Steve Petrofes was appointed general manager Engineering and Asset Management in June 2013 and is responsible for project delivery, engineering technical assurance, asset reliability management and metallurgical development for the Rio Tinto Iron Ore Pilbara Division.
Steve has been with Rio Tinto since November 2007 where he joined Rio Tinto Alcan (RTA). He has held positions such as engineering manager at the Gove Alumina refinery, general manager for the Gove Expansion Project and general manager for RTA’s Bauxite and Alumina Engineering and Asset Management group.
Steve moved to the iron ore product group in May 2011 to take on the role of general manager West Pilbara mine projects. In this role he oversaw the delivery of the major mine projects in the west Pilbara area.
Steve has an extensive mining operations background having previously held various positions with Alcoa over 18 years at its US, Caribbean, South American and Europe operations in engineering, operations, ABS (Alcoa Business Systems), construction line management and head of corporate engineering.
Steve holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas and is a registered professional engineer in Texas and a fellow member of Engineers Australia.