Principal Mining Engineer Studies

at Rio Tinto
Published July 20, 2025
Location Brisbane, Australia
Category Engineering  
Job Type Full-time  

Description

Principal Mining Engineer – Studies

A great opportunity to be part of an inclusive team delivering the resources of the future
Supportive team culture with a focus on people, capabilities, core work, business improvement, and partnerships
Permanent role based in Brisbane, Australia
About The Role

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.

We are looking for Principal Mining Engineer to provide technical expertise in planning. Support the Studies activities within T&SMP, and to assist in the management of 7 Senior Mining Engineers, and coordination of the work activities to be completed.

We are an open, connected international team of technical specialists using some of the most exciting data and tools on the planet. We are the world leader in automation and smart mining.

We have technical development programmes that are industry-leading and recognise the unique nature of your role. These provide opportunities to grow your career through a dedicated technical path while being rewarded for your unique skills your focus will be Oyu Tolgoi an operating Copper / Gold open pit mine and underground mining project. The site is located in the Gobi desert region of Mongolia.

Reporting to Manager Studies. You will be accountable for:

A strong commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
Bachelor’s Degree in mining engineering with extensive technical experience in underground mining
Experience in Mine Operations and/or Projects, Mine Technical Services and/or Studies
Experience with underground mine development processes, specifically cave development and construction
Competency in Risk Management and Risk Assessment
Build relationships with both internal stakeholders and external consultancies
You must possess a high understanding of project management, project development and engineering work methodology
Excellent writing skills, attention to detail and an ability to problem solve
Demonstrated commercial insight, strategic thinking and business acumen
Excellent interpersonal, team building and collaborative skills
Inclusive, honest, kind, and respectful interactions with your stakeholders and team
Problem solving and forward-thinking mindset
Exceptional communication skills giving clear recommendations and communications aimed at the right level
Works very well in a team that has diverse experience, technical expertise and opinion to draw out the best for project solutions
Experience in delivery of mine studies and design
Experience in underground mining construction
Sound knowledge of mine ventilation systems
Understanding of cave production planning systems and mine design software packages
Membership of professional mining societies such as Engineers Australia, AusIMM
Chartered Professional recognition (or eligibility) CP, RPEQ etc.
Providing technical support for caving and mining engineering at our Oyu Tolgoi mine
Be a significant contributor to pre-feasibility and feasibility studies that will shape the future of Oyu Tolgoi
Lead a team of mining engineers to execute safe and practical mine designs, while supporting their development and growth
What you’ll need for this role

To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:

Bachelor Degree in Mining Engineering, Geosciences or equivalent
Established Mine planning experience in large underground mining environments
Must demonstrate proficiency in computer applications
Must exhibit a strong understanding of mining principles.
Ability to work in cross-functional and multi-disciplinary teams to ensure mine plans are integrated across ore body knowledge and the business.
Requires excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with employees at all levels of the organization.
Strong communication skills including preparation of technical reports and presentations to management and peers across the value stream.
Stakeholder management skills
Ability to solve and communicate technical problems with practical solutions.
Requires strong reasoning and critical thinking.
Desirable – Relevant experience to meet the requirement of a competent Person as defined within the JORC Code.
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 work environment where safety is always the number one priority
A culture to support flexible working options
A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto
A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive program
Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family
Attractive share ownership plan
Extensive salary sacrifice & salary packaging options
Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions
Ongoing access to family-friendly health and medical wellbeing support
Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave)
Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more)
Where you will be working

The role will be based in our Brisbane hub but will have a global responsibility, some travel will be expected where conditions allow. Supporting Oyu Tolgoi LLC (OT), OT is Mongolia's largest copper and gold mining company, and is a strategic partnership between the Government of Mongolia and Rio Tinto. It is located in the South Gobi. Some travel to Oyu Tolgoi will be expected.

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

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.

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Direct Link to Apply: jobs.riotinto.com