Rio Tinto is seeking more than 100 workers for a variety of roles at its bauxite operations in Far North Queensland.
A recruitment drive has been launched for positions at Rio’s existing Weipa mines at Andoon and East Weipa and the Amrun project south of the Embley River between Weipa and Aurukun.
Rio is aiming to build a workforce in the region capable of supporting the developing site at Amrun.
The Amrun project includes a range of infrastructure to support mining, including a processing plant and port near Boyd Bay, a dam, roads and tailings storage facility. A ferry terminal on Hey River will transport workers from Weipa to the mine.
Rio is seeking workers to fill positions for electrical and instrumentation technicians, operators, plant fitters and in maintenance.
The company said some Amrun roles would start immediately, while others would gradually take effect between 2018 and 2019. Rio is aiming to ship first bauxite from Amrun during the first quarter of 2019.
Rio Tinto Weipa Operations general manager Daniel van der Westhuizen said it was exciting for the company to offer so many roles that would ultimately support the bauxite operations.
“It’s an exciting time for our people, business and community with Amrun becoming a part of a strong and sustainable future for the region,” van der Westhuizen said.
Weipa will remain the residential base for the three mines in the region, with Andoom and East Weipa employees returning home after every shift, according to the miner.
Rio Tinto East Weipa superintendent and future Amrun employee Scott Tass said: “A couple of years ago when I heard the Amrun project was going ahead, I knew I had to start looking at making my way back to Weipa because I wanted to be part of it.
“Aside from moving the first bit of ore, I’m most looking forward to the facilities there. I’ve been in a number of camps and Amrun stands above the rest,” Tass said.
Rio roles in demand at Weipa:
- Fixed plant operator maintainers
- Heavy equipment personnel
- Crew leader
- Plant operators
- Electrical maintainers/operators
- Electrical maintainers
- Heavy equipment fitters
- Dozer and loader operators.