approve corporate and government reports (monthly, quarterly, and annually), ensuring accuracy and timely submission through coordination with relevant departments.
- Assist in the creation and updating of SOPs and SOWs for the entire team.
- Establish and manage processes for monthly sample analysis, QA/QC, and model comparisons (e.g., density and lithologies).
- Collaborate with the IT team on SQL table configurations and Power BI reporting templates to support data reporting and visualization.
- Play a key role in ore control optimization and support End-of-Month, quarterly, and annual reconciliation processes.
- Support special projects assigned by the Superintendent, often involving in-depth data analysis.
- Work with the Planning Group on PCBC model calibration to enhance model accuracy and operational efficiency.
- Promote and demonstrate a strong commitment to HSESC standards through personal actions and by fostering a positive safety culture within the team.
- Provide support, supervision, coaching, and guidance to employees to ensure quality and team effectiveness
- Collaborate with your team and management to share the best practices and efficiently implement them.
- Work with mining and support teams to provide necessary resources and support for the overall project activities.
- Utilize the knowledge gained from underground geological development in block mining for future exploration programs.
- Take responsibility for your career by being accountable for your behavior, performance, and development.
- Contribute effectively to your work areas, achieving both individual and organizational success through collaboration, while understanding and embracing core values (Safety, Technical Excellence, Exchange, People, Success).
- Uphold a high standard of professionalism and business ethics.
What you will need for this role
- Bachelor's degree in Geology and 12 years’ experience in production geology, cave mining preferred, or master’s degree in Geology and 10 years’ experience in production geology.
- Minimum 10 year’s work experience or otherwise significant practical experience and on the job training
- Stamina to work in an underground mining environment.
- Strong communication in English with multi-national context, a continuous improvement mindset, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.
About us
As pioneers in mining and metals, we produce materials essential to human progress.
Our long history is filled with firsts. We’ve developed some of the world’s largest and best quality mines and operations, and our people work in around 35 countries across six continents. We’ve led the industry in partnerships, with customers in new markets, and with local communities.
We’ve pioneered technological innovations, such as our Mine of the Future™ program and our low-CO2 aluminium from hydropower. And we’ve paved the way in areas such as safety, tax transparency and legacy management.
Inclusion & Diversity
We are a diverse team of talented, enthusiastic individuals who foster a culture of inclusion. No matter how they may differ, our people share one thing in common. It’s a belief that work is more rewarding when we are accepted and valued for our differences, not judged by them. We all have something to contribute, and it’s this contribution that makes for a great organization and fulfilling career.
So, if this sounds like you and the opportunity you are looking for, apply now.
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Every Voice Matters
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.
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 or anything else that makes us different.
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Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, 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 and meet opportunities.
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities, and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being 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, or anything else that makes us who we are.
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 Shona’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 – PresentGeneral Manager Weipa OperationsWeipa, Far North Queensland, Australia
- 2020General Manager Bell Bay AluminiumLaunceston, Tasmania, Australia
- 2017Metal products DepartmentBoyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2014Reduction line Manager – Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2012Services department Manager Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2011Manager Health, Safety, Environment and business improvement Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2010Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – Boyne SmeltersGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2009Operations SuperintendentGladstone, Queensland, Australia
- 2005Operations SuperintendentLaunceston, Tasmania, Australia
- 2004Graduate EngineerLaunceston, Tasmania, Australia
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 a technical role at Rio Tinto
Your advanced expertise will help drive human progress.
We’ve developed technical capabilities through nearly 150 years of discovering, planning, and operating mines in every corner of the world. We’re an open, connected international team of technical specialists using some of the most sophisticated tools and robust data on the planet. Join us and experience:
Our application process
01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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.
05
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.