Episodes
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My guest today is Leigh Neindorf, who has spent almost four decades working in the mining and resources industry in various positions across Mount Isa. Throughout his extensive career, Leigh has witnessed a significant evolution in mining methods at Mount Isa and today he shares his stories and experiences on site from the last 40 years.
For the last 17 years, Leigh Neindorf has held the position of Mine Projects Manager at Xstrata Zinc, managing feasibility studies for both underground and surface mines. In this episode, Leigh reflects on his beginnings in the industry and how he progressed through various roles over the course of his career. As a new graduate, Leigh gained first hand experience working on underground mining contracts and was then offered positions in research engineering, copper mine production, construction, supervision and forming work, drilling and blasting and mine planning.
Leigh talks about the practical and technical experiences that gave him the skills and exposure to many different types of people. He shares how there was always a new challenge and something to learn in each role, and how this gave him a firm basis for his managerial career.
We discuss how a manager must always ensure that good procedures are established and ensure that people understand them, utilise them and know the potential risks if they’re not followed. Leigh shares the tragic story of two underground fatalities, both of which could have been avoided if procedures were followed.
Leigh also reflects on the changes he has witnessed in the Mt Isa community and what he perceives to be the most significant contributions to the success of the area. You’ll also hear Leigh’s biggest learnings and challenges over his impressive career and his technical and financial advice to people getting started in the industry.
LINKS:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighneindorf/?originalSubdomain=au
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This episode is a recast from the Queensland Business Hub discussing tax planning strategies for business owners in the mining and resources industry and what to consider for your business before 30 June.
Most successful businesses in mining and resources begin their tax planning in July at the very beginning of the financial year. But with a number of months left until the end of the financial year, you still have time to implement tax-effective actions that can significantly improve your tax outcomes.
In this episode, Craig Barry and Scott Lindeblad explain the different aspects involved in tax planning and why early identification of issues can help to avoid you paying unnecessary tax, ease cashflow and make the most of deductions and concessions available to you.
Scott outlines 10 areas your advisor should be discussing with you in order to take advantage of the tax-effective outcomes available. He discusses income and expenditure strategies, writing off bad debt, depreciation and temporary full expensing. He goes into detail about reviewing staff entitlements and superannuation, declaring dividends, trust resolutions, end of year tax administration and extracting wealth from your trading entities.
Toward the end of the episode, Craig discusses tax distribution minutes and the ATO’s new approach to s100A and family trust distributions to children. He also discusses implications for Div 7A, distributing profits from a trust structure or money taken out during the year by shareholders and associates.
LINKS:
Queensland Business Hub - Digging With Accountants Podcast
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Missing episodes?
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This episode is a recast from the Queensland Business Hub discussing tax issues that mining consultants should consider.
A common career pathway that many mining professionals contemplate is setting up a consultancy. This could be for a variety of different reasons but it is important to understand some of the key tax issues that may apply in this scenario.
In this episode, Craig Barry and Scott Lindeblad discuss two important tax issues - setting up a structure to trade through and the different tax issues and opportunities that might apply.
One of the first considerations for anyone looking to start a new consultancy is whether to set up a trust or company, or whether to trade as a sole trader. Craig and Scott discuss a number of items to evaluate when making a decision about structure, including cost, purpose and commercial reasons. They discuss different structure types and the importance of working with an experienced accountant, lawyer or business advisor throughout the process.
A lot of the decision making around structuring centres around the current circumstances, but also understanding future plans and expectations. There are a variety of issues to consider, including splitting income, paying yourself a salary and superannuation, company cars, and personal expenses to name a few.
Craig and Scott go through a case study about a husband and wife in the 50’s who both work in the mining industry. They discuss details regarding their financial position and current circumstances and the advice they received on the best way to structure their consultancy.
LINKS:
Queensland Business Hub - Digging With Accountants Podcast
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This episode is a recast from the Queensland Business Hub discussing the topic of succession and how to get it right for your business.
This episode is hosted by Craig Barry and Scott Lindeblad with special guest Peter Andreassen, and they discuss what succession means to them, because this tends to mean different things to different people. It can range from passing the business on to the next generation, selling the business for the maximum possible price or perhaps even getting the business ready to list on a stock exchange.
Succession is a journey, not an event – it doesn’t start on the day the business is listed for sale and it doesn’t end on the day the business sale occurs. It covers a period far longer than that. This episode discusses three important aspects of the succession process; structuring for succession, maximising value and preparing for the future.
The mantra to go by is don’t leave succession until the last minute. Business owners should regularly review their structure and ensure that not only the structure is fit for purpose, but also succession ready. Craig, Scott and Peter discuss the “4D’s” (divorce, disease, dispute and death) that contribute to half of all businesses being put to market, prior to the optimal time to sell.
The part of succession that most business owners concentrate on is the “maximising profit” side. This can look like paying family members less, putting off non-critical expenses as maintenance or revaluing assets in the financial statements. However this episode explores why maximising value is arguably the least important part of the three succession limbs.
Preparing for the future of course includes getting financials in order and making sure the structure makes sense but the other important aspect to consider is the soft skills of the people taking over the business. This is where involving a business advisor, such as an accountant or lawyer, with specific experience in dealing with family business becomes critical.
LINKS:
Queensland Business Hub - Digging With Accountants Podcast
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This episode is a recast from the Queensland Business Hub talking about audit, accounting and tax compliances for the Mining and Resources industry.
In this episode, Craig Barry and Scott Lindeblad discuss a complex real life client case study which is a cautionary tale of what can happen when adverse events collide with a taxpayer who has been poorly advised.
They explore the profound impact that ill advice and poor estate planning can have for generations to come and unpack what mining and resources professionals can learn from these unfortunate circumstances.
Craig and Scott discuss “Charlie” who worked in the mining industry and was generously rewarded for his many years of hard work and dedication. With his newfound wealth, Charlie began making plans for the future, enlisting the help of a local accountant to make a multi million dollar contribution to his self managed super fund.
Unfortunately, this accountant had little experience dealing with a SMSF and was unfamiliar with the complex laws relating to superannuation contribution caps and taxation. Nor was this accountant familiar with employee share schemes or managing large amounts of money and was ill-prepared to issue a warning about the significant tax and regulatory breaches that would occur.
Rather than leaving a handsome inheritance for his children, Charlie had created a devastating financial legacy that would take years to sort out and cost his estate hundreds of thousands of dollars to resolve.
While this case study focuses on significant superannuation and tax issues, it is a cautionary tale about what can happen when qualified and collaborative advice is not obtained in a timely manner.
LINKS:
Queensland Business Hub - Digging With Accountants Podcast
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It’s always interesting to hear how careers evolve over time and my guest today has certainly traveled a less conventional path than others in the resources industry.
My guest is Ted Quayle, who has been working in the investment management and commercial project advice side of the industry for over 20 years. He is an expert in designing investment products, risk management, and portfolio construction, a highly regarded financial modeler, and the Co-Founder of EC Partners. Ted was also the Co-Founder of Emission Capital Management Pty Ltd, a specialist Funds Manager in the stationary energy sector.
In this episode, Ted shares some insight into the commercial and investment world surrounding the resources industry, particularly in the energy sector.
We talk about Ted’s career journey starting out with a Metallurgical Engineering degree from the University of Queensland and how an interest in commodity markets placed him in various roles within the financial sector.
Ted shares a number of experiences that led to the point of establishing his own startup, the lessons learned and his advice for others looking to start their own business, in particular the importance of establishing a detailed business plan that allows for flexibility. He says that you must find the balance of simplicity and complexity in order to handle what might come in the future while still keeping everyone’s interests aligned.
We talk about the work Ted does at EC partners, the connection to the mining and resources industry, and discuss how the political and legislative landscape is impacting the energy sector, leading to unintended consequences.
LINKS:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-quayle-27532810/
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It’s my pleasure to be speaking with Juli Forrest today who works as a Growth Facilitator in the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs Program with delivery partner, Deloitte Consulting.
Juli has a variety of experiences both in and outside the mining and resources industry. Starting out in the hospitality industry and moving into coal seam gas, engineering and construction, Juli has a strong core of business development, leadership and strategy.
In this episode, Juli shares her career journey so far, how she got to where she is today and the specialised skill set that led to her current position with Deloitte.
We discuss Juli’s exciting role within the Entrepreneurs Program and the unique service that gives small businesses access to expert advice and financial support through government grants.
Juli shares her tips for negotiating and closing deals and the importance of not just listening but hearing what people have to say. We talk about building a culture of trust in the workplace and what it means to be project ready. Juli says that it’s about having the capacity, capability and willingness to be nimble.
As we discuss the industry today, Juli reveals her passion to see a fundamental shift in the way we embrace technology, particularly Blockchain. Juli shares her advice to those in the early stages of growing their business and why she encourages people to embrace who they are as individuals and not change for anyone.
Juli also talks about setting herself up for financial freedom and her gratitude for a friend who encouraged her to make wise financial decisions in her younger years.
LINKS:
Juli Forrest Linkedin
Stratus Financial Group
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I’m joined by two guests today who are exemplary business owners within the mining and resources industry. In this episode we dive into their learnings and experience gained from decades of working together.
Peter Cribb and Josh Hunt have worked together for over 25 years, owning and operating their successful Brisbane based business, Resource Strategies, for the last 12 years. Resource Strategies provides services to the mining and resources industry, particularly specialising in environmental consulting and management. They work with large mining corporations and government agencies and have established an excellent reputation in the coal mining industry throughout Australia.
In this episode, Peter and Josh talk about their biggest learnings as business owners and talk about the importance of taking care of relationships, both with employees and clients. Having a business with a relatively small client base, they share how integrity is critical in building genuine professional relationships and also discuss their approach to working with large mining companies and government agencies and how they have successfully navigated the changes to shareholders within Resource Strategies.
Peter and Josh reflect on their early days entering into leadership roles and share the advice they would give to their former selves. They also share their tips for aspiring professionals entering into the business space, reiterating that you can never underestimate the benefits of hard work.
LINKS:
Website: https://resourcestrategies.com.au/
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Throughout this podcast we have spoken to men and women in the industry to explore some of their most memorable experiences on site. In this episode, we pass the mic to our very own Financial Adviser, James Marshall, as he shares a cautionary tale about a third party mishap involving an executive share scheme.
Hosted by our New Business Manager, Maddie, this episode dives into the year long investigation required in order to resolve the complications with our client’s ESS and how James eventually recovered the tens of thousands of dollars that went missing.
James and Maddie discuss the complexities involved when working with executives who reside overseas and James goes into detail about the work required in order to establish a full understanding of a client’s financial position.
We discuss tax implications, how a lot of tax laws don’t follow common sense and why seeking advice from a specialist is crucial for recipients of executive shares schemes.
LINKS:
Specialist Tax Advice case study
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Today we’re joined by Brett Harries, Engagement Lead Manager at Interlate, a business that operates in the data analytics and AI field, working with their customers to increase operational productivity and value. In addition to working with many clients in the mining and resources sector, Interlate also engages clients in a range of other non mining sectors such as water, rail, chemicals and agriculture.
Working with mining giants such as AngloAmerican, BHP, Glencore and Fortescue, an example of Interlate’s impact on the mining and resources industry is their recently completed work with a large multinational company, creating operational savings worth over $90 million per year.
In this episode, Brett shares from his background working in the industry for over 25 years, how he transitioned from operations into the technology space and some of the valuable insights he has gained throughout his experience.
Brett discusses how AI works, how it can help mining and resources companies and how even with the most brilliant technological solution, the bottom line is establishing the right culture of people and engagement within an organisation. He talks about the rewards and value of working with a younger generation and how, combined with his years of experience, they can learn and grow together to provide real tangible outcomes.
We discuss how the use of AI technology will play a massive role in the mining and resources industry in the future, impacting waste reduction, efficiency and safety improvements and productivity increases. Brett also discusses Interlate’s latest AI technology and shares his advice to professionals aspiring to transition out of operations into the business world.
Website: https://www.interlate.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettharries/?originalSubdomain=au
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It’s common knowledge that owning and operating a business isn’t easy. Each individual carries with them their own unique background, experience in the field and desires for the future of their business. Like every relationship, the relationship of co owners is one that requires mutual respect, communication and friendship to ensure that the business they are operating in partnership can thrive.
We are joined today by Tim Brown and Ben Crosby, co owners and operators of Bamser, an engineering consultancy business based in Brisbane focussed on underground engineering excellence. Tim and Ben met at university while studying mining engineering and have 20 years of friendship under their belt. We talk with them today about their unique backgrounds and how they eventually decided to join forces to establish Bamser in 2008 while the tunnelling industry was booming.
Bamser is an infrastructure advisory firm providing multi-disciplinary services to the transport, utilities, mining and energy sectors. As leaders in the field, Bamser operates Australia wide to provide innovative, safe and cost-effective solutions to complex underground engineering challenges. Tim and Ben share their key values within the business and how taking care of their team and clients is at the core of their operations.
We discuss how Bamser has managed during Covid-19 and how it has been a blessing in disguise, enabling them to harness existing technology, save time and money on travelling and come closer together as a team. Tim and Ben share how fortunate they are to have a 20 year long friendship and reiterate the importance of communication, aligned values and a friendship outside of work.
Reflecting back on early days establishing Bamser, Tim and Ben share their advice to their former selves and how they might do things differently knowing what they know now. They also share their tips for anyone looking to establish their own business and some memorable experiences on site.
Website: http://www.bamser.com.au/
Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/company/bamser
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There are no shortcuts or secrets to success in the mining sector. Like most industries, it takes hard work, persistence and good interpersonal skills to move forward and make an impact. Our guest today is Tim Cartledge, Principal Consultant at Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics, and in this episode we explore the transition from his technical role to establishing a successful business.
With multi-disciplinary experience in civil and mining geotechnics in both industry and consulting roles, Tim’s breadth of knowledge placed him in a unique position to start his own business 5 years ago. Brisbane based Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics provides life-cycle geotechnical solutions for projects from advisory services through to construction support. They work with both large multi-disciplinary and small boutique consultancies, multinational mining houses and R&D roles across the globe. Tim shares more about his background in the industry and the experience and insights he has gained through establishing his business.
Tim reiterates the importance of hiring a good team and knowing how to relate to people with a range of cultural backgrounds and personalities. We also discuss how Tim has approached the difficulties faced while running a business during the global pandemic and the numerous technological advancements that have impacted the industry for the better.
LINKS:
Website: https://www.cmandg.com.au/news
Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/tim-cartledge
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As Chief Geoscientist at BHP and Asset President at Olympic Dam, our guest in this episode is certainly one with great insight and experience. Regarded as a champion of diversity and inclusion within the industry, Laura Tyler is passionate about her work which has been recognised through numerous awards including 2014 Queensland Woman in Resources and 2014 Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources. She was also listed in the 2016, 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining list.
Originating from England, Laura began her career in civil engineering after graduating with degrees in Geology and Mining Engineering. Married to a fellow scientist, she and her husband, Duncan, made the bold move to Mt Isa which was the first of many moves for their family. From living in the extreme heat of the Australian Outback to the cold Canadian Arctic, Laura shares her experience travelling around the globe, the impact it has had on her children and the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities we are given.
Laura reflects on some of the challenges she has faced being a woman in the mining and resources industry and how she stepped into leadership roles. Whilst the industry has made great progress in the area of diversity, Laura is now working to see more improvement as she develops fundamental policies in HR within BHP and works closely within BHP’s Jasper program.
With years of experience across numerous fields, the wisdom and understanding gained throughout Laura’s career are immeasurable. You will hear about Laura’s personal reflections and the principals she has lived by to achieve the success she has obtained in her career and family life.
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Health and self-care are paramount in any profession, not least of all the mining and resources sector due to the obligatory long hours and physicality of the work. For some time now, the nature of this sector has led to resistance to the investment of sufficient time and resources in occupational health and safety. Joan McEwan, our guest today, is one of the pioneers of change in this area advocating for health and wellness, particularly for female leaders in the mining and resources industry.
She has an unlikely origin as a Registered Nurse with a post-graduate qualification in mental health. Eventually, Joan shifted her focus to occupational health and landed a job as an occupational health nurse in the mining sector in Perth. This was an unexpected change of scenery for Joan, one that led to the rapid expansion of her career and along with it, the inevitable deterioration of her work-life balance. Joan identified this and took steps to address it and in doing so, identified an area-of-need within her industry and an opportunity to assist her peers.
As a health and wellbeing leader, speaker, author, and coach, Joan’s career spans over 30 years and we are excited to have her on the show today.
For more useful tips and resources head to the Resources Unearthed website.
Joan McEwan's Book - “Show Up”: https://joanmcewan.com/book/
Find Joan on LinkedIn
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Environmental impact and sustainability are thankfully terms that are now commonplace within the mining and resources sectors. Along with it comes the people who are giving their all to conceive and uphold eco-policies in an effort to address the current climate crisis. One such person is our guest today, Brenda Kuzyk.
Her bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences was obtained some 35 years ago in Alberta, Canada in a time where green-thinking was seldom emphasised. This meant the job market was somewhat unappealing. Being a resilient agent of mother nature, Brenda adapted dynamically and seized numerous opportunities to transition from her origins in the Canadian federal government to secure a private industry role as a sustainability professional. She assists companies within the mining and resources sectors to align with sustainability policies.
For more useful tips and resources head to the Resources Unearthed website.
LINKS
Connect with Brenda Kuzyk on Linkedin -
In order to achieve your career goals in the mining and resources industry, it’s necessary to move to where the opportunities present themselves. This can cause quite a strain on your relationships, friendships and your health. Throughout the Resourceful podcast series thus far we’ve heard from the engineers who’s careers have caused this shift and the ways they have been directly affected. Today we’re diving into another episode focused on families to gain insight into how the lives of our loved ones are affected.
We’re joined by Tricia Morland, partner to Richard who we’ve previously had the pleasure of interviewing on the podcast. In fact, Richard’s episode is our most downloaded episode so far and we’re sure Tricia would be up for a little bit of healthy competition to knock him off the top spot.
Tricia's honesty and positive outlook when discussing Richard’s career trajectory filled us with a warm, cosy feeling. With a focus on teamwork, communication and open-mindedness, it’s clear that Tricia and Richard have made the most of every opportunity. With every move, Tricia has emphasised how important it was for her to feel as if she had her own identity, her own agenda and to fully immerse herself in the communities they moved to. This has seen Richard and Tricia make many valuable friendships throughout their lives and happily call Yellowknife home.
As we discuss in this episode, Tricia has her own capes and accessories business, Taiga Blossom. Head to her website to learn more.
For more useful tips and resources head to the Resources Unearthed website.
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We’ve got something a little different lined up for you as we’re putting our very own, Brett Cribb in the hot seat. An ex-mining engineer, Brett is the founder of Resources Unearthed, a director of Stratus Financial Group and the host of this podcast. He started his career in Mt Isa and progressed quickly through the ranks to Underground Mine Manager.
After some time working in the field, Brett came to realise that his passion was in a different industry. With a keen interest in financial services, Brett took the leap and joined the financial planning community. In previous episodes, Brett has mentioned the “hedgehog theory”, and today he delves into greater detail as to what this means, and how this can be applied to find the career path that will work for you.
If you'd like to speak to Brett about your own career journey, you're more than welcome to connect with him on LinkedIn.
For more useful tips and resources head to the Resources Unearthed website.
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Today we’re sitting down with Matt O’Neill, the Chief Operating Officer of Glencore, North Queensland Assets, based out of Mt Isa. Although Matt grew up in Mt Isa and his father was heavily involved in the resources industry, he had originally been determined not to work in the area himself. However, years later this is exactly where he has ended up.
Although originally Matt felt it was necessary to leave the small town, pave his own way, and find opportunities in a bigger city, he discovered upon returning to Mt Isa, that there are very unique benefits from working in a regional area. The opportunities that are available to truly make a difference to the lives of those living in the area are unlike anything Matt experienced throughout his time living in Melbourne as a partner in a consulting firm. Matt reflects on the learnings that he has taken away from this experience, and that when it comes to business, it’s best not to take things personally.
Matt touches on some key principles today that have held him in good stead throughout his career. As a leader, he explains how necessary it is to really listen to your employees, and provide quality feedback. Your team need to feel heard and understood, and although you might not agree, you also need to explain why this is the case. Matt also provided some insight into the way his family adjusted from living in a bigger city, to the regional lifestyle and how it has worked out to actually be the best thing for all of them.
If you'd like to speak to Matt about your own career journey, you're more than welcome to connect with him on LinkedIn.
For more useful tips and resources head to the Resources Unearthed website.
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Sometimes as a manager, you need to make extremely tough decisions, and these decisions can be even tougher if you don’t feel that you have the support of your team. Our podcast guest today, Paul Harvey has had to make many of these tough decisions throughout his career, and he talks us through how a manager can work towards the best outcome for the greatest number of people.
Paul is the Chief Operating Officer of South32. He is a highly motivated and skilled leader that has worked in both small and large scale operations all over the world. When discussing his strategies on leadership and management, Paul emphasises the importance of care above all else, helping him to understand the impact of decisions on his employees. He takes the time and utmost care in supporting their needs which in turn helps establish trust, the basis for any high performing operation.
If you'd like to speak to Paul about your own career journey, you're more than welcome to connect with him on LinkedIn.
For more useful tips and resources head to the Resources Unearthed website.
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On the Resourceful podcast series so far we’ve spoken to successful and highly knowledgeable leaders in the mining and resources industry. We’ve picked their brains regarding career highlights, lessons they’ve learned and obtained invaluable insights. But behind every great person, there is another great person willing to sacrifice and support their partner through a career that is constantly changing and evolving.
To kick off our focus on families, we’ve brought our previous guest, John Landmark’s wife, Vicky in to provide us with an honest and inspirational look at what it’s really like to live and breathe mining and resources.
John and Vicky Landmark have recently embarked on their 10th international move and although John has previously discussed with us how he got to where he is today, we’re interested to hear how Vicky and their children have adjusted to a life where the only constant seems to be inconsistency.
Vicky is honest about the hard times that they have had to endure as a family, but also exudes optimism and a contagious sense of adventure. This type of life certainly is not for everyone, but for those that are willing to embrace change and see the glass as half full, there are significant rewards.
We’re excited to share this episode with you and look forward to delivering more from the families supporting our mining and resources industry.
For more useful tips and resources head to the Resources Unearthed website
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