Resourceful: Stories from the Site

Resources Unearthed

We help executives, professionals and business owners in mining and resources to be successful both personally and professionally.

  1. 28 Jan

    Developing Technology for a People Business: Safecrete’s Origin Story

    In underground mining, “more data” isn’t the goal. Better decisions are. In this episode, Brett is joined by Safecrete Technology’s Cameron Baker (Founding CEO) and John Arundell (CTO) to unpack how they’re building a next-generation IoT and data analytics platform for mining — starting with high-value, niche use cases like shotcrete curing and paste backfill, then scaling into software-led decision tools. Meet the GuestsCameron shares how his path from the military to global safety tech shaped the way he leads early-stage ventures, and why listening (properly listening) is the skill he wishes he’d mastered sooner. John explains his transition from aerospace into mining, what he learned working alongside Palantir on industrial IoT, and why mining’s relationship-driven culture has been a surprisingly good fit. What Safecrete Is Building (and Why It Matters)Safecrete’s approach is refreshingly practical: use hardware to get into the operation, then let the software and analytics deliver the real leverage — real-time visibility for geotechs, geologists, and operations teams who need to make calls faster, safer, and with less guesswork. The conversation covers how better visibility can support safe early re-entry after shotcrete application, and how improved data around paste backfill can help operations make higher-confidence decisions. The Startup Reality: Trust, Partnerships, and Staying on MissionBuilding a startup in a complex, trust-based industry comes with its own challenges. The episode dives into the realities of getting traction (hint: “build it and they will come” isn’t a strategy), the importance of partnerships, and the discipline required to stay on-mission without chasing every shiny opportunity. Lessons from the Hard SeasonsCameron reflects on navigating the Global Financial Crisis in Chicago when cashflow pressure hit hard, and how problem-solving with the right board support helped keep the business standing. John shares one of the toughest leadership lessons from the corporate world — managing redundancies — and why hard seasons are often where leadership skills are actually forged. Memorable MomentsThe episode wraps with a few memorable stories, including baboons destroying a rental car in Cape Town, and a trip to Mongolia to visit Oyu Tolgoi (plus a brave attempt at fermented horse milk). Final WordIf you’re building in mining, resources, or industrial tech — or you’re simply curious about what it takes to modernise a legacy industry — this one’s a grounded look at innovation that’s driven by people, trust, and execution. 00:00 Introduction 02:42 Getting Into Mining 05:57 Journey to Safecrete 10:12 What Safecrete Does 14:14 Startup Challenges 18:53 Advice for Starting Out 24:15 Difficult Moments & Lessons 27:48 The First 10 Months 31:01 Memorable Stories Guest Links:Safecrete Technology website: https://www.safecretetech.com/ John Arundell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-arundell/  Cameron Baker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-baker-851b981aa/  For those looking to explore the intricacies of business succession planning, Brett and his team are available for further consultation.  Find the full episode with Safecrete Technology's Cameron Baker and John Arundell here: https://www.resourcesunearthed.com.au/resourceful-podcasts/ Resources Unearthed Website: https://www.resourcesunearthed.com.au/

    34 min
  2. 10/12/2024

    Business Succession: Key Considerations After the Sale

    In today's competitive business environment, planning for business succession involves more than just transitioning ownership; it requires a detailed focus on what happens post-sale. Whether you're an ongoing owner, a seller, or a new entrant, the aftermath of a business sale presents unique challenges and opportunities. Understanding these nuances is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and sustained success. For successful business succession, a balance between documentation and flexibility is critical. While documenting big-ticket issues is necessary, leaving room for flexibility ensures smoother operations. Aligning culturally and maintaining open, adaptable communication lays the groundwork for achieving shared business goals. The path of business succession is laden with complexities, but with careful planning and strategic alignment in legal, financial, and operational areas, businesses can successfully navigate the post-sale landscape. CHAPTER MARKERS 00:35 Challenges for Continuing Owners 02:00 Legal Perspectives on Post-Succession 03:06 Financial Considerations for New Shareholders 04:13 Managing Key Personnel and Business Performance 07:07 Importance of Shareholders Agreements 08:16 Buy-Sell Agreements and Insurance 12:46 Post-Transaction Reviews and Tax Implications 16:20 Final Thoughts and Conclusion Brett & James: https://www.resourcesunearthed.com.au/ Craig Barry: https://williambuck.com/ Craig Hong: https://hillhouse.com.au/

    17 min
  3. 26/11/2024

    Business Succession Planning: How to Prepare Your Business For Sale

    In this episode of Resourceful, host Brett Cribb, Managing Director and Founder of Resources Unearthed, explores the complexities of business succession with three seasoned advisors: Craig Barry from William Buck Queensland, Craig Hong from Hill House Legal Partners, and James Marshall from Stratus Financial Group. Throughout this discussion, they explore various aspects of business succession, including tax minimisation, structuring for the future, employee share schemes, and the delicate balance of family transitions. This first part of a special series offers invaluable advice for business owners looking to secure a smooth and prosperous transition. 00:00 Introduction 00:22 Meet the Expert Advisors 01:00 Common Business Succession Questions 01:29 Understanding Business Succession Stages 02:25 Financial Planning in Business Succession 03:27 Small Business CGT Concessions 06:13 Ownership Structures and Succession Planning 11:26 Preparing for a Business Sale 18:19 Internal Succession and Family Businesses 21:02 Practical Issues in Succession Planning 21:18 Internal vs External Talent Pool 21:38 Cultural Fit and Internal Expectations 22:25 Financial Considerations for Internal and External Candidates 22:54 Due Diligence and Risk Management 23:45 Family Dynamics in Business Succession 26:13 Tax Considerations in Succession Planning 30:20 Valuation and Business Worth 32:56 Adapting to Business Growth 35:18 Conclusion Brett & James: https://www.resourcesunearthed.com.au/ Craig Barry: https://williambuck.com/ Craig Hong: https://hillhouse.com.au/

    37 min
  4. 19/04/2023

    The evolution of mining methods in Mount Isa with Leigh Neindorf

    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

    22 min
  5. 18/01/2023

    RECAST - Digging with Accountants - End of Financial Year Tax Planning for Mining

    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

    37 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

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We help executives, professionals and business owners in mining and resources to be successful both personally and professionally.