Pilbara Mine Operations – Western Australia | FIFO options available
-
Lead operationally critical Drill & Blast teams across world‑class mine operations
-
Significant scope for career development and progression
-
Flexibility for the lifestyle you want – attractive FIFO rosters
We encourage women and Indigenous Peoples to apply, as we continue to build a workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate.
About the role
Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.
We are looking for an experienced Superintendent Drill & Blast to provide strong leadership across large Drill & Blast teams within our Pilbara Mine Operations, ensuring drilling and blasting activities are executed safely, efficiently and in line with statutory and Rio Tinto Iron Ore standards.
This is a great opportunity for a safety‑focused, people‑centred operational leader to manage complex mining activities while developing high‑performing teams in a dynamic operating environment.
Leading on the frontline is one of the most important roles in our business. You will be responsible for motivating, developing and keeping your teams safe and well, supported by industry‑leading leadership programmes and rosters designed to support the lifestyle that works for you and your family.
Reporting to the Manager Mining and working within a collaborative and safety‑driven mine operations team, you will:
-
Lead and embed a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements, standards and policies
-
Provide visible leadership across Drill & Blast operations, driving safe and efficient execution
-
Coach, develop and performance‑manage large operational teams
-
Support recruitment activities and drive employee engagement through consistent and inclusive leadership
-
Monitor, analyse and report on Drill & Blast performance to achieve plan and continuously improve outcomes
-
Work collaboratively with site and functional teams to deliver broader operational objectives
About you
-
A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
-
Strong experience in Drill & Blast or Mine Production operations
-
Proven leadership experience leading and developing large teams
-
A collaborative approach with strong interpersonal and communication skills
-
A current WA unrestricted Quarry Manager’s Ticket and Statutory Supervisor Legal Exam
-
A current Western Australian C Class Driver’s Licence (Manual)
What we offer
Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.
-
A permanent role working directly for Rio Tinto
-
A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
-
Competitive base salary with annual incentive bonus
-
Full relocation support to Western Australia (within Australia)
-
Company housing and financial support for residential roles, including rent and utilities
-
Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for you and your immediate family
-
Attractive share ownership plan and company‑provided insurance cover
-
Extensive salary sacrifice and packaging options
-
Career development and education assistance to support your leadership or technical growth
-
Paid parental leave of 18 weeks for all parents, taken at a time that suits you
-
Leave for all of life’s reasons, including annual, parental, sick and cultural leave
-
Ongoing access to family‑friendly health and wellbeing support
-
Exclusive employee discounts across travel, banking, retail and more
We are committed to elevating Indigenous voices and increasing cultural knowledge across our business. A diverse workforce strengthens how we work together and helps us achieve better outcomes.
Indigenous employees also have access to:
-
Specialist Indigenous Support Advisors throughout their employment
-
Dedicated Indigenous Talent Programmes supporting long‑term, sustainable career pathways
-
Indigenous leadership programmes across selected professional and operational roles
Where you’ll be working
In the Pilbara region of Western Australia, we operate a world‑class, integrated network of 18 mines, four port terminals, and a rail network spanning nearly 2,000 kilometres. As one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of iron ore, our operations are designed to respond rapidly to global demand while creating long‑term value for our communities.
Applications close on 17th March 2026 (Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove advertised roles prior to this date.)
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
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTI+ 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.
R51504
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.
Start your application
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 our Operations teams
The most important thing you’ll uncover is your own potential.
Working in Operations at Rio Tinto means you can make a hands-on difference in the discovery and delivery of the materials that make human progress possible. In return, we strive to help you achieve and even exceed your career goals. 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.



















