Indigenous Development Traineeship - Mine Operators

Rio Tinto

Posted on:  15th Apr 2026
  • 18 month fixed term contract
  • Southern Operations - 7/7 roster day & night shifts
  • Northern Operations 4,5,5 Lifestyle roster days & nights

We are looking for Local Aboriginal Persons (LAP) Mine operator Trainees to operate haul trucks, rear tippers, water carts and other machinery to conduct surface extraction of ore.

About the role

  • Operating long-haul trucks to move bauxite to the dump bridge prior to processing in the beneficiation plant.
  • Operating mobile plant machinery – Rear tippers, watercarts and belly dumpers
  • Use radio and information technology to communicate on-the-job.
  • Complete pre-task risk assessments e.g., take 5’s, pre- start
  • Daily vehicle inspections

About you

  • A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
  • Current Drivers licence
  • Have LAP status approval through WCCCA
  • High degree of work ethic and self-motivation
  • The ability to pass D&A and medical testing
  • Enthusiastic, passionate and work well within a team
  • The ability to successfully complete language, literacy and numeracy testing
  • Provide a compete application kit (resume, drivers licence, LAP Status form and application form)
  • The ability to complete all pre-screening questions
  • The ability to tolerate physically demanding work including 12hr day shift, working in adverse weather etc.

Please note, in accordance with the Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA), this role is prioritised for Local Aboriginal Persons (LAP) with recognised traditional connection to the Weipa operational areas.

*The Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement defines a Local Aboriginal Person (LAP) as:

1. a member of a Traditional Owner Group; OR

2. an Indigenous person connected to a Traditional Owner Group by marriage or adoption; OR

3. a person recognised as a Local Aboriginal Person by the majority of Indigenous members of the Coordinating Committee who, once the decision is made, will always be a Local Aboriginal Person.

Applications close midnight 8th May 2026

About Rio TintoRio 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.

Respect and InclusionAt 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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