1

Copper Mining Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, tellurium and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon ...

* Maintain and troubleshoot fixed plant equipment that supports one of the world's largest copper mining operations * Work rotating 12-hour shifts at our Kennecott operation near Salt Lake City, Utah

Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanic

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$23 - $31.75/hr

We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, tellurium, and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Copper Mining information

See Utah salary details

$15

$24

$31

How much do copper mining jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for copper mining in Utah is $24.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.25 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do copper miners get paid?

Copper miners' salaries vary depending on experience, location, and job level, but the average annual pay ranges from $50,000 to $80,000. Entry-level positions typically start around $40,000, while experienced miners or those in supervisory roles can earn over $100,000. Skills in safety protocols and equipment operation are often required.

What is a Copper Mining job?

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.

Is copper mining lucrative?

Copper mining can be a lucrative career due to high demand for copper in electrical wiring, construction, and electronics. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and job role, with skilled workers and those in supervisory positions typically earning higher wages. However, the industry involves physical labor, safety risks, and environmental considerations that impact overall profitability for companies and workers alike.

What is the highest paying job in mining?

In mining, the highest paying roles are often senior positions such as Mining Managers, Geologists, or Mine Engineers, especially those with specialized skills and extensive experience. These roles typically require advanced certifications, technical expertise, and leadership responsibilities, and they can command high salaries due to the complexity and risk involved in mining operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Copper Mining position, and why are they important?

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 Utah? The most popular types of Copper Mining jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to Copper Mining jobs in Utah? For Copper Mining jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Copper Mining jobs? Cities in Utah with the most Copper Mining job openings:
Infographic showing various Copper Mining job openings in Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,816 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Mining Engineer

Support underground mine design, scheduling, and production planning that improve safety and operational value

Work at our Kennecott operation near Salt Lake City, Utah, as part of a collaborative technical team

Grow your mining engineeringexpertisethrough a global technical community and industry-leading development programs

At Rio Tinto, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to succeed. We actively encourage applications from women and from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We know that great technical capability comes in many forms, and we are focused on building teams that reflect the communities weoperatein and support each other to do their best work.

We'reFinding Better Ways to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values - care,courageand curiosity - guide how we work and how we treat each other.

About the role

We are looking for a Mining Engineer with strong mine planning and design skills to support underground mine design, scheduling, and production planning. In this role, you will helpoptimizeoperations while supporting near-term execution and long-rangeminedevelopment.

This isa great opportunityto deepen your understanding of underground mining operations while building experience in project management, business improvement, and long-term planning.

Reporting to the Senior Mining Engineer and working within a collaborative technical team at Kennecott, you will:

  • Prepare mine plans and schedules that support long-range planning horizons and operational decision-making

  • Develop life-of-mine designs and support underground development planning activities

  • Assist with IFC design generation and technical documentation as needed

  • Support stope drilling and production planning to help enable safe and efficient execution

  • Participate in ventilation surveys, modeling, and analysis to support safe underground operations

  • Identifyimprovement opportunities and support implementation in partnership with the broader technical and operational teams

About you

  • A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team

  • Undergraduate degree, preferably in Mining Engineering or a related discipline

  • At least 3 years of mining engineering experience, preferably in underground metal mining

  • Experience with 3D mine design and drafting software such asDeswik, Vulcan, or similar platforms

  • Well-developed analytical and technical skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization

  • Ability to work independently, contribute within a team, build collaborative relationships, and use tools such as Excel, Word, or SAP

Even if your profile does not fully meet all qualifications, we encourage you toapply;transferable skills and the right attitude are highly valued.

What we offer

Berecognisedfor your contribution,yourthinkingand your hard work, and go home knowingyou'vehelped the world progress.

  • A work environment where safety is always the number one priority

  • Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus

  • Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits

  • Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution and a generous 401(k) matching program

  • Attractive share ownership plan

  • Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life, including paid time off, paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave

  • A generous parental leave policy, which ensures youare able tospend quality time with your new family

  • Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Personify Health with incentives supporting your wellbeing

  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life's challenges

Whereyou'llbe working

Our Kennecott mine is a world-class, fully integrated copper mining operation, including a concentrator, smelter and refinery,locatedjust outside Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum,telluriumand sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903 and is one of the top producing mines in the world,comprisingapproximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.


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.