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| Michelle Ash, a speaker at the marcus evans Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012, on choosing diverse locations and employees in mining. |
London, Apr 5, 2012 - (ACN Newswire) - Mining organisations are following the ore bodies as they seek to develop new resources. Increasingly, this means venturing into non-traditional countries and moving away from OECD low risk countries, says Michelle Ash, GM Operational Excellence, MMG. "Some parts of Africa, South America and Asia present high risk and diversity, but offer immense growth potential," she adds.
A speaker at the marcus evans Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012, taking place in Perth, Australia, 6-8 June, Ash shares her views on safety and retaining talent in the mining sector.
- In your opinion, how can mining executives be more cost efficient?
In order to deliver cost savings to their bottom line, mining executives must focus on productivity. When operating, there must be a high level of efficiency and effectiveness. This means eliminating inefficient processes that can lead to rework and duplication of efforts. We need to ensure each element in the process is moving as efficiently as possible. This should include a fundamental improvement of the business' logistic streams.
Engaging people and motivating them to use their skills fully will lead to increased levels of discretionary efforts. Ultimately it will improve the operations and develop novel solutions to problems. Proficient leadership and technology will help organisations drive costs down and productivity up.
- How can they add value?
The mining industry is continuing a rapid growth period. New and increasingly challenging operating environments will offer immense growth opportunities. Executives must add value to their organisation and their community as mining effectively depletes non-renewable sources. In addition to new jurisdictions, a challenge will be the quality of the ore bodies with lower grades, resulting in higher costs. This is creating a challenge around automation, technology and innovative problem solving to bring costs down.
- What can be done to increase safety?
If we cannot get safety right, nothing else works, so it becomes the base and foundation for the industry. Safety has to become a value upon which everything else is built. There is a strong correlation between safety performance and employee alignment and loyalty.
Over the past few years there have been improvements in safety, but not enough. As the industry has expanded to non-traditional mining areas, we have brought in people from other industries. We need to take the time to develop the systems, skills and knowledge to make sure they are able to work productively and safely. We must work to educate employees on what it is that can cause serious injuries and even death.
- How can mining organisations attract and retail talent?
As an industry we have a small talent pool in which we borrow from each other. We must look towards other industries and see who can translate their skills into mining. Organisations have to make an effort to develop the skills that are applicable to the industry, whether or not the individuals have a background in mining. We also need to work on becoming more attractive to non-traditional employees, which means we need to be more flexible with our approaches and style of leadership and culture.
To retain employees, we must go back to the basics and build leadership and authenticity, in order to work through the areas of diversity and ensure people feel valued for their contribution to the success of the business.
- Any final thoughts?
Mining executives must learn to engage with a diverse community. The more they isolate themselves from diverse groups and thinking, the more likely it is that they will lose touch with the industry as it changes thus making it harder to achieve their organisation's goals.
About the Mining Technology & Innovation Summit 2012
This unique forum will take place at the Hyatt Regency Perth, Australia, 6 - 8 June 2012. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on changing business parameters, risk management framework and boosting returns and productivity.
For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at www.miningtechsummit.com/MichelleAshInterview
The Mining Network - marcus evans Summits group delivers peer-to-peer information on strategic matters, professional trends and breakthrough innovations.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups?trk=anet_ug_hm&gid=4301765
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/meSummitsGlobal
Twitter: www.twitter.com/meSummitsMining
SlideShare: www.slideshare.net/MarcusEvansMining
marcus evans group - mining sector portal - http://tiny.cc/j361aw
Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.
Contact:
Stacey Melvin
Journalist
marcus evans, Summits Division
Tel: +357-22-849-400
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com
Topic: Press release summary
Source: marcus evans Summits
Sectors: Metals & Mining
https://www.acnnewswire.com
From the Asia Corporate News Network
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