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From Graduate to Project
Manager - Mark Reed
Q) Your journey
A) Unlike most mining engineers, I carved a very unconventional
path into my career in underground mining. When I finished
high school, I chose to study physiotherapy in Brisbane and
completed two years of my degree. At the age of 19 I had a
wild idea to move to Mt Isa with the hope to gain some life
experience and save some money. Timing was certainly not
on my side as I had been in Mt. Isa for approximately three
months when the unfortunate event of September 11 occurred.
As we are all aware, it crippled our mining industry and global
economies and as a result, changed the way we travel.
My persistence paid off and I eventually got a start on a mine
site doing basic labouring duties and construction work. After
twelve months of working on the surface, I eventually got a start
underground…. they were sick of me asking for a job.
After two years underground, I started studying mining
engineering and I have fallen in love with this amazing and ever
dynamic industry. I spent eight years underground as a miner,
gaining priceless underground experience all while studying
mining engineering.
Q) What were the best parts of the graduate program?
A) Gaining the necessary exposure underground and having
mentors to learn from, and being able to immerse yourself in
a team environment. It’s easy to let the situation be somewhat
overwhelming, but I would recommend trying to take a step
back and smell the roses along the way. Mining engineering
is equally matched with practicality as much as the theory
component, making it a very hands-on degree which I believe is
vital. The practical element makes the art of mining engineering
distinctively different from other engineering fields.
Other positive aspects include understanding how the entire
mining process works from a planning, operational and
management perspective and what it’s actually like to be a
part of a team on a mine site is imperative to having success in
our industry.
Q) What did you find most challenging?
A) I spent about two years on the jumbo and found this to be
very challenging but very rewarding at the same time, however
my most challenging role was when I first started being a shift
supervisor and having to lead a team. Being in a role where
you are responsible for the health and safety of a crew, and to
leading a team, I find to be the most rewarding, but it can be the
most challenging of roles.
Q) What is your career ambition?
A) To be a CEO and have Peter Stokes’ role. I remember having
my interview with Blair Sessions nearly five years ago and I was
introduced to Neil Warburton. Neil asked me “Where do I see
myself” and I quickly replied with “Sitting in your chair and being
a CEO.”
I have always been a firm believer if you aim for the stars and
reach the tree tops; you are still in front of the pack. I made
DID YOU KNOW, BARMINCO
OFFERS ENGINEERING STUDENTS
IN ANY YEAR OF STUDY ACCESS
TO THE BARMINCO VACATION
WORK PROGRAM?
Mark Reed, Project Manager