About the Company
We are a globally diversified mining and resources company with operations spanning iron ore, copper, nickel, aluminium, and metallurgical coal across four continents. With revenues exceeding USD $30 billion and a workforce of over 60,000 people worldwide, we are one of the world's largest producers of commodities essential to the global energy transition. We have publicly committed to achieving net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, with an ambitious interim target of a 30% absolute reduction by 2030 — and we are building the team to make it happen.
Role Overview
The Senior Decarbonisation Lead is one of the most critical technical hires within our Sustainability & Climate Strategy function. This is a high-impact, globally visible role responsible for designing, driving, and technically anchoring the company's decarbonisation roadmap across all operational asset classes — including open-cut and underground mining, processing and smelting, haulage and mobile fleet, and energy infrastructure.
The successful candidate will be a recognised technical authority in industrial decarbonisation, bringing deep hands-on expertise in mining or heavy industry contexts. This is not a policy or reporting role — it demands an engineer or scientist with real operational experience who can credibly lead technical programs, engage at executive and Board level, and drive delivery in complex, matrixed, multi-jurisdictional environments.
Key Responsibilities
Decarbonisation Strategy & Roadmap
Lead the development and ongoing refinement of the company's group-wide decarbonisation roadmap, aligning with net zero commitments and interim targets across all assets and jurisdictions
Translate high-level climate commitments into technically rigorous, asset-level abatement plans with defined milestones, capital requirements, and accountability structures
Conduct and oversee detailed abatement cost curve analysis, identifying and prioritising decarbonisation levers across Scope 1, 2, and material Scope 3 emission sources
Integrate decarbonisation strategy into the capital planning cycle, asset life extension decisions, and major project approvals
Technical Program Delivery
Lead the technical design and delivery of flagship decarbonisation programs, including electrification of mobile mining fleet (haul trucks, LHDs, drills), renewable energy procurement and integration, fuel switching (hydrogen, biodiesel, natural gas alternatives), and process electrification
Oversee feasibility studies, technology pilots, and proof-of-concept programs for emerging low-emissions technologies at operating mine sites
Manage engineering interfaces with OEMs, technology providers, and EPC contractors on decarbonisation-related capital projects
Develop and maintain technical standards, playbooks, and decision frameworks for decarbonisation implementation across asset types
Energy Transition & Technology Assessment
Maintain deep awareness of the global technology landscape for mining decarbonisation, including battery electric vehicles (BEV), autonomous haulage, hydrogen fuel cells, advanced renewable energy systems, carbon capture, and process innovation
Evaluate the technical readiness, commercial viability, and operational fit of emerging technologies for deployment in our operational context
Build and manage relationships with leading technology developers, OEMs, research institutions, and industry consortia to access cutting-edge solutions and influence technology roadmaps
Represent the company in industry bodies and working groups focused on mining sector decarbonisation (e.g., ICMM, MCA, GMSLP, Mission Possible Partnership)
Carbon Management & Emissions Accounting
Provide technical leadership on the company's GHG inventory, ensuring rigorous, audit-ready Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions accounting in line with GHG Protocol, ISO 14064, and applicable regulatory frameworks
Lead the development and implementation of internal carbon pricing mechanisms to drive operational decarbonisation behaviours
Oversee the company's voluntary carbon market strategy, including assessment of high-quality offset projects, due diligence, and alignment with VCMI and ICVCM standards
Support TCFD-aligned climate scenario analysis, physical and transition risk assessments, and climate-related financial disclosures (ISSB IFRS S2, TNFD)
Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting
Serve as a technical spokesperson on decarbonisation matters with investors, analysts, regulators, and media — presenting the company's progress, ambition, and technical credibility
Support investor relations with ESG and climate-related due diligence, including engagement with major institutional investors and proxy advisors
Contribute to annual sustainability reporting, CDP Climate disclosure, and regulatory submissions under Australia's NGER scheme and international equivalents
Partner with government affairs and policy teams to engage constructively with emerging climate regulations and incentive frameworks in key operating jurisdictions (Australia, Chile, Canada, USA, Africa)
Leadership & Capability Building
Lead a multidisciplinary team of decarbonisation engineers, analysts, and program managers embedded across the global portfolio
Mentor and develop technical talent within the sustainability function and across site-level operations teams
Champion decarbonisation literacy and capability across the engineering, operations, and commercial functions through training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives
Contribute as a senior leader to the broader Sustainability & Climate Strategy leadership team and group strategic planning processes
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
Minimum 15 years of progressive technical experience in decarbonisation, energy transition, or industrial sustainability — with a strong preference for experience gained within the mining, metals processing, or heavy industrial sectors
Demonstrated track record of leading technically complex decarbonisation or energy programs from strategy through to delivery, ideally in a mining, minerals processing, or resources operational environment
Deep technical knowledge of mining operations including open-cut and underground extraction, bulk materials handling, ore processing, smelting, and associated energy infrastructure — sufficient to credibly assess and challenge engineering trade-offs
Hands-on experience with at least two of the following: haul truck or fleet electrification; renewable energy integration at mine sites; hydrogen or alternative fuel programs; process heat decarbonisation; methane abatement; or energy efficiency optimisation in processing facilities
Strong understanding of GHG accounting methodologies (GHG Protocol, ISO 14064, NGER), climate-related disclosure frameworks (TCFD, ISSB IFRS S2, CDP), and abatement economics
Experience managing large-scale capital programs or feasibility studies in collaboration with engineering, commercial, and operations teams
Proven ability to engage at executive and Board level with technical credibility and strategic insight
Tertiary qualification in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Mining, or Process), Applied Science, or a closely related technical discipline — an advanced degree is highly regarded
Desirable
Postgraduate qualification or executive education in sustainability, climate policy, energy systems, or business
Professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CPEng, MIEAust) or equivalent international recognition
Experience with climate scenario analysis tools and net zero portfolio alignment methodologies (e.g., Science Based Targets initiative, SBTI for industry, 1.5°C pathway tools)
Familiarity with carbon market mechanisms, voluntary carbon standard frameworks (Verra VCS, Gold Standard), and emerging Article 6 compliance markets
Published technical papers, conference presentations, or thought leadership in mining decarbonisation or industrial energy transition
Experience working in multi-jurisdictional or multinational resource companies, with exposure to Latin America, Africa, or North American regulatory contexts
Skills & Attributes
Exceptional technical depth combined with the strategic acumen to translate complex engineering realities into compelling business cases and board-level narratives
Rigorous quantitative analytical skills — comfortable working with emissions datasets, abatement cost modelling, capital optimisation, and scenario analysis
Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills; able to shift fluently between operational site teams, executive leadership, investors, and technical peers
Courageous and credible leader — willing to challenge orthodoxy, advocate for ambitious technical targets, and hold firm on the integrity of decarbonisation pathways under commercial pressure
Collaborative and systems-oriented; understands the interdependencies between decarbonisation, operational performance, capital allocation, and social licence
High tolerance for ambiguity and complexity; able to drive progress in a fast-moving regulatory and technology landscape where certainty is rare
Genuine passion for the role that mining and resources companies must play in enabling — and transitioning through — the global energy transition
What We Offer
A genuinely transformative remit — the scope and resources to drive decarbonisation at scale across one of the world's major mining operations
Highly competitive total remuneration including base salary, short and long-term incentives, and performance-related equity participation
Flexible global working arrangements with a primary base in Perth (WA) or London, with regular international travel to operating assets
Generous professional development budget including support for technical certifications, executive programs, and international conference participation
A senior leadership role with genuine influence over capital allocation, strategy, and the long-term trajectory of the business
A culture that values technical rigour, intellectual honesty, and the courage to pursue ambitious climate goals in a commercially complex environment
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing your technical experience in industrial or mining decarbonisation, and your approach to driving large-scale emissions reduction programs in complex operational environments. Applications should be directed to sustainability.talent@miningco.com.
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis. We strongly encourage early applications given the seniority and specificity of this search.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including women, First Nations peoples, and those from groups historically underrepresented in technical roles in the resources sector.
Confidential — For Recruitment Purposes Only
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Senior Decarbonisation Lead
Global Mining Operations
Department
Sustainability & Climate Strategy
Reporting To
Chief Sustainability Officer / Group Executive, Strategy
Location
Global (Primary base: Perth, WA or London, UK — with significant international travel)
Employment Type
Full-time, Permanent
Experience Required
Minimum 15 Years (Mining sector experience strongly preferred)
Salary Range
Highly Competitive — commensurate with experience and global scope
