Superintendent – Drill & Blast

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 and Blast

We are looking for a Superintendent Drill and Blast to join the Simandou Mining Operations team. The role provides leadership, planning and technical oversight for all drill and blast activities, with a strong focus on managing the contractor responsible for blasting and ensuring overall contractor performance across drilling and on-bench work. A major part of the role is coordinating pit water management so drilling access, hole quality and blast timing are protected. This includes supporting Mine Services with bore pumps, in-pit pumping setups and pipe movements where they affect readiness for drill and blast.
You will work closely with Mine Planning, Geology, Water, Mine Services and Mine Operations to deliver safe, efficient drill and blast aligned with the mine plan.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Lead and oversee all drill and blast activity, with clear day to day management of the blasting contractor
• Monitor and guide contractor performance across drilling, charging and firing, ensuring compliance with design and safety requirements
•  Manage all pit water impacts on drill and blast, including wet holes, sump placement, pumping and sequencing with dewatering plans
• Work with Mine Services on bore pump changes, relocations and pipe movements that influence drilling access or blast timing
• Work with Technical Services to optimise fragmentation, wall control, vibration and overall blast performance
• Track productivity, cost and quality metrics and drive improvement with contractors
• Maintain safe on-bench practices, consistent charging standards and equipment readiness
•  Upskill national supervisors and engineers through coaching, field leadership and structured development
• Contribute to medium- and long-term planning, including drill fleet requirements, explosive delivery systems and water strategies
• Ensure compliance with Rio Tinto standards, procedures and all regulatory requirements 

What You'll Bring

• Educational Background: Tertiary qualifications in mining engineering or a related field.
• Practical Experience: Demonstrated drill and blast experience within an open-cut mining environment, with a preference for experience in iron ore
• Several years of experience in open pit drill and blast, including contractor management
• Sound understanding of drill and blast design and execution
• Experience managing water-affected drilling and blasting environments
• Ability to work effectively with Mine Services on pumps and water control
• Strong communication and the ability to influence across operational teams
• Good planning, organisational and cost awareness 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.

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