Operator

• Site Based | Balranald, NSW  

•  2 weeks on, 2 weeks off roster, Permanent Position 

Iluka Resources is a global critical minerals company with a proud 70-year history and an exciting future. We enter a pivotal phase of growth, we are seeking a passionate Health & Safety Superintendent to help shape and embed a strong safety culture at our pioneering Balranald Operation.

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 in the Riverina district of southwestern New South Wales. The development is focused on the rutile and zircon rich West Balranald deposit, which also contains material quantities of rare earth minerals.  

Owing to its relative depth (approximately 60 metres below surface), Iluka has over several years assessed the potential to develop West Balranald via a novel, remotely operated, underground mining (UGM) technology.  

Iluka’s UGM technology is akin to keyhole surgery for the mining of critical minerals. This enables access to ore bodies previously thought uneconomic, with marked reductions in both environmental disturbance and carbon intensity relative to traditional mineral sands extraction techniques, which are themselves less impactful than other commodities.  

You can choose to reside locally, drive-in drive-out from towns within the regional area, or fly-in fly-out from Melbourne. For South Australian residents we will mobilise you via road transport from our Iluka office in Adelaide.  

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

Balranald - Resource Development | Iluka Resources

About the role 

You will join one of four Extraction teams supporting our 24/7 operation. You will get exposure in deploying these platforms in conjunction with a technology not operated anywhere else. Thorough training will be delivered for our custom designed HK550 HDD rigs. 

You will operate as the assistant/offsider to the Drill Operator for a HDD Maxi rig. You will be responsible for carrying out labour tasks associated with the Horizontal directional drilling and mining operation. Under the guidance of the Drill Operator, you will assist on the rig by joining instrumentation wires inside the rods, undertaking manual handling tasks on the deck of the rig, loading pipes and rods, and washing drill pipe. You will manually support the operation of the rig and act as a relief Driller when required. 

About you  

• Demonstrated experience operating HDD rigs and associated equipment 

• Strong understanding of HDD techniques and procedures, including drilling, reaming and pullback operations 

• Proficient in the use of HDD tracking and steering systems to ensure accurate placement of utilities 

• Ability to understand work requirements and site conditions to complete tasks safely and effectively 

• Good mechanical aptitude 

• Current driver's licence 

• HT or HC license (Desirable) 

• High Risk Work Licences/Tickets including Forklift, Dogging & Rigging, C6 Slewing Mobile Crane, Scaffolding, Telehandler, Front End Loader and Excavator 
   

Our offer to you   

• Family friendly 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off roster  

• New camp facilities within proximity to the operation, including two gyms, a tennis and basketball court  

• Be supported through an inclusive and collaborative culture​   

• Opportunities for training and professional development  

• Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave   

• Competitive remuneration package including allowances and bonus structure  

• Company share matching scheme    

We are committed to upholding our Business Values, supporting equal opportunities, gender equality and cultural diversity.

If you share our values of Integrity, Respect, Courage, Accountability and Collaboration; and you have the skills and experience to help us to succeed and deliver sustainable value, apply now.   

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

Applications Close: 23 November 2026 

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