Specialist - Exploration
Newmont
#23820
About Newmont
At Newmont, we’re not just a world-leading gold and metals producer – we’re a team united by our commitment to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and responsible mining industry. Joining us means becoming part of a global, diverse workforce where everyone is valued, empowered, and encouraged to grow. Our people are the heart of our success, bringing exceptional skill, integrity, and dedication to everything we do as an organization and we’re dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.
About Lihir
Our Lihir Operation, located on the beautiful island of Niolam, approximately 800km north of Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby, is one of the world’s largest gold mines. Set within a geothermically active, extinct volcanic crater, Lihir operates an open-pit mine producing refractory ore, which undergoes pressure oxidation and conventional leaching to recover gold. Our workforce includes both residential and commute rosters, creating a diverse and dynamic team. Lihir offers a range of recreational facilities, including a gym, sports club, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, and a 9-hole golf course. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Lihir fishing and boating clubs provide access to pristine waters and beaches, while our onsite deli and café serve fresh local and imported produce, barista-made coffee, and freshly baked goods.
We are proud to work closely with the local Lihirian community and value its vibrant culture. Through initiatives like our School to Mine program, we offer meaningful employment, training, and development opportunities for Lihirian men and women, as well as scholarships and vocational apprenticeships. We also partner with the New Ireland Province to ensure economic benefits flow directly to the community, strengthening our commitment to sustainable development and positive local impact.
Purpose
Focused on technical excellence and knowledge transfer, the Specialist, Exploration is responsible for applying advanced geological and geostatistical expertise to interpret data and develop 3D models of deposit geology and ore distribution.
This role collaborates closely with other in-house specialist technical teams and is focussed on supporting capability development for other team members.
We encourage Papua New Guinean nationals and expatriates to apply. If you are proactive, detail-oriented, and have strong interpersonal skills—particularly in building rapport, resolving conflicts, and supporting training—this could be the ideal role for you.
Essential Duties
In this role, you will be responsible for compiling, validating, and interpreting geological data to support the accurate characterisation of the geology and mineral deposits. You'll use specialised software and geostatistical methods and your advanced ore deposit knowledge to create detailed 3D models of geological structures and rock properties, which contribute directly to resource estimation and inventory planning. Working closely with corporate geological specialists and cross-functional teams, you’ll ensure that knowledge is peer-reviewed, shared, and aligned across the organisation.
A key part of your work will involve maintaining and improving geological modelling workflows, as well as developing new methods that can be easily taught and transferred to other team members. Mentoring and capability-building are essential aspects of this position, alongside a strong commitment to safety—ensuring all exploration activities follow Newmont’s Always Safe standards, including participation in critical safety verifications and field interactions.
Training & Experience
We’re seeking a geoscience professional with a solid foundation of post-graduate experience across diverse geological environments. An MSc in Geology or Geosciences is required, and a PhD will be highly regarded.
You’ll be proficient in 3D geological modelling software—such as Leapfrog or Vulcan—and bring expertise in geostatistical concepts, supported by relevant accreditation. A demonstrated record of technical excellence, paired with self-motivated growth and continuous learning, is essential.
Strong analytical and planning capabilities, exposure to strategic business planning, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment are important to success in this role. Experience mentoring and training others and a genuine interest in developing team capability are also highly valued.
Working Conditions
For this opportunity, Lihir is offering a 21:21 FIFO roster from a range of designated marshalling points.
Our FIFO employees stay in a secure and comfortable camp, in an en-suited and airconditioned room equipped with mini fridge, TV and Wi-Fi. A variety of healthy meal options are catered for at our mess. The wet mess provides a relaxed social setting where employees can unwind with a game of pool or darts.
We offer a range of recreational activities including our on-site gym and basketball court. Paid members can access the Lihir Sports and Social Club which has a swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, restaurant/bar area and deck with amazing Pacific Ocean views! Our café and deli are available for take away coffees and snacks, as well as local and imported grocery items (inc. fresh fruit).
Newmont employees are rewarded with a competitive salary package, options for salary packaging and annual incentive program.