MONTREAL—Rio Tinto has launched a mini hiring spree only years after it laid off more than 14,000 workers around the world.
The global mining giant looks to hire 210 Canadian workers for mining and manufacturing of alumina, aluminum, iron ore, diamonds and titanium dioxide
Rio Tinto employs more than 13,000 Canadians at 35 sites across the country.
The hiring spree comes amid reports that Rio Tinto plans to sell some of its aluminum assets in Australia because a new carbon tax would lower margins.
The company has turned to Facebook and YouTube, posting a four-minute promotional video showing operations such as the Diavik Diamond Mine, Iron Ore Co. of Canada, Rio Tinto, Fer et Titane and Rio Tinto Alcan.
Most of the opportunities are located at regional operations such as mines and smelters in locations between Yellowknife and Labrador.
Quebec has the largest number of openings, wher 150 of the 214 positions are located.
Rio Tinto’s aluminum division is seeking 49 people in Saguenay, 43 in Montreal, two in Shawinigan and one in Alma, Que. Seven positions are being filled in Kitimat, B.C.
There are also 27 spots available at Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium in Sorel and 20 in Havre St. Pierre, Que.
Another subsidiary, Iron Ore Co. of Canada, has 32 positions available in Labrador City and eight in Sept. Iles, Que.
The company is spending more than US$1.8 billion this year to develop two low-cost aluminum smelters in Quebec and British Columbia. Another $1.8 million is slated for other projects.
Nearly $1.2 billion has been earmarked to complete the first phase of its AP60 technology pilot plant in Quebec, which recently received the green light from the provinces environment ministry.
Rio Tinto is spending a further $650 million in preparation for the $2.5-billion modernization of its smelter in Kitimat, B.C.
It has also budgeted $228 million to upgrade the Shipshaw power station in Quebec, $787 million for underground mining at the Diavik mine in Northwest Territories and $826 million for an expansion at Iron Ore Co. of Canada.
