Intern, Geology Exploration

If you want to drive real change, we have just the place to do it. Our Internship Program is an opportunity for you to shape Rio Tinto from the inside out. We want you to be part of our leading global company to help take us forward by solving the emerging challenges of our time. At Rio Tinto, we believe the best ideas come from bringing people together with different perspectives to work toward a common goal – to create a better tomorrow.

About the role

Finding better ways™ to provide the materials the world needs.

We are offering a 3-month Geology / Exploration Internship with Rio Tinto Exploration, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. This is an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience working alongside experienced geologists on active mineral exploration projects across the United States. As part of an open and connected international team, you will be exposed to industry-leading datasets, technologies, and exploration practices while developing practical skills that will support your future career in geoscience.

Rio Tinto is a global leader in mining and technology innovation, with industry-leading technical development programs that recognize the unique nature of technical careers. These programs provide opportunities to build your expertise through a dedicated technical pathway while being supported and rewarded for your skills and contributions.

Working in a challenging and exciting environment , you will:

• Gain exposure to a range of activities taken on by the Exploration team such as field geologic mapping, core logging, sampling and data analysis, and geologic modelling.
• Be involved in a dynamic team and operation that will allow you to be exposed to and gain valuable hands‑on experience to greenfields exploration projects in the United States.

What you’ll bring

• At least one year completed in a Geology, Geoscience or related degree program
• A genuine interest in mineral exploration and a desire to learn
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Initiative and a willingness to take ownership of assigned tasks
• Adaptability and a positive attitude when working in field and office environments
• A commitment to safety and responsible work practices
  To be eligible, you must be a registered student at a recognized American university, have the right to work full‑time in the United States and have a valid Driver’s license.

What we offer

• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
• A competitive salary
• A relocation lump‑sum offered for students (for eligible students)
• Reimburse 1‑time travel to and from your work site (for eligible students)
• Ambitious, exciting and rewarding experience
• Opportunity to build relationships with the Rio Tinto team and community
• A great chance to prepare yourself to join our Graduate Development Program

Where will you be working

Rio Tinto Exploration is searching for the resources needed for the future. Building on the legacy of world‑class deposits such as Bingham Canyon, our teams work across Utah and the western United States to discover and advance the next generation of mineral resources essential to modern life and the energy transition.

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

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E‑ Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit for more information.

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