Mining The Gap

Mining The Gap

Welcome to Mining The Gap, a podcast that explores the overlooked gaps in the mining industry and the inspiring people working to close them. Hosted by experienced geologist Gabby, we dig deep into bold ideas, practical solutions, and conversations that spark meaningful change. Whether you’re part of the mining world or not, these conversations uncover valuable insights that go beyond the industry. So, join us as we drill down, uncover hidden opportunities, and mine the gap—one conversation at a time.

Episodes

  1. 01/07/2025

    CAITLIN HOBBS: The Gap Between Physical and Psychological Safety

    This is the final episode of the season, and I’m joined by my friend and former colleague, Caitlin Hobbs; a safety and risk professional who is leading the way in how our industry approaches psychosocial safety on site. Caitlin and I started our mining careers together as graduates in Mount Isa — me in geology, her as a safety advisor — and it’s been amazing to watch her continue to level up and now be nationally recognised for her work in mental health and safety. She’s even been invited to speak at a major psychosocial risk management conference later this year, which is such a huge milestone and so well deserved. I wanted to have Caitlin on the podcast because she brings the safety perspective on how psychosocial risk is actually managed on site- something I was still curious about after last week’s episode with Erica, our HR rep. If you haven’t listened to that one yet, I really recommend starting there, this episode is a perfect follow-up to that conversation. In this episode, we talk about: 🔹 What’s changing now that psychosocial risk is part of safety legislation 🔹 Why burnout isn’t just “stress” - and how to call it what it is 🔹 What you can actually do - practically and personally, if you or someone you work with is struggling 🔹 How safety and HR can work together and what’s still missing These last two episodes have felt like I’ve been mining a real knowledge gap. In mining, so much information doesn’t get shared between departments or across site, and that disconnect can leave people unsure, unsupported, or feeling like they’re the only one going through something. I wanted these episodes to be something you could come back to, or something you could share with someone who might need it, just as much for you as they are for me. It’s hard watching friends or colleagues go through something tough and not knowing what advice or information might actually help. 🛑 Content note:We do talk about suicide in this episode in the context of workplace mental health. Please take care while listening, and if you or someone you know needs support, here are some places you can reach out to: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au EAP (Employee Assistance Program): Employees often receive information about the EAP during onboarding or through their company's intranet. Alternatively, they can contact HR directly or find EAP details on internal portals. Department of Mines: QLD - Resources Safety & Health Queensland  1300 581 077  psychosocial@rshq.qld.gov.au. WA - Work Safe 1300 307 877  ⁠wscallcentre@demirs.wa.gov.au⁠ NSW - Resources Regulator 1300 814 609 ⁠cau@regional.nsw.gov.au⁠ SA - Safe Work SA  1300 365 255  Fill out Workplace Concern Form online - https://forms.sa.gov.au/#/form/64bf315d1315d7fbdc4be2fa/app/684696e79717af890c29f7a0 VIC - WorkSafe Victoria 1800 136 089 NT - WorkSafe 1800 019 115 ntworksafe@nt.gov.au Free Legal Advice: WA  Legal Aid WA Circle Green Community Legal QLD  Legal Aid Queensland Community Legal Centres Queensland SA  Legal Services Commission for South Australia NSW  LawAccess NSW  VIC Victoria Legal Aid Victorian Mining Warden NT Legal Aid NT Thanks so much for listening to this season of Mining the Gap. I’ve absolutely loved having these conversations, and I want to say a big thank you to all of my amazing guests — Louise, Richard, Hayley, Tegan, Kym, Brooke, Erica, and Caitlin. You’ve each brought so much insight, honesty, and heart to this season, and I’m really proud of what we’ve created together. I’m not quite sure what’s next, but I’m excited to find out. So for now, this is bye from me, and I’ll see you soon.

    51 min

  2. 10/06/2025

    ERICA URQUIAGA: The Gap Between HR & How it works

    In this conversation, we discuss the complexities of HR, particularly in the context of workplace safety and the challenges faced by employees when navigating HR systems. We explore the emotional toll of workplace issues, the importance of documentation, and the need for effective reporting mechanisms. Erica shares her personal experiences and insights on how to empower oneself in a broken system, emphasising the importance of support networks and the role of psychosocial safety in the workplace. Takeaways Documentation is crucial in HR investigations.Support networks are vital for navigating workplace challenges.Psychosocial safety is an emerging focus in HR.Reporting mechanisms are often ineffective and intimidating - think around reporting lines.Education and awareness are key to empowering employees.It's important to weigh the potential outcomes before reporting.Doing the right thing is often the hardest choice. Erica's Advice Documentation is the key to moving the needle in HR investigations - yes it helps - write it down. Structure: Date, time, location, facts, how the situation made you feel, who else was around. When situation you're reporting is the 'last straw', do the word vomit, then the next day dilute the emotion and focus on the structure. Seek advice from your support networks and throughout the business - don't rely on your direct reporting line. Safety departments are across Psychosocial Safety, and can be a great resource.Psychosocial Safety is still 'new', don't be passive, seek out knowledge of how/who it's being handled by on your site. Fair Work Ombudsman 13 13 94Anynomous Online Form:https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/call-us Department of Mines: QLD - Resources Safety & Health Queensland  1300 581 077  psychosocial@rshq.qld.gov.au. WA - Work Safe 1300 307 877  ⁠wscallcentre@demirs.wa.gov.au⁠ NSW - Resources Regulator 1300 814 609 ⁠cau@regional.nsw.gov.au⁠ SA - Safe Work SA  1300 365 255  Fill out Workplace Concern Form online - https://forms.sa.gov.au/#/form/64bf315d1315d7fbdc4be2fa/app/684696e79717af890c29f7a0 VIC - WorkSafe Victoria 1800 136 089 NT - WorkSafe 1800 019 115 ntworksafe@nt.gov.au Free Legal Advice: WA  Legal Aid WA Circle Green Community Legal QLD  Legal Aid Queensland Community Legal Centres Queensland SA  Legal Services Commission for South Australia NSW  LawAccess NSW  VIC Victoria Legal Aid Victorian Mining Warden NT Legal Aid NT Whistleblowers: Mining employees can typically find their company's whistleblower hotline through several avenues: their company's website or internal communications, or by contacting their HR department or designated ethics officer. If a specific company's hotline information is not readily available, a search on their website, industry resources, or even through ASIC's reporting form might lead to the correct contact information.  EAP (Employee Assistance Program):Employees often receive information about the EAP during onboarding or through their company's intranet. Alternatively, they can contact HR directly or find EAP details on internal portals.  Additional support and advice is out there, if you need help finding it, please reach out to your professional and personal support networks. Remember, ‘Don’t report it, just move on’ is not advice, it’s a warning that the system is broken. And it’s exactly why we need to speak up.

    57 min

  3. 13/05/2025

    TEGAN LARKINS: The Gap Between Real Talk & Recruitment

    In this conversation, Tegan shares her journey from a celebrity stylist intern in LA to a successful career in the mining industry, highlighting her experiences and the challenges she faced along the way. She discusses the motivation behind her podcast, which aims to share stories from the mining sector and empower women in the industry. Tegan also reflects on her recent transition to starting a recruitment agency focused on inclusivity and diversity, emphasising the importance of cultural fit in hiring. The discussion concludes with her vision for future events and community engagement, aiming to create a supportive network for women in mining Takeaways: Tegan moved to Perth after 11 years in Port Hedland.She originally studied fashion and interned in LA.Her first job in mining was as a gardener.Tegan worked her way up to infrastructure superintendent.She started a podcast to share mining stories.Feedback on her podcast has been positive and evolving.Tegan launched a recruitment agency after being made redundant.She aims to empower women in the mining industry.Her events focus on inclusivity and accessibility.Tegan believes everyone should have a seat at the table. Check out Tegan and her Podcast The Mining Mum on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theminingmum/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0pG0VpYw4efjNnV6NoQD7r?si=1dc99591e75d414a

    32 min

  4. 29/04/2025

    BROOKE NORTH: The Gap Between Mining & Rocket Speed Tech

    In this conversation, Brooke North shares her journey from a young geology enthusiast to a professional in the mining and exploration industry. She discusses the challenges she faced early in her career, her transition to Fleet Space, and the innovative technologies being developed to enhance mineral exploration. The conversation also touches on the importance of client management, the role of AI in geology, and the future of mining in a rapidly changing world. Brooke emphasises the need for education and awareness in the industry, as well as the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life. Takeaways: Brooke decided to pursue geology at the age of 13.Early career challenges included adjusting expectations in the field.Fleet Space is innovating in mineral exploration technology.AI is being integrated into geological modelling and exploration.Client management is crucial in a slow-adapting industry.Drilling is costly, and new technologies aim to reduce expenses.The future of mining relies on efficient exploration methods.Brooke emphasizes the importance of mentorship and female leadership.Education about mining's role in renewable energy is essential.Finding a balance between work and personal life is vital. Check Out Fleet Space for more information: https://www.fleetspace.com/ Flavia Tata Nardini, Fleet Space Co Founder and CEO: https://www.fleetspace.com/team/flavia-tata-nardini https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DDiRmet5-g&ab_channel=Austmine

    39 min

  5. 15/04/2025

    KYM O'LEARY - The Gap between Workwear & What Works

    In this conversation, Kym O'Leary, founder of COgear, shares her journey of creating a workwear brand that addresses the unique needs of women in the workplace, particularly in industries like mining. She discusses the challenges she faced, the innovative solutions she developed, including the tear-away hem concept, and her vision for empowering women through comfortable and functional workwear. Kym emphasizes the importance of patience, persistence, and building connections in the entrepreneurial journey. Takeaways Kym identified a gap in the market for maternity workwear.The journey of starting COgear was filled with challenges.Learning from failure is crucial for growth.Innovation in workwear can stem from everyday experiences.Patience and persistence are key to success in business.Networking and building connections can open doors.Understanding customer needs is essential for product development.Empowering women in the workplace is a core mission of COgear.The tear-away hem concept revolutionizes workwear for women.Kym's journey highlights the importance of problem-solving in entrepreneurship. See Kym's website for her full range of workwear! https://www.cogear.com.au/ Find her on Instagram too: https://www.instagram.com/cogearau/

    47 min

  6. 01/04/2025

    HAYLEY CAMPBELL - The Gap between Rewiring Your Career & Sparking Change

    In this episode of Mining the Gap, we sit down with the inspiring Hayley Campbell (@sparketcadet), a woman who’s sparking change in the mining industry. With 14 years of experience in various roles across mining, Hayley took a brave leap at 30 after facing redundancy, opting for a complete career change to pursue an electrical apprenticeship. Hayley shares the highs and lows of her career journey, from overcoming challenges in the mining sector to stepping into the trades and becoming a role model for other women. In a male-dominated industry, Hayley is leading the charge to support women, sharing her experiences as a woman in mining and FIFO, and building a community of like-minded individuals who empower and uplift each other. This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a reminder that it’s never too late to take a risk and start something new. Key Takeaways: • The importance of resilience in the face of setbacks. • How women in mining can break down barriers by supporting each other. • Hayley’s perspective on career reinvention and its rewards. • The role of mindset in making bold career shifts and pursuing your passion. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to change direction in your career or how you can support others in your industry, this episode is for you! ⸻ Follow Hayley:⁠ @sparketcadet⁠⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparketcadet?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparket_cadet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    53 min

  7. 18/03/2025

    RICHARD LILLY - The Gap between Industry & Academia

    In this episode of Mining the Gap, Dr. Richard Lilly shares his unique journey from industry to academia, highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between these two worlds through the NEXUS program.  The disconnect between academia and industry is a challenge across many fields, but in mining and exploration, it can mean the difference between developing the next generation of mining professionals—or losing them to other industries. Dr. Richard Lilly has dedicated his career to closing this gap. A geologist with extensive industry experience, Richard now lectures at the University of Adelaide and is the founder of the National Exploration Undercover School (NExUS), a program designed to equip early-career geoscientists with the skills and knowledge needed to find the ore deposits of the future. Some questions this episode evokes:   ⛏️ Would you halve your own salary to pursue your passion? ⛏️ Did you know, Gen Z’s are expected to have 6 different careers and 18 employers? What can industry do about these statistics? ⛏️ Have you ever thought about your career as a map of the London Underground tube map? Where, you can start anywhere and finish anywhere!? Resources and Links: Connect with Dr. Richard Lilly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-lilly-82899475/ Learn more about the NExUS Program: https://set.adelaide.edu.au/nexus/

    30 min

  8. 04/03/2025

    LOUISE AZZOPARDI - The Gap between "Saying Nothing, and going to HR"

    Being a tradeswoman comes with unique challenges—navigating male-dominated workplaces, dealing with burnout, and finding the right support. In this episode, Louise shares her journey from apprenticeship to coaching, opening up about the realities of workplace dynamics, mental health, and the power of mentorship. She offers practical insights on building confidence, addressing workplace issues, and accessing the right resources to thrive in the industry. Key Takeaways ✅ Workplace challenges, including burnout and sexism, are real—but so are the solutions. ✅ Coaching, mentorship, and open conversations are key to empowerment. ✅ Mental health and self-care are essential in high-pressure environments. ✅ More resources are needed to support tradeswomen in their careers. Contact Louise Instagram: LouiseAzzopardiCoaching Website: https://louiseazzopardi.com/home-1 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tw.owning.their.power

    38 min

  9. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Introduction

    Welcome to Mining The Gap Podcast! Here we'll dig deep into the gaps that exist within our industries, and chat to those who are working to close them. We have a line up of exciting guests with unique perspectives, who are mining gaps you may have never thought of before. We hope this podcast inspires you to dig deep into the gaps you've noticed, as progress starts with action, and action starts with you.

    25 sec

Trailer

About

Welcome to Mining The Gap, a podcast that explores the overlooked gaps in the mining industry and the inspiring people working to close them. Hosted by experienced geologist Gabby, we dig deep into bold ideas, practical solutions, and conversations that spark meaningful change. Whether you’re part of the mining world or not, these conversations uncover valuable insights that go beyond the industry. So, join us as we drill down, uncover hidden opportunities, and mine the gap—one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Mining The Gap
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mining The Gap
  • Show Website
    Mining The Gap