Extraction Manager

Iluka Resources Limited; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Parental leave (up to 18 weeks)

Relocation assistance

Employee share scheme

Bonus structure

Job summary

Iluka Resources is launching a Balranald operation with a senior leadership role responsible for setting the strategic direction of extraction operations. The role requires autonomy, high-level decision making, and proven leadership in mining or heavy industry.

FIFO from Melbourne with 8/6 roster arrangements will apply. You will optimise drill utilisation, manage underground extraction, and work with internal stakeholders to plan and execute operations, while aiming for maximum reserve recovery

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in mining, resources or heavy industrial environments.
• Ability to lead through others, build capability and high-performing teams.
• Exposure to drilling operations a plus.

Responsibilities

• Align and deliver the strategic direction of the extraction operations team.
• Ensure ore delivery specifications are met and drills are utilised effectively.
• Manage underground mining extraction operations with contracts and best practice.
• Maximise reserve recovery through standard operations practices and efficient techniques.
• Plan and deploy infrastructure and resources with internal stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Autonomy

Critical thinking

Decision making

Education

Mining/Engineering degree

Job description

8 days on, 6 days off roster FIFO from Melbourne

Join Iluka's new Balranald Operation that deploys a novel, remotely operated, underground mining technology based on Horizontal Direction Drilling platforms to extract ore. Balranald deposit is one of the highest-grade mineral sands deposits in the world, containing significant quantities of titanium minerals rutile and zircon, as well as smaller but material quantities of rare earths.

About The Location

Iluka’s Balranald operation is located just outside of Balranald township in regional south-western NSW. You can choose to reside locally, drive-in drive-out from towns within the regional area, or fly-in fly-out from a capital city.

About the Role

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you are accountable for setting and delivering the strategic direction of the extraction operations team at Balranald, ensuring ore delivery specifications are met, drills are effectively utilised, and the ore body recovered.

This is a senior leadership role managing a dynamic and complex business unit and therefore requires an individual who demonstrates an elevated level of autonomy, critical thinking, and decision-making ability.

You can find out about our Balranald operation through the following link:

https://www.iluka.com/operations-resource-development/operations/balranald/

Your accountabilities will include:

Optimise and track mineral extraction operations

Ensure optimal utilisation of drills, mud plant, fixed surface support plant, drilling and pipe workshops and equipment such that utilisation, throughput, meters, and availability metrics are realised for each drill

Manage underground mining extraction operations contingent with contracts and industry best practice

Ensure maximum reserve recovery is achieved through utilising, promoting, and improving plant standard operations practices and systems as well as efficient techniques

Deploy infrastructure and resources (capital, people, operating etc.) effectively through consulting with internal stakeholders to ensure extraction operations are appropriately planned scheduled and executed

About you:

Well-rounded operational leader with experience delivering safe and productive outcomes in mining, resources, or medium to heavy industrial environments

Proven ability to lead through others, building capability, accountability, and high-performing teams

Tertiary qualification in Mining, Engineering, Construction, or a related discipline is preferred

Exposure/experience in the management of mining, fabrication, engineering or other operational vendors and personnel

Strong people leadership skills, including coaching leaders, managing performance, and fostering team engagement

Experience or exposure to drilling operations is a preference but not a requirement

Our Offer to You:

Be involved in the ongoing development of a new mine with new mining methods

Family friendly 8:6 roster FIFO/DIDO/Residential

Opportunities for training and professional development

Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave

Competitive remuneration package including allowances and bonus structure

Company shares matching scheme

Attractive relocation assistance packages for those interested

Full working rights in Australia are required for you to be eligible to apply for this role.

Applications Close: 06 October 2026

“We respect and encourage diversity in a workforce that reflects our communities.”

Unlock job insights

Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants

Mining, Minerals & Metals 1,001-5,000 employees

Iluka Resources is a leading global producer of the critical minerals zircon and high grade titanium dioxide feedstocks. Iluka has also established a significant position in rare earth elements. As an international supplier of critical minerals, Iluka’s products are used in an array of applications including technology, construction, medical, lifestyle and industrial uses. As the world moves towards a smarter, safer and sustainable future, Iluka’s high quality products are increasing in demand.

Iluka Resources is a leading global producer of the critical minerals zircon and high grade titanium dioxide feedstocks. Iluka has also established a significant position in rare earth elements. As an international supplier of critical minerals, Iluka’s products are used in an array of applications including technology, construction, medical, lifestyle and industrial uses. As the world moves towards a smarter, safer and sustainable future, Iluka’s high quality products are increasing in demand.

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