Mining Engineer - Operations Planning

About the role

Rio Tinto is looking for a Mining Engineer to join its Operations Planning team and deliver reliable, accurate and sustainable mine planning for its Pilbara Mines operations. Reporting to the Superintendent Operation Planning, the role turns operational data into achievable plans and offers broad operational exposure. It is a permanent full-time position based in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver executable 2-week schedules aligned to the Quarterly Forecast, translating quarterly plans into operational detail
• Produce and manage the Development and Drill & Blast daily schedule, monitor drill pattern availability and manage deviations from the 2-week schedule
• Maintain development Gantt charts, avoidance and hazard layers, and safe work areas for autonomous drill operations
• Track quarterly forecast milestones, manage downhill haulage compliance and maintain approved mine designs for pits, dumps, stockpiles and roads
• Undertake bench planning, complete haulage and production reconciliations, and prepare inputs for end-of-month reconciliations
• Monitor plan implementation, carry out weekly pit drive-ins and field inspections, and recommend corrective actions when performance deviates from plan
• Engage with operations, technical and customer stakeholders to resolve constraints and optimise plan execution

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in Mining Engineering or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in open pit mining operations and mine planning/scheduling
• Strong understanding of short-term planning, development planning and Drill & Blast processes
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and to reconcile plan performance against actuals
• Experience engaging frontline leaders and stakeholders to resolve planning constraints

Required skills

• Intermediate to advanced Excel and data analysis
• HOSDI, Xecute, Vulcan, Alastri, Deswik or equivalent mine planning and scheduling software (helpful)
• Numerical analysis, data validation and reconciliation

What we offer

• Competitive base salary with an annual incentive program
• Medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family
• Share ownership plan and salary sacrifice and packaging options
• Career development and education assistance
• Vacation, paid parental, personal and cultural leave, and employee discounts