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Copper Mining Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineer - Mining

Boron, CA · On-site

$126K/yr

We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and ... We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and ...

We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and ... We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and ...

The Project is owned by Harmony, a world-class gold and copper mining and development company with assets in South Africa, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Bechtel is delivering the Engineering ...

The Project is owned by Harmony, a world-class gold and copper mining and development company with assets in South Africa, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Bechtel is delivering the Engineering ...

The Project is owned by Harmony, a world-class gold and copper mining and development company with assets in South Africa, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Bechtel is delivering the Engineering ...

Engineer II

Boron, CA · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

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 ...

Engineer II

Boron, CA · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

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 ...

Head of Commercial

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$18K - $250K/yr

As global demand for copper, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, geothermal energy, and other strategic resources accelerates, the mining and subsurface industries face a growing challenge ...

Head of Commercial

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$18K - $250K/yr

As global demand for copper, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, geothermal energy, and other strategic resources accelerates, the mining and subsurface industries face a growing challenge ...

As global demand for copper, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, geothermal energy, and other strategic resources accelerates, the mining and subsurface industries face a growing challenge ...

As global demand for copper, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, geothermal energy, and other strategic resources accelerates, the mining and subsurface industries face a growing challenge ...

Senior Geologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185 - $250/hr

As global demand for copper, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, geothermal energy, and other strategic resources accelerates, the mining and subsurface industries face a growing challenge ...

Truck Shop Supervisor

Boron, CA · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

About Rio Tinto Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for ...

Truck Shop Supervisor

Boron, CA · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

About Rio Tinto Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for ...

Senior Geologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

As global demand for copper, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, geothermal energy, and other strategic resources accelerates, the mining and subsurface industries face a growing challenge ...

Senior Geologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

As global demand for copper, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, geothermal energy, and other strategic resources accelerates, the mining and subsurface industries face a growing challenge ...

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Showing results 1-20

Copper Mining information

See California salary details

$17

$26

$33

How much do copper mining jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for copper mining in California is $26.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is copper mining?

A Copper Mining job involves extracting copper ore from the earth using various techniques such as open-pit or underground mining. Workers in this field operate heavy machinery, conduct geological surveys, ensure safety compliance, and oversee refining processes. Jobs in copper mining range from equipment operators and engineers to geologists and safety inspectors. These roles require physical endurance, technical skills, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Copper mining is essential for producing copper used in electrical wiring, construction, and numerous industrial applications.

What is the typical work environment like for copper miners?

Copper miners usually work either underground or at open-pit sites, where conditions can be physically demanding and involve exposure to dust, machinery noise, and varying temperatures. The work is highly safety-focused and often follows strict schedules, with shifts that may include nights, weekends, or extended hours. Teams on-site collaborate closely to operate equipment, monitor mine conditions, and troubleshoot issues to keep production running efficiently. While the environment can be challenging, many mining operations emphasize comprehensive training, protective equipment, and strong support networks to ensure worker safety and well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in copper mining?

To thrive in copper mining, you need a solid understanding of geology, mining operations, and machinery, often supported by relevant certifications or vocational training in mining or heavy equipment operation. Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies such as drilling equipment, explosives, safety systems, and, in some cases, mine planning software is essential. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to safety are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills help ensure efficient, productive, and safe mining operations, which are critical for meeting production targets and maintaining workplace safety.

What are the most commonly searched types of Copper Mining jobs in California? The most popular types of Copper Mining jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Copper Mining jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Copper Mining jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Copper Mining jobs? Cities in California with the most Copper Mining job openings:
Infographic showing various Copper Mining job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,088 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Engineer - Mining

Rio Tinto

Boron, CA • On-site

$126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Rio Tinto rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 41 rated mining


Job description

Mine Engineer
  • Opportunity to develop your career and work for a global company
  • Contribute to the success of Rio Tinto by applying your technical and professional expertise
  • A company with a world class reputation for safety and performance. -Boron, CA
  • For California based roles the expected annual salary range is $ 92,240 - $126,830

About the role
The Mine Engineer I supports day-to-day mine planning and production activities by helping develop short and medium-term mine plans, production forecasts, and budget estimates. Working closely with operations and technical teams, this role helps ensure plans are carried out effectively, monitors production performance, and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency and achieve production goals.
Reporting to the Sr. Engineer Tactical Mine Planner you will:
  • Assist in the development of weekly mine plans in coordination with Mine Technical, operations, processing, and maintenance personnel, and support communication of plans to relevant stakeholders.
  • Work closely with operations personnel to monitor execution of weekly plans and support achievement of production targets.
  • Support the preparation of detailed mine plans for major stripping and ore mining areas, including dump sequencing and infrastructure movement requirements.
  • Assist with the development three- to six-month production forecast
  • Provide support in the preparation of the mining component of the annual budget and cost forecasts.
  • Participate in daily and weekly production meetings, including preparation of planning inputs, performance tracking, and follow-up actions.
  • Spend time in the field engaging with operators, supervisors, and superintendents to communicate plans, gain operational insight, and identify improvement opportunities.
  • Support the preparation and delivery of presentations to production crews and management on mine performance, production results, and upcoming mine plans.

About you
To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:
  • BS degree in mining engineering or related Earth Sciences discipline
  • Resent graduate or up to 2 years of relevant experience
  • Basic understanding of mining engineering principles

What We Offer
We are committed to providing our employees with what they deserve. Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking, your hard work, and go home knowing you've helped the world progress, we provide
A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
  • Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees
  • Access to top tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
  • A 6% of eligible pay Company contribution to save for your retirement needs
  • Generous 401(k) Company match program (company match dollar per dollar up to 6% of your base pay) up to defined limits
  • Generous Rio Tinto employee share program, which allows you to purchase Rio Tinto stock in the form of ADRs and includes matching Company shares.
  • Comprehensive leave policies which cover all moments that matter in life (vacation, short-term sick leave, paid holidays, paid bereavement leave).
  • Regional and national discounts program for a multitude of leisure purposes and products
  • Ongoing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family; to help in addressing educational opportunities, addiction treatment, depression, stress, domestic issues, financial management, and legal concerns.
  • Our team and industry experts are here to support and work with you to explore your learning potential and career goals

Where you will be working
This role is located in Boron, CA. Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We provide 30 per cent of the world's supply of refined borates, remarkable minerals that are essential to life and to modern living.
Also known for its 20 Mule Team Borax brand, Rio Tinto Borates traces its roots to California's Death Valley, where borate deposits were discovered in 1872.
The twenty-mule teams Borax used to haul ore out of the remote desert live on as a symbol of our commitment to innovation. Rio Tinto Borates distinguishes itself through world-class safety, environmental and community practices, and a commitment to constant innovation and
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 http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.

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