Company description:
OPERATIONS ENGINEER - BACKFILL
Job description:
DISCOVER A BRIGHTER FUTURE
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
* The opportunity to become a shareholder of South32 through our share plans
* Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognises both your individual performance and the overall success of the business
* Education assistance up to $8000 per year
ABOUT THE ROLE
This role is a Permanent full-time position on a 8:6 roster, Monday-Thursday, FIFO from Brisbane or Townsville, or DIDO from Mount Isa, Cloncurry and McKinlay shires.
As the Operations Engineer (Backfill), you will be responsible for contributing to high‑quality backfill designs and execution plans aligned to the 13‑week plan, ensuring reliable fill outcomes that enable future development and stoping activities.
Other key responsibilities include, but aren't limited to:
* Develop weekly fill schedules and issue clear fill notes
* Prepare underground fill infrastructure plans and execution detail for crews
* Support planning teams with longer‑term backfill inputs
* Review performance, voids and consumables, escalating risks early
ABOUT YOU
You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:
* Exposure to paste fill activities or underground backfill processes within a mining environment
* An understanding of how paste plans, schedules and reticulation support safe and effective production
* Confidence working with mine plans, operational data and cross‑functional inputs
* Willingness to offer technical input, learn from others and support solutions to paste‑related issues underground
Qualifications for this position are:
* Tertiary qualification in Mining or Geotechnical Engineering, or significant relevant experience within an underground mining environment
* 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 Wednesday 20th May 2026.