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MinRes can offer you!

• ASX 100 and perennial high-performing company underpinned by a growing world-class portfolio of mining operations across multiple commodities, including Iron Ore and Lithium. 
• We invest in your career through leadership development, technical upskilling, and strategic planning exposure at the highest level.
• Live Your Best Life! Our benefits give you access to deals, discounts, and support that help you unlock the important things in life – Health, Family, Recreation and Your Future with MinRes.

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The Opportunity

The Principal Hydrogeologist – Strategic Water Portfolio will play a pivotal role in securing and managing sustainable water resources across our Pilbara iron ore operations, with a primary focus on the Central Pilbara region.

This role is responsible for the strategic planning and integration of water management — including mine dewatering strategies and excess water discharge management — across operational, expansion, and exploration projects to ensure long‑term water security, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Reporting to the Senior Manager – Water, you will lead a team of hydrogeologists, engage with internal and external stakeholders, and oversee regulatory processes in relation to water licences, rights, and obligations.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of water management strategies across multiple Pilbara operations, with a focus on Central Pilbara iron ore projects.
• Oversee regulatory engagements with DWER, DMIRS, native title bodies, pastoral lease holders, local government, and Traditional Owners to secure water licences, rights, and permits, including dewatering approvals and discharge permits.
• Direct the preparation, submission, and maintenance of statutory compliance reports to meet regulatory and corporate requirements.
• Provide technical instruction to numerical modelling teams; interpret groundwater and surface water modelling results for strategic decision‑making on drawdown predictions, discharge volumes, and reuse options.
• Develop long‑term water balance scenarios, contingency plans, mine dewatering schedules, and drought mitigation strategies aligned with expansion and exploration timelines.
• Guide operational water security planning to ensure availability for mining, processing, and community needs, while optimising excess water discharge pathways to meet licence conditions and environmental requirements.
• Lead and mentor a senior hydrogeologist and site hydrogeologist, fostering excellence in compliance, operations, and technical assessments.
• Collaborate closely with discipline leads, project managers, and senior leadership to integrate water, dewatering, and discharge strategies into asset development and operational planning.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships to negotiate water access and discharge alignment with Traditional Owner agreements and regional planning.
• Present strategic water portfolio updates and recommendations to senior leadership, regulators, and key stakeholders.

What is required?

• Tertiary qualifications in Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, Geology, or related field.
• Extensive experience in groundwater resource management, mine dewatering operations, and excess water discharge compliance within mining or resource project contexts.
• Proven track record in strategic water planning, dewatering scheduling, and regulatory engagement across multiple operations.
• Strong working knowledge of WA water legislation, rights, licensing processes, and regulatory frameworks for mine dewatering and discharge (including DWER protocols).
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor technical professionals.
• Competence in interpreting hydrogeological modelling outputs and guiding technical teams on modelling requirements for dewatering and discharge projects.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with experience interacting with regulators, Traditional Owners, and community stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical strategies in clear, actionable terms.

About Mineral Resources

MinRes is a leading diversified resources company with operations spanning iron ore, lithium, energy, and mining services across Western Australia. Our focus on innovation and people has made MinRes one of the ASX’s best‑performing companies since listing in 2006.

Our Osborne Park headquarters offers world-class facilities, including a café, restaurant, commercial gym, crèche, daycare, and health centre.

At MinRes, the future’s bright — be part of our next chapter.