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Fernanda Maluly Kemeid

from English teacher to Senior Manager Geotechnical Engineering
I am responsible for managing risks such as landslides and dam failures
Industry
Mining and Resources
Company
Rio Tinto
Job Level
Senior

Ask me about

  • Tailings facilities
  • My experience studying engineering
  • The most difficult part of my job

About me

  • International Experience

Becoming an engineer was not my first option. I initially wanted to be a doctor, but luckily I realised soon enough that, not being able to withstand blood wouldn’t take me too far in medicine. I took professional advice from a psychologist who told me I should choose a career that did BIG VISIBLE things. That’s how I chose civil engineering – can’t get any bigger than that!

I initially joined a civil construction company, but then I had the opportunity to join Vale, one of the biggest mining companies in the world. And that’s where I found my passion! Tailings Dams! This career gave me the opportunity to travel the world and I feel that my job is relevant in ensuring a safer future for the communities and environment.

About my role

  • Curious
  • Humorous
  • Passionate
  • Practical
  • Reliable

I manage a team of 8 geotechnical engineers who are responsible for ensuring that the risks related to geotechnical structures (e.g. slopes, waste dumps, tailings storage facilities, water dams, industrial waste dumps) are managed, avoiding negative impacts to people and the environment. The sites that we support are sites that are closed, meaning that they are no longer operating and the structures that are left in place should last for several years. The work we do ensures that the risks are reduced and that the structures are stable.

Education

  • Masters Engineering Management (currently completing)
  • Specialization in Business Management (Projects)
  • Bachelor Civil Engineering

Subjects

  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Geography
  • History
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Science

Hobbies

  • Art
  • Gym
  • Painting
  • Reading
  • Volunteering

15 year old me!!

“Don't worry if you have too many questions about what you want to be in the future. When you find the right job, you will know. You are one of the lucky ones who loves what you do!”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Studied 6 months in Portugal
  2. Worked 2 months in Mozambique
  3. Was expatriated at 25 to Australia
  4. Was expatriated at 28 to New Caledonia
  5. Changed jobs when the company's values didn't align with mine

My typical day

My employer

Rio Tinto operates in 35 countries where its 60,000 employees are working to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs. Rio’s portfolio includes iron ore, copper, aluminium and a range of other minerals and materials needed for people, communities and nations to grow and prosper, and for the world to cut carbon emissions to net zero. Continuously searching for new projects that can support the energy transition, Rio Tinto is currently exploring for 8 commodities in 17 countries. The organisation has more than 150 years of mining and processing experience guiding its work and, today, the business relies on technology such as automation and artificial intelligence to help it run more safely, more efficiently and leave a lighter footprint.