In this special series (Part 2 of 3) around HR and recruitment in the mining industry, we bring together three experienced HR leaders from across the global mining industry: Leanne Holmes, Head of People at Central Asia Metals, Paul Eagle, Vice President People & Culture at Evolution Mining, and Bridget Hunter, Group Manager Shared Services at Ivanhoe Mines.

In this episode, the focus shifts from getting hired to progressing your career once you’re in the industry. The discussion explores what it really takes to move into leadership roles, stand out internally, and avoid common pitfalls that can stall progression.

Drawing on experience across both operational and corporate environments, the panel shares practical advice on building a broad skill set beyond technical expertise, developing leadership capability early, and taking ownership of your own development. They also discuss the growing importance of digital skills, financial understanding, and continuous learning.

Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your career or better understand how progression works within mining organisations, this episode provides clear, actionable insights to help you position yourself for long-term success.

This episode is brought to you by Mining International, a global executive search partner to the mining industry. For bespoke search and advisory services, please visit ⁠www.mining-international.org

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Demonstrating leadership qualities and taking initiative beyond one's immediate job title is essential for being considered for promotion.
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of operations beyond one's technical specialty facilitates internal mobility and effective cross-functional collaboration.
Actively pursuing continuous professional development, through both formal qualifications like MBAs and informal skill-building courses, is crucial for upward career progression.
Actively seeking internal mentorship and external sponsorship can significantly enhance career development by providing critical guidance and advocating for individual opportunities.

BEST MOMENTS

"The most effective way is to show leadership before you have the title... stepping up and leading a shift... or potentially volunteering for a project that stretches you."

"Leadership isn't just about technical knowledge; it's about building that trust, putting safety first, and showing others that they can rely on you and leading by example."

"One of the biggest pitfalls is getting too comfortable... mining is an industry that changes very quickly... if someone stops investing in their own development, they risk becoming stagnant."

GUEST RESOURCES

Paul Eagle: paul.eagle@evolutionmining.com

https://au.linkedin.com/in/paul-eagle-80128740

Leanne Holmes: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/holmesleanne

Bridget Hunter: https://za.linkedin.com/in/bridget-hunter-3a000230

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Mail: ⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠

Web: ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠

CONTACT METHOD

⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠

Podcast Description

Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/