Testimonials

How I got here...

Video testimonials

Nquangi
Nquangi is a graduate mineralist working with Rio Tinto Exploration.

 

Ricardo
Ricardo is a geologist working on an Exploration Project in Chile

 

Elana
Elana works in production planning at the Richards Bay Mine in South Africa.

 

Carina
Carina works as environmental officer on Rio Tinto Copper Exploration site in Peru.

 

 

More testimonials are available within each region in the Where can I work? section.

Africa

Elana

Business Analyst, Richard Bay Minerals

Rio Tinto, and Richards Bay Minerals in particular, have given me excellent opportunities to grow, both on a personal and professional basis. On a personal basis I have been supported by capable management that has encouraged me to excel. On a professional basis, RBM has a wide range of metallurgical process (from dune mining to smelting) that affords the opportunity to gain broad exposure to different processing techniques in mining and metallurgy. Career opportunities are significantly improved by the fact that RBM is part of a major international mining company. This allows exposure to people and ideas from across the world on a variety of collaborative topics ranging from training to the implementation of new ideas.

Australia

Michael

Superintendent - Business Evaluation, Iron Ore Company of Canada

I studied Chemical Engineering at Melbourne University and graduated in 1996. As part of my studies I worked as a vacation student at CRA ATD, and was offered a graduate job in 1997. I started in the Extractive Metallurgy department, and spent a fair bit of time in the laboratory working mainly in the hydrometallurgy field. I then spent time in Weipa, where I was seconded to a business evaluation team. I was promoted in 2001 and since then have spent my time with Technical Services in project management and evaluation of new resources. The last 2 years I have worked on Industrial Minerals projects, travelling extensively and dealing with technical consultants and engineering companies. The work is challenging and I get the opportunity to meet new people and travel to interesting places. I've now moved to a position in Canada looking at business evaluation.

Canada

Nicole

Mechanical Engineer, Iron Ore Company of Canada 

I graduated in 1998 from Memorial University with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Co-operative program. Upon graduation, I was hired into the Graduate Development program at IOCC. This program has a two-year mandate to develop graduates via completion of four rotations in different areas of the value chain. The program gave me the opportunity to work in all areas of the value chain, including the mine, concentrator, pellet plant and loading facilities in Sept-Iles. The program provided the opportunity to work within numerous disciplines, including engineering, maintenance and operations. I believe the program provided the experience and exposure to enable me, in 5 years, to move from a junior engineering role to a Superintendent role. I would strongly recommend this program it provided me the experience necessary for a global understanding of the company and helps the graduate understand the career path they want to pursue. Through the graduate development program I was given the opportunity to direct my career and develop a diverse set of skills.

South America

Sam

Project Geologist, Rio Tinto Exploration

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 Tinto 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 Tinto's safety standards for Chilean field operations.

United States

Eric

Paper Applications Engineer, Rio Tinto Minerals (formerly US Luzenac)

Currently as a Paper Applications Engineer, I have had excellent opportunities to visit pulp and paper mills. This travel has allowed me to communicate with customers, visualize their expectations, and conduct business with the sales force. Attendance at professional trainings and conferences has permitted further expansion of my knowledge of the paper industry.

I have three bachelors' degrees (May 2003) from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO: Chemical Engineering; Spanish Language & Culture, and Physical Science.

I chose these various disciplines because I enjoy mathematics, chemistry, languages and foreign travel.

In the future, I hope to obtain my Professional Engineer (PE) licensure and continue my education to higher levels. I desire to become fluent in a third language. By such accomplishments, I aspire to be more of a contribution to an ever-growing global economy.

United Kingdom

Matt

Process Engineer, Anglesey Aluminium

In 2002 I graduated from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia with a double degree in Chemical Engineering and Business Management. The same year I accepted an offer to join Comalco Aluminium (a subsidiary of Rio Tinto) as a Development Engineer with CRTS in Melbourne, providing technical support to the three Comalco smelters in Australia and New Zealand.

Over the next two-and-a-half years I worked on a number of projects based around reduction cell operation, particularly for Boyne Smelters Ltd. in Queensland, Australia. These projects focussed on supporting infrastructure upgrades and business improvement. The role gave me a broad exposure to all aspects of engineering, from computer modelling of new designs through to leading and managing project work on site. I particularly enjoyed the strong friendships I made, as well as the opportunities to travel extensively between the three smelters, not a bad thing during a Melbourne winter!

The opportunity to work and live in Europe drove my decision to transfer to Anglesey Aluminium as a Process Engineer in July 2005. I'm currently leading a group of Six Sigma projects aimed at helping position our cell operations for improved efficiency. I'm enjoying the differences that come with working directly in a smelter, and there is significant motivation in knowing the outcomes of my projects have an immediate impact on the bottom line. Transferring to Anglesey has been a very positive experience, and based on my first three years with Rio Tinto, I feel there is much to look forward to in the future.