Tailings Operator

DISCOVER A BRIGHTER FUTURE 

At South32, we’re meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there’s no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we’re making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

Whatever career path you choose, we’ll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

ABOUT GEMCO

Located on the tropical Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory, GEMCO is an open-cut mine that is accountable for over 15% of the world’s manganese ore production. Groote Eylandt is home to the Anindilyakwa people, who are the traditional owners of the land and have been working alongside GEMCO since 1963

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

• 26 weeks full-paid, or 52 weeks half-paid parental leave for primary carers
• Ability to purchase up to 4 weeks of additional annual leave
• 14% superannuation
• Excellent facilities including gym, beachside workout area, swimming pool, golf course, tennis and squash courts, sports oval, and scenic walking tracks

ABOUT THE ROLE 

This role is a permanent, site-based position on a 7:7-day shift roster, with a FIFO arrangement from Darwin or Cairns.  

As a Tailings Operator, you'll execute production activities according to the Production Plan, operate fixed and mobile plant equipment to safety and operational standards and support minor civil and mechanical maintenance activities. You'll develop into key site responsibilities, including Area Owner, Authorised Isolator, and ATW Authoriser, essential functions that keep operations running safely and efficiently.

Reporting to the Coordinator, Sand and Tailings, other key responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Operate tailings storage facilities, dams, and associated infrastructure, including pumps, pipelines, and distribution systems. Control tailings discharge, density, and flow rates while managing water recovery systems. Coordinate with concentrator operations and operate dewatering equipment to maximise operational efficiency.
• Execute hazard assessments, equipment isolations, and SIMOPS protocols as Area Owner. Monitor environmental parameters, including seepage, groundwater, dust, and water quality. Ensure full compliance with dam safety regulations and environmental permits.
• Monitor critical instrumentation and conduct inspections of dam walls, embankments, and spillways. Maintain required freeboard levels and dam stability. Operate the mobile plant. Coordinate with geotechnical engineers on facility performance.
• Drive operational improvements and optimise tailings facility performance. Support the dam activities, conduct root cause analysis, and maintain accurate records in SAP.

ABOUT YOU 

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following: 

• Minimum 3 years practical experience working in civil processing or beneficiation plants, with knowledge of crushers, tailings systems, water management, and pumping operations.
• A genuine commitment to keeping yourself and your team safe is essential. We're seeking individuals who can identify hazards and adhere to safety procedures.
• Wide range of equipment skills, as you will be required to operate mobile equipment like bulldozers, graders, backhoes, rollers, loaders, forklifts, and water trucks and be comfortable doing pre-start checks
• Comfortable with Computer Systems as you use SAP to keep maintenance records up to date. Basic computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office, are essential for creating accurate reports and documentation and are part of the daily routine.
• Practical Problem Solver as we need you to think on your feet, troubleshoot issues quickly, and share ideas on how to improve processes and make things run more efficiently.
• Working Well with Your Team, you'll work closely with control room staff, your supervisor, maintenance crew, and the mining team. Clear communication, honesty, integrity, and a collaborative attitude are what make our operations successful.

Qualifications for this position are: 

• Relevant Trade Qualifications is desirable, (mechanical or electrical or instrumentation)
• Current HR (Heavy Rigid) License required. HC (Heavy Combination) license is desirable.
• High-Risk Work Licenses (Desirable) – Forklift (LF), Dozer (LZ), Front-End Loader (LL), Skid Steer (LS), Excavator (LE), Grader (LG), Backhoe (LB), Overhead Crane, Confined Space, and Working at Heights are highly valued and will help you stand out.

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate.  We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable, and accessible to all, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

This job advert will close on 30 October 2025