Senior Geologist Mine Projects

South32; Mount Isa City; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

South32’s Cannington operation in northwest Queensland is seeking a Senior Geologist for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role leads geological projects from planning to delivery, ensuring safe, on-budget outcomes with strong contractor and team performance.

You will oversee drill scheduling, data integrity and collaboration with Environment, Cultural Heritage and technical teams to meet regulatory requirements, with FIFO from Brisbane, Townsville or DIDO from Mount Isa, Cloncurry and

Qualifications

• Geology degree and field experience in underground/open-pit geology.
• Experience designing and implementing drill programs.
• Project/contractor/team leadership in mining.
• Proficiency with Datamine, Leapfrog, acQuire, Deswik and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Oversee drill scheduling, logging, sampling, analysis and resource definition.
• Maintain accurate geological data and drillhole database integrity.
• Lead Project Geologists and support teams to deliver high-quality outputs.
• Partner with Environment, Cultural Heritage and technical teams to meet regulatory requirements.

Skills

Geology

Drilling design

Leadership

Data management

Education

Geology degree

Tools

Datamine

Leapfrog

acQuire

Deswik

Microsoft Office

Job description

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 CANNINGTON

Our Cannington operation is one of the world's largest producers of silver and lead. Located in northwest Queensland, Cannington boasts an underground mine and processing facility situated approximately 800 kilometres west of Townsville and a concentrate handling facility at the Port of Townsville.

Flights are direct to the onsite airport, and the mine is only 3.5 km from camp—the perfect distance for a sunset walk or run home along a purpose-built walking track. The onsite accommodation includes meal services, sports/gym facilities, swimming pool, music room, and social area.

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

• 26 weeks full-paid, or 52 weeks half-paid parental leave for primary carers
• 14% superannuation contributions
• Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognises both your individual performance and the overall success of the business

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role is a 12-month fixed-term contract on an 8:6 Thursday-to-Thursday day-shift roster, FIFO from Brisbane and Townsville, or DIDO from Mount Isa, Cloncurry and McKinlay shires.

As the Senior Geologist, you will be responsible for leading geological projects from planning through delivery, ensuring quality geological outcomes are achieved safely, on schedule and within budget while maintaining effective contractor and team performance.

Other key responsibilities include, but aren't limited to:

• Oversee drill scheduling, logging, sampling, analysis and resource definition
• Maintain accurate geological data and drillhole database integrity
• Lead Project Geologists and support teams to deliver consistent, high-quality outputs
• Partner with Environment, Cultural Heritage and technical teams to meet regulatory requirements

ABOUT YOU

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:

• Extensive underground, open-pit and/or exploration geology experience
• Drill programme design, scheduling and implementation across surface drilling methods
• Project, contractor and team leadership within a mining environment
• Advanced capability with Datamine, Leapfrog, acQuire, Deswik and Microsoft Suite

Qualifications for this position are:

• Tertiary qualification in Geology
• Mining Supervisor (G1, G8, G9) qualification, or the ability to obtain prior to commencement
• Current Drivers Licence

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 for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

This job advert will close on 27th October 2026.