Principal Resource Geologist (Geostatistician) Job at Rio Tinto, Canterbury
- Location:
- Canterbury
- Work type:
- Full Time
- Classification:
- Mining, Resources & Energy
- Mining – Exploration & Geoscience
Perth Based / Western Australia
- Opportunity to build an international reputation
- Leadership role within Rio Tinto Iron Ore
- Excellent remuneration and benefits
Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) provides unrivalled flexibility by operating and maintaining the diverse assets owned by Hamersley Iron and Robe River in the northwest of Western Australia. We will offer you commitment to a safe, injury free working environment, a highly competitive salary package, and the opportunity to experience a unique lifestyle whilst developing your career. With combined operations comprising three shipping terminals, eleven mines and the largest heavy freight railway in Australia, the Pilbara operations produce more than 225 million tonnes of iron ore annually and are growing towards an annual production rate of over 300 milliontonnes.An opportunity currently exists for a Principal Geostatistician to join our Perth based Resource Geology team. Our team is comprised of a small group of geo-scientists who are responsible for:
- Resource estimation and system development for Rio Tinto Iron Ore including identification and management of geological risk from initial evaluation drilling through to grade-control and stockpiles.
- The review of the Geological components for new projects to ensure they meet both internal and external (JORC) guidelines.
- Reconciliation of the Models against, production and other data.
The purpose of this role is to identify and apply advanced geostatistical methods to help quantify grade and geological risk and its impact on business. As a senior level role reporting to the Manager Resource Geology, the position is also responsible for developing and managing a core team of geostatisticians and to mentor Resource Development staff in the application and use of advanced geostatistical methods.Key responsibilities include:
- Selecting and applying the appropriate advanced geo-statistical techniques for identifying and managing geological risk from initial evaluation drilling through to grade-control and stockpile management.
- Assisting in developing methods in which the outputs of advanced geostatistical models can be effectively used in mine planning, mine optimisation and strategic planning scenarios.
- Assisting in the review of geological components for each of the expansion studies to ensure they meet both internal (TEG) and external (JORC) standards and the inherent risks are identified and appropriately managed.
- Providing guidance and support to improve resource estimation process.
- Mentoring of Resource Development staff and Management in the application, limitations and uses of advanced geo-statistical methods within the framework of overall business optimisation.
Successful applicants will have significant experience as a geologist, or mining engineer, with postgraduate qualifications in Geostatistics including the application of non-linear geostatistics techniques which includes multivariate conditional simulation and multivariate local change of support modelling, for Mineral Resource Estimation.Experience gained in mine optimisation, mine planning and scheduling software as well as strategic planning is also desirable.This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to step into a technically challenging role with a strong leadership component. The successful candidate will be rewarded with a dynamic working environment, access to a strong internal network of industry experts and the opportunity to contribute to international research projects.Closing date for applications 07th September 2011.