Longwall Automation Technician

Company Description

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Anglo American Steelmaking Coal
Steelmaking coal is an essential ingredient in blast-furnace steel manufacture, producing steel used for critical building and infrastructure around the world.  In Australia, we operate five steelmaking coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, and have additional joint venture interests in steelmaking coal and manganese, as well as copper exploration projects underway in North West Queensland and Western Australia.

Job Description

As the Automation Technician at Aquila Mine, you will be responsible for managing all aspects relating to Longwall automation, and remote operation activities to mine coal safely, optimally, and in accordance with the annual mine plan. You will work with our industry-leading remotely operated autonomous longwall technology, where our Aquila Mine won the Outstanding Mine Performance category at the 2023 Australian Mining Prospect Awards.

The mine features two longwall systems (walk on, walk off) ensuring production continuity. Both longwalls are fully remote capable from the site-based Remote Operations Centre (ROC) on the surface of the mine. The Longwall department is a vital part of this strategy to maintain longwall continuity.

This role will see you accountable for:

• Consistently apply Safety & Health principles in all team interactions and take personal responsibility for safety of self and others to ensure zero harm and elimination of fatalities
• Contribute to the development of the site monthly plans to optimise the Automation implementation and maintenance
• Assisting operators with systems and production by providing technical advice on the automation systems
• Lead automation processes for the complete longwall system including Shearer, Roof Supports, AFC, BSL, Pump Station including all auxiliary services used to operate the longwall
• Identify areas of automation underperformance and escalate/provide suitable rectification plans
• Review data and action requirement for prevention of repeats or resolution of issues
• Ensuring that clear and concise communications processes take place; within each shift, between shifts & across all departments
• Training & continuous development of all Longwall personnel regarding current and future Automation systems and seeking regular feedback on these
• Communicate requirements to operational, electrical, and mechanical teams to promote autonomous remote longwall operation
• Collaborating with Longwall operational, mechanical, electrical coordinators and other support functions such as consultants
• Build solid relationships and positively influence a wide array of stakeholders

Qualifications

To be successful in the role you will have the following:

• Extensive experience working in an underground coal mining environment
• Relevant longwall operations skills and/or have a trade or engineering qualifications coupled with underground mining experience
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Mechatronics or Electrical Trade will also be highly regarded
• Experience with CitectSCADA, Allen Bradley PLC programming & OSIsoft PI data intelligence system
• Demonstrated ability in supporting change and continuous improvement
• Good analytical and systems knowledge and ability
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to influence and achieve buy-in from key stakeholders
• A commitment to zero harm philosophy with demonstrated experience in delivering safety improvements and efficiencies
• An understanding of key safety risks and ways to mitigate them

Additional Information

• Full-time permanent position based at Aquila Mine, Middlemount QLD
• Attractive 7 on, 7 off roster (Wednesday – Tuesday)
• Competitive salary package and annual incentive programs
• Residential, FIFO (company funded) & DIDO options
• Subsidised accommodation and company funded camp options provided
• Free gym membership
• Anglo American company benefits

What we offer
When you join Anglo American, you can expect to enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. But more than this, you’ll find yourself in an environment where the opportunities for learning and growth are second to none. From technical training to leadership program’s, we bring out the best in our people. There are plenty of opportunities to move onwards and upwards too. We’re a large, successful multinational company – and we’re still growing all the time.

Who we are
We aim to lead the industry by pursuing ever safer and more responsible ways of working, demonstrating integrity, and showing care and respect for people and the planet. That means we are constantly seeking new opportunities to mine and process our products sustainably, using less water, less energy and more precise extraction technologies.  As the custodians of coal and other precious natural resources – diamonds (through De Beers), copper, platinum and other precious metals, iron ore and nickel – our extraordinary teams work safely and collaboratively, with the utmost consideration for local communities, our customers and the world at large.

Background checks
Successful candidates will be required to complete background screening which may include a criminal check and validation of qualifications.

Inclusion and Diversity
At Anglo American, we embrace change and promote an inclusive and diverse environment where you can bring your whole self to work, every day. We are adopting new approaches to recruitment, talent development, mentoring, parental leave, and flexible working to further support diversity across our business.

How we are committed to your safety
Nothing is more important to us than ensuring you return home safely after a day’s work. To make that happen, we have the most rigorous safety standards in the industry. Not only that, we’re also continually investing in new technologies – from drones to data analytics – that are helping to make mining safer.

• How to apply
• To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. You will have the opportunity to upload your CV and other relevant documentation as part of this process.

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• CLOSING DATE
• 19 October 2025

Please note, screening and interviews may take place prior to closing date – applications may also close before this date.

• Recruitment Agencies
• Anglo American Steelmaking Coal does not accept unsolicited applications from Recruitment Agencies.