RBM 2027 Bursaries – Core Disciplines

Rio Tinto’s South African operation, Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) in KwaZulu-Natal, invites applications for our 2027 Bursary Programme. We are seeking enthusiastic students pursuing studies in the following fields:

Fields of Study:

• BSC or BEng Engineering: Extractive Metallurgy, Electrical, Mechanical
• BSc Sciences: Environmental Science, Geology

Why Apply?

At Rio Tinto Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), we believe in the power of potential. Our bursary programme goes beyond financial support, it’s a launchpad for future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. By investing in passionate students, we provide the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to shape a brighter future for themselves and for RBM.

Eligibility:

• Must be a South African citizen.
• Students currently completing Grade 12 in 2026
• Average year mark maintained at a minimum of 65%
• Qualifying for financial assistance

Required Application Documents:

• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
• Attach certified copy of ID (not older than 3 months)
• Attach certified 2026 Grade 12 report – Midyear report
• Attach proof of provisional acceptance from a university
• Attach certified ID copy of parent/guardian
• Attach parent/guardian proof of income or payslip
• Attach motivation letter explaining your chosen field of study
• Attach certified Proof of Residence / Domicile Address
• Please provide; clear and visible copies must be attached with your application, failure to do so will result in your application being unsuccessful and an automatic regret of your application.

NB: RBM will prioritize suitably qualified applicants from designated groups (e.g. Women and people with disabilities) where there is under-representation.

Selection will commence shortly after the closing date. If you do not receive feedback after 30 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Where you’ll be working

Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is a world leader in heavy mineral sands extraction and refining and is South Africa’s largest mineral sands producer. RBM produces predominantly ilmenite, rutile and zircon – materials used in everything from paint to smartphones to sunscreen.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation and/ or anything else that makes us different. 

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Women, the LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities (PWD) and people from different cultural backgrounds.  

We acknowledge that all people are different and believe that our differences are our strength.  The diversity of skills, life experiences and perspectives within our teams enhance our way of working and our ability to achieve success together