What's your job about?
BHP is a leading global resources company with a portfolio of low cost, high value assets. West Australian Iron Ore (WAIO) is a Pilbara based operation specialising in the extraction, processing and transportation of iron ore.
The Graduate Mining Engineer program is world-class. The two-year program is broken down into eight, three-month rotations and is designed so Graduates are exposed to many of roles across all areas of the business. Over the past two years, I have undertaken rotations as a Design Engineer, Field Engineer and Daily Scheduler as well as completing time on Blast Crew, Drill Crew and Mine Services as a watercart and wheel loader operator. Each of these roles, although very different to one another, come with a great deal of responsibility to ensure that everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.
Within my current rotation (loader operator), I operate CAT 992, 998 and 980 front end loaders to complete works assigned to the Mine Services team. This work may include road/intersection construction and remediation, pattern preparation as well as unique project work that enables the mine site. Spending time in the field is a fantastic way to learn! Operators are a font of information and the knowledge that you gain in the field is invaluable when in an office-based role.
What's your background?
I grew up in the small coastal town of Dongara, 365km North of Perth. I, along with my twin brother, attended Dongara District High School before transitioning to Nagle Catholic College, in Geraldton, for years nine-twelve. Whilst at University (UWA), I applied for and was accepted into WAIO’s Intern Program – a 12-week program where university students can gain valuable experience and insights into the industry. Soon after the completion of this internship, I was offered a place in the 2020 Graduate Program as a Mining Engineer Graduate at Newman Operations.
Even after completing my Civil Engineering degree in Perth and now working Fly In, Fly Out (FIFO) in Newman, Dongara is, and always will be, home to me and I find myself heading there as often as I can. Not being from the city, FIFO work to a regional town was right up my alley! At each mine site, there is a sense of community and camaraderie that sees Graduates feel welcomed, valued and accepted.
Where I am today is a direct result of my childhood. I have fond memories as a kid helping Dad build something or going to work with Mum at the hardware. It is experiences like these, I feel, that ignited my interest in construction and eagerness to know how things work.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Given the nature of the Graduate Mining Program, there are two sides to this answer. In essence, “yes,” but historically “no.”
In terms of actually doing the work, I am a strong believer that anyone can do anything they set their mind to. Therefore, I feel that any graduate (or employee for that matter), regardless of their background, would have no issues in completing any of the roles within the mining program.
Historically, positions in the Graduate Mining Program have been offered mainly to Mining and Civil Engineers. To excel in this role, strong communication, networking, problem solving and leadership skills are highly advantageous.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is the people! I enjoy getting to know people, learning from them and helping the team to achieve their goals. Providing a fresh set of eyes and asking new questions is highly rewarding, especially where you can directly implement a change that makes a difference. For example, I and another Mining Engineer Graduate directly established and evolved an online daily recon diary for the Mine Services Supervisors and Daily Schedulers to record all components of the shift (operators, availability of equipment – both quantitative and qualitative, work completed and any issues). This role also gives you great exposure to network with leaders of the business – learning from them is fantastic!
What are the limitations of your job?
The Graduate Mining Program is so diverse! One rotation you’ll be driving a truck/watercart around site and the next you’ll be in the office compiling the plans for the mine. Majority of the rotations are not physically demanding (except for blast crew), however, most will require you to work weekends – with 8/6 and 2/1 rosters you’ll be working one or two weekends before your R&R (rest and relaxation). The biggest limitation for Mining Graduates is the time away from family and friends. You may them for a week or two at a time, so keeping regular contact via other means (phone call, FaceTime etc.) is really important!
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...