Argyle Diamonds

Roberth

Manager Technical Services, Argyle Diamonds (Underground Project)

I studied mining engineering at the Camborne School of Mines in the United Kingdom. Through my vacation work I quickly ascertained that I would prefer to pursue a career in underground hard rock mining, and that would have to take me out of the UK.

In order to achieve this I enrolled in the graduate development programme with Rio Tinto approximately eight years ago. My first role was with Palabora Mining Company in South Africa, which had just commenced a transition project from surface to underground. The experience gained in such a high profile project I believe was second to none; each day drew new challenges, and the learning curve for the entire period never seemed to flatten. Strong leadership and good mentoring allowed me to take successively more challenging roles.

Since starting with the group I have had the opportunity to work at an underground mine in Alaska, and the North Parkes block cave mine in Australia, utilising the Rio Tinto global profile to gain work and life experiences

Rio Tinto has committed to several other large block caves since the commencement of Palabora, including North Parkes, and now Argyle, where I am currently based. There are many more projects on the horizon and the future looks prosperous for further challenges.

Alistair

Manager Logistics & Infrastructure, Argyle Diamonds

I completed a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with honours at the University of Western Australia, followed by a Masters of Business Administration from the University of New England.

I started my career with Rio Tinto as a graduate engineer with Hamersley Iron in Tom Price.  It was a great opportunity to gain exposure to the resource industry as well as enabling exploration of one of the most beautiful regions of Australia. 

Fifteen years later I am still with Rio Tinto, after a variety of roles in various group companies and a short break working for other resource organisations.  These roles have varied from project engineering to business analysis, through to managing the logistics and infrastructure at Argyle as it makes the challenging transition to an Underground business.

My time with Rio Tinto has involved the opportunity to work in a diverse range of locations and in a variety of roles.  The quality of the people in the group is a key strength and many of the friendships formed along the way will last long into the future.