Session 5 | Workforce Transformation and Diversity & Inclusion
Thursday, September 5, 2024 |
10:00 AM - 11:20 AM |
Speaker
Ms Elyse Bosch
Chair
AusIMM New Leaders Summit Advisory Committee
Day 2 Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:00 AM - 10:05 AMBiography
Elyse Bosch’s career in the resources sector is a remarkable testament to her leadership, dedication, and passion. As the Summit Chair for the AusIMM New Leaders Summit, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, Elyse is at the forefront of shaping the future of industry leadership. Her extensive involvement with the AusIMM, starting from her active participation with the Adelaide Student Chapter to her pivotal roles including President, underscores her deep commitment to fostering new talent and driving innovation within the sector.
Elyse’s professional journey began with a solid educational foundation in the resources field, which laid the groundwork for her evolving role in the industry. Her work and experiences with leading resource companies have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of both technical and strategic aspects of the industry. This unique combination of skills and experiences allows her to offer invaluable insights and guidance as Summit Chair.
In her role, Elyse is responsible for curating and delivering a summit that not only celebrates the achievements of emerging leaders but also addresses the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the resources sector today. Her vision is to create an event that empowers participants with the tools, knowledge, and network needed to excel in a rapidly changing industry.
Elyse’s belief in the transformative power of the New Professionals' Network (NPN) is a cornerstone of her approach. She sees the NPN as a critical community that supports the professional growth of its members through shared knowledge and connections. For Elyse, the NPN represents more than a network—it’s a vital platform that enables industry newcomers to stay informed, engaged, and ready to tackle the evolving demands of the resources sector.
Her role as Summit Chair also positions Elyse to influence and enhance the sector's approach to leadership and innovation. By facilitating discussions and fostering relationships among emerging leaders, she aims to drive collaborative efforts that push the boundaries of what is possible within the industry.
Mr Tobias Massang
President
AusIMM Southern Queensland Student Chapter
Session 5 | Keynote Introduction
10:05 AM - 10:10 AMBiography
Tobias is the 2024 president of the AusIMM Southern Qld Student Chapter and the principal organiser of the 2024 National Mining Games. Completing his Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in Mining at the University of Queensland, Tobias has gained work experience in both underground coal and metals.
Before serving as president of the AusIMM Southern Qld Student Chapter, Tobias served as the Vice President of the chapter and UQ’s Mining and Metallurgical Student Association (MAMA). During his degree also he has also attended and volunteered for multiple industry conferences including the 2022 Mine Ventilation Conference, 2023 AusIMM Tailings and Waste Management Conference and 2023 AusIMM Underground Operators Conference.
Helen McCarthy
Principal Carbon Transition
Kestrel Coal
Advancing emissions reduction in underground coal mining: Integrating innovative technologies at Kestrel Coal
10:10 AM - 10:30 AMPresentation Overview
Australia has been a global leader in creating safe and effective emissions reduction techniques for underground coal mining. After pioneering flaring and power generation from drainage gas in the 2010s, the current challenge is to safely adapt Regenerative Thermal Oxidisation to address ventilation air emissions. With Kestrel Coal now operating in the most gas-intensive section of our mine, our decarbonisation strategy is crucial for sustainable and efficient mine management. This presentation explores the interplay between the safeguard mechanism framework, the Kestrel Mine Plan, and the latest advancements in emissions reduction technologies.
Biography
Helen brings over 15 years of expertise in climate change policy development, emissions measurement and audit, spanning the mining, water, and waste sectors as well as the Federal Government. With experience at the Department of Climate Change on Australia’s previously enacted Clean Energy Act, she is a subject matter expert in emissions accounting, reduction projects, and decarbonization strategies. As the Principal Carbon Transition at Kestrel, Helen has developed the company's Decarbonisation Strategy and oversees the carbon transition program.
Mr Tobias Massang
President
AusIMM Southern Queensland Student Chapter
Session 5 | Keynote Q&A
10:30 AM - 10:40 AMBiography
Tobias is the 2024 president of the AusIMM Southern Qld Student Chapter and the principal organiser of the 2024 National Mining Games. Completing his Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in Mining at the University of Queensland, Tobias has gained work experience in both underground coal and metals.
Before serving as president of the AusIMM Southern Qld Student Chapter, Tobias served as the Vice President of the chapter and UQ’s Mining and Metallurgical Student Association (MAMA). During his degree also he has also attended and volunteered for multiple industry conferences including the 2022 Mine Ventilation Conference, 2023 AusIMM Tailings and Waste Management Conference and 2023 AusIMM Underground Operators Conference.
Mr Carib Phillips
Student
AusIMM Southern Queensland Student Chapter
Do financial incentives for mine workers increase the number of safety incidents?
10:40 AM - 10:50 AMPresentation Overview
The safety of mine workers is not only determined by safe work procedures and engineering but ultimately lies on the choices and behaviours of the workers. Behavioural economics demonstrates that individuals are not entirely rational agents and are liable to biases and fallacies. This presentation proposes a field study to investigate whether financial incentives increase the number of safety breaches by mine workers.
Prospect Theory provides a framework to explain such behaviour. Prospect Theory incorporates two fundamental concepts that shape human decision-making. Firstly, individuals do not assess decisions based on absolute values but rather by comparing the gains and losses relative to a reference point. The proposed value function demonstrates that individuals are more averse to losses than they are driven by equivalent gains, indicating a tendency toward loss aversion.
A review of the current literature and industry practice will be presented. There is limited research specific to the mining industry, however, there is plenty of literature in relation to general occupational behaviours. This literature review will guide the discussion in relation to applying behavioural economics principles to the mining industry.
The proposed field study will feature a dual approach, a field experiment to test whether there is a statistical difference between work crews that have incentives and control crews with no incentives. Additionally, a concurrent laboratory experiment will be conducted to identify any discrepancies in the field experiment. The results from study, if conducted, can inform industry, government, and regulatory bodies to further enhance the safety of mine workers.
Prospect Theory provides a framework to explain such behaviour. Prospect Theory incorporates two fundamental concepts that shape human decision-making. Firstly, individuals do not assess decisions based on absolute values but rather by comparing the gains and losses relative to a reference point. The proposed value function demonstrates that individuals are more averse to losses than they are driven by equivalent gains, indicating a tendency toward loss aversion.
A review of the current literature and industry practice will be presented. There is limited research specific to the mining industry, however, there is plenty of literature in relation to general occupational behaviours. This literature review will guide the discussion in relation to applying behavioural economics principles to the mining industry.
The proposed field study will feature a dual approach, a field experiment to test whether there is a statistical difference between work crews that have incentives and control crews with no incentives. Additionally, a concurrent laboratory experiment will be conducted to identify any discrepancies in the field experiment. The results from study, if conducted, can inform industry, government, and regulatory bodies to further enhance the safety of mine workers.
Biography
Carib Phillips is a current fifth-year student at the University of Queensland, pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Civil Engineering and Economics/International Relations. With a multidisciplinary approach, Carib has gained two years of site-based experience across Western Australia, Queensland, and South Australia, developing a robust skillset in engineering design, data gathering, infrastructure installation, and maintenance
Ms Nikky LaBranche
Dust & Respiratory Health Program Lead
The University of Queensland Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre
Health and safety for New Leaders
10:50 AM - 11:00 AMPresentation Overview
As young mining professionals rise to leadership positions in the mining industry, it is important they recognise the pivotal roles health and safety play in the overall success of their operations and careers. Recent times have shown the importance of strong leadership when it comes to safety, health and wellbeing, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Western Australian ‘Enough is Enough” report on sexual harassment against women in the FIFO mining industry.
Of course, it is not enough for leaders to simply talk about the importance of health and safety - they must also lead by example. While many organisations say ‘Safety First’ not all are living those values. When those values are lived, leaders can foster a culture of safety that permeates throughout the organisation, resulting in a safer and more successful workplace.
The definitions of safety and health have changed over time as society expects a greater duty of care to workers. Safety and health are no longer just the absence of injury or disease. Worker wellbeing and psychological safety are now part of health and safety systems. Based on the experience of the author and members of the AusIMM Health and Safety Society, this talk will discuss what New Leaders need to know about health and safety, identify current trends in the industry and provide advice to those looking to grow their careers in the mining industry.
Of course, it is not enough for leaders to simply talk about the importance of health and safety - they must also lead by example. While many organisations say ‘Safety First’ not all are living those values. When those values are lived, leaders can foster a culture of safety that permeates throughout the organisation, resulting in a safer and more successful workplace.
The definitions of safety and health have changed over time as society expects a greater duty of care to workers. Safety and health are no longer just the absence of injury or disease. Worker wellbeing and psychological safety are now part of health and safety systems. Based on the experience of the author and members of the AusIMM Health and Safety Society, this talk will discuss what New Leaders need to know about health and safety, identify current trends in the industry and provide advice to those looking to grow their careers in the mining industry.
Biography
Nikky LaBranche is the Dust and Respiratory Health Program Leader in the Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre (MISHC) within the Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) at the University of Queensland. She oversees a $2.4M dust research portfolio which includes reviewing occupational lung diseases to identify occupational and individual risk factors associated with developing respiratory diseases and the rapid progression of disease among dust-exposed workers and identify factors critical to the development, severity, and progression of coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP or black lung) and silicosis.
Her PhD thesis characterised the impact of dust on the respiratory health of coal mine workers using the Minerals Liberation Analyser (MLA), for which she was awarded the AusIMM Education Endowment Fund Postgraduate Scholarship. The world leading method for respirable dust characterisation developed through this research has garnered significant media attention in multiple countries.
Nikky is currently Chair of the AusIMM Health & Safety Society, and a member of the Occupational Lung Disease Network Steering Committee. She is Past-Chair of the AusIMM Southern Queensland Branch and has been awarded the John T. Boyd Young Engineers Award and the J. Richard Lucas Award from Virginia Tech.
Ms Sofiya Khan
RMIT Representative
AusIMM Melbourne Student Chapter
Promoting D&I rates in the Australian mining sector through engaging years 7 to 9 students across rural and regional contexts
11:00 AM - 11:10 AMPresentation Overview
This paper is advocating for higher engagement with year 7-9 students in rural and regional areas to promote diversity and inclusion within the Australian mining sector. By targeting early high school students—a pivotal stage in career exploration and decision-making—mining companies can introduce diverse career pathways, debunk stereotypes, and foster a culture of inclusion. This also targets educational and resource deficiencies that affect regional and rural environments for equitable outcomes.
Despite the sector's economic weight, there are barriers like a limited access to educational resources and misconceptions about mining and geoscience that is influencing diversity and inclusion rates. This research espouses proactive strategies to engage with year 7-10 students to mitigate pressing challenges and cultivate a more diverse, innovative, and robust workforce.
Current educational efforts in geoscience are mainly driven by NGOs and volunteers, as it is not widely included in high school curricula. Consequently, many students lack exposure to geoscience before university, impacting their career choices made by year 10. Research conducted has demonstrated why students choose geoscience and reasons behind its low enrolment rates. The findings highlight barriers to diversity and suggest targeted interventions to increase engagement and inclusion. These proactive measures not only benefit the industry by tapping into a broader talent pool but also contribute to the social and economic development of regional and rural communities that considers parents, teachers, students and industry partners.
The implications of this research encapsulate the importance for stakeholders to invest in sustained outreach programs, forge partnerships with schools and community organisations, to prioritise diversity and inclusion initiatives. Through providing pathways for diverse talent to thrive, the mining sector can enhance potential and actively contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society. In targeting regional and rural areas the mining industry can deliver a concentrated effort to bolster diversity.
Despite the sector's economic weight, there are barriers like a limited access to educational resources and misconceptions about mining and geoscience that is influencing diversity and inclusion rates. This research espouses proactive strategies to engage with year 7-10 students to mitigate pressing challenges and cultivate a more diverse, innovative, and robust workforce.
Current educational efforts in geoscience are mainly driven by NGOs and volunteers, as it is not widely included in high school curricula. Consequently, many students lack exposure to geoscience before university, impacting their career choices made by year 10. Research conducted has demonstrated why students choose geoscience and reasons behind its low enrolment rates. The findings highlight barriers to diversity and suggest targeted interventions to increase engagement and inclusion. These proactive measures not only benefit the industry by tapping into a broader talent pool but also contribute to the social and economic development of regional and rural communities that considers parents, teachers, students and industry partners.
The implications of this research encapsulate the importance for stakeholders to invest in sustained outreach programs, forge partnerships with schools and community organisations, to prioritise diversity and inclusion initiatives. Through providing pathways for diverse talent to thrive, the mining sector can enhance potential and actively contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society. In targeting regional and rural areas the mining industry can deliver a concentrated effort to bolster diversity.
Biography
Sofiya Khan is highly accomplished across public relations, commerce, international relations, and the environmental sector. She is the recipient of the global Icon Agency FCF Scholarship, appeared on the Triple J, and currently sits on the Academic Board for RMIT. Sofiya has extensive leadership experience with being a Netball Victoria Board Observer, a Hub Manager for the Australian Crisis Simulation Summit (ACSS) and the Co-President for the Australian Business Student Association (ABSA) that oversees 12 member universities.
Ms Khan is committed to uplifting youth perspectives, is an advocate for sustainable practices, and enhances stakeholder engagement through her diverse experiences in academia. She’s been a part of multiple advisory groups such as but not limited too NYSO for the National Association Against Child Neglect & Abuse (NAPCAN) and Youth Affairs Council Victoria’s Biodiversity Youth Expert Advisory Group that involved working with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DEECA). Sofiya recently finished public service as a Communications & Stakeholder Relations Intern for the North East Link which is the biggest ever investment in Melbourne’s north east. Now, Sofiya Khan is keen on sharing her interdisciplinary knowledge and creative thinking to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and advance sustainability, in the mining sector.
Mr Tobias Massang
President
AusIMM Southern Queensland Student Chapter
Session 5 | Abstract Q&A
11:10 AM - 11:20 AMBiography
Tobias is the 2024 president of the AusIMM Southern Qld Student Chapter and the principal organiser of the 2024 National Mining Games. Completing his Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in Mining at the University of Queensland, Tobias has gained work experience in both underground coal and metals.
Before serving as president of the AusIMM Southern Qld Student Chapter, Tobias served as the Vice President of the chapter and UQ’s Mining and Metallurgical Student Association (MAMA). During his degree also he has also attended and volunteered for multiple industry conferences including the 2022 Mine Ventilation Conference, 2023 AusIMM Tailings and Waste Management Conference and 2023 AusIMM Underground Operators Conference.