Rio Tinto Exploration

Kudakwashe

Project Geologist
South Africa

My association with Rio Tinto started in 1994 when I was studying for my honours Degree in Geology at the University of Zimbabwe. Rio Tinto awarded me a one year scholarship for my studies, paying for all my expenses and also awarding me an opportunity for summer work. I then worked for the company as an Exploration Geologist on diamond projects in the south of Zimbabwe. This was a very enjoyable experience, mostly because of the training I received, but also because of the exposure to nature that one receives in exploration.

In 1999 Rio Tinto awarded me another scholarship to study for a Master's Degree in Mineral Exploration. This was really the beginning of my international geological exposure, as the course was in South Africa (a country well endowed in mineral resources). Since then, my exposure to the international mining industry has increased through attendance of international conferences and training courses. My exposure to different types of mineral deposits has also benefited through field trips and work in different geological environments in different countries (Zimbabwe, South Africa, Turkey, Chile and Canada).

But what strikes me the most is Rio Tinto's concern for the well being of its employees and the communities and environment around its projects. These are clearly outlined in its policy document 'The way we work' and reflected in the Health, Safety, Environment and Communities management plans that we implement all our projects. In summary, a caring company.

Sam

Community Relations Officer
AER Exploration

I joined Rio Tinto in May 2000 after graduating from Stellenbosch University with a B.Sc (Hons) in Geology. I was employed as a mineralogist at the Polokwane Mineral Processing facility with occasional visits to the field. Strong working relationships were established as well as a few great friendships. Looking back I doubt that I could have asked for a better 'first job'.

After five years as a mineralogist the opportunity arose for me to be part of the RT Exploration team in a somewhat different capacity. Since May 2005 I have been responsible for community relations of the South African Exploration Programme. Stepping away from the technical side of things and moving in with the HSEC management family has truly been an experience. Although far removed from my formal qualifications as a geoscientist, my new role has opened a whole new world of challenges and opportunities within the group.

Rio Tinto Exploration in Southern Africa is currently in the process of formalising its approach to community relations. I look forward to being a part of that change.

 

Sam

Project Geologist

When I left England for South America, I went with an old green sofa, a great deal of enthusiasm and 9 words of Spanish. Seven years later I find myself in Australia with the same old green sofa, a job I thrive on and a Chilean companion.

South America was unforgettable. I first landed in the lunar landscape of Antofagasta, Chile during a Rio Tinto Vacation Placement in 1996. A year later, having graduated in Geology and Geophysics from Durham University I was back there again, working with the Porphyry Copper Exploration team.

A steep learning curve, responsibility and lots of hard physical work came alongside the privilege of working with an international team of geologists in spectacularly remote places. Fairly quickly I learnt Spanish, how to dance (badly) and made some firm friendships.

Initially I spent most of my time in the field running geophysical surveys and integrating the results with geology and remote sensing data. In 1999 I was made responsible for geophysics in Argentina and in 2000 for geophysics in Chile.

Although I was initially employed as a Geophysicist, Rio increasingly supported my interest in geology by giving me mapping and drilling experience, sending me on mine trips and by giving me my own exploration projects to run. As part of a small, flexible field office I also found myself contributing to the Global Information System (GIS) and implementing Rio's safety standards for Chilean field operations.

Last year I was seconded to the Perth Exploration office as a Project Geologist and am now coordinating exploration for Argyle Diamond Mine. Coming to Australia has meant swapping donkeys for helicopters and high-altitude dizziness for soaring temperatures. The learning curve has steepened again and I'm enjoying the challenges of a new commodity, working with local Aboriginals and gaining experience in the mine environment.

I look forward to ongoing challenges; who knows, perhaps next time the helicopter will be swapped for a snowmobile or canoe one day?

Victor

Geologist

 

In 1997 I graduated with an honours degree in Geology and Petroleum Geology from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. My fascination with the Scottish hills and the outdoors led me to doing a geology degree, I always wanted to know what was inside these hills, what they where made from and how they formed.

I started with Rio Tinto in the Africa and Europe district region working on geophysical surveys in Sweden as a field assistant. In January 1998 I was asked to run the in house geophysical unit. This took me to various places in Europe and Africa over the period of three years. During these three years I worked on various exciting grass root projects of various commodities.

For the last three years I have been working as a geologist on Iron Ore prospects in Western Africa and recently was seconded to Australia where I work in the Pilbara in search for the next giant iron ore deposit.

It hasn't just been the wide geological and geophysical experience that Rio Tinto exposed has me to. Other areas such as community relations and the environment play a large role in the exploration industry and as a geologist you get exposed to these issues.

I have enjoyed the various geological, geophysical, social and environmental challenges I have been exposed to in last six years in various geographical settings. The biggest challenge is yet to be fulfilled and that is to find the next large iron ore mine.

 

 

Adam 

Exploration Manager      
                                                                                                                                                                          
I graduated from Southampton University, UK with a Master of Geology degree in 2000. Shortly after graduation I joined the Rio Tinto Exploration graduate summer placement scheme and flew to the Pyrite-Belt in southern Spain to assist with a base-metal exploration programme.  Upon completion of the summer placement I joined Rio Tinto as a graduate recruit and continued working as an Exploration Geologist for Africa/ Europe Region in Spain, Portugal and Italy on a variety of projects across a number of target commodities.

Early in 2002 I began working in West Africa, a sharp cultural and geological contrast to Western Europe. In Guinea I contributed to iron-ore and diamond exploration team work. Work in Guinea was very rewarding; I was responsible for leading small teams of enthusiastic and genuine people in remote field locations. The immature health and safety culture and the tropical climate presented a series of leadership, technical and physical challenges.

In 2004 I was given the opportunity to lead the Mauritania diamond exploration programme, a technically and logistically challenging project in the remote Sahara desert region. During this assignment I was tasked with leading a multi-cultural team to the discovery of diamondiferous kimberlites and I received my first exposure to commercial aspects of exploration. Shortly afterwards my geographic area of responsibility expanded to include all of West Africa and I inherited a portfolio of projects in several countries across multiple commodities.

I have recently been appointed Exploration Manager for Central Africa district, an area where Rio Tinto has little experience. The high mineral prospectivity of Central Africa is undeniable and the commercial and operational environment will present many challenges and opportunities for the company.
 
Rio Tinto exploration consists of collaborative teams with a global perspective, leading technical know-how and the financial backing to apply the most appropriate exploration techniques. This structure has allowed me to learn from a large pool of experts and contribute to solving problems outside of my area of direct responsibility. During my career RT has invested in my personal development. I have visited numerous world-class mining operations around the world, including the Super-porphyries Copper deposits of the Andes, Iron-ore operations in the Pilbara and diamond mines in the Northern territories of Canada. In addition to mine visits I have attended a number of technical and business conferences and a series of business leadership development programmes.

I have tremendously enjoyed my time with Rio Tinto and look forward to continuing my work in unique and rewarding places, whilst emerged in local culture with real people, and applying leading exploration techniques and technologies to under-explored geological terrains.