In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we sit down with Ian Murray, a seasoned mining executive and company director with more than 25 years’ experience in South Africa and Australia. From his early leadership of DRDGOLD to steering Gold Road Resources through its transformation into a leading gold producer, Ian shares insights on growth, governance, and guiding companies through change. Now serving on the Boards of Black Rock Mining, Arafura Rare Earths, and Jupiter Mines, he reflects on the leadership principles that drive long-term value and success in an evolving global resources industry.

David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/

Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/

ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko

Timecodes:

00:00 Initial Thoughts on Leadership and Delegation

01:00 Guest Introduction: Ian Murray

04:45 Early Life, Sailing, and Growing Up in South Africa

09:40 The Importance of Community Engagement and Social License

12:45 Career Path from Accounting to Mining

15:15 Defining Effective Leadership and Empowerment

17:00 Decision-Making and Maturity with Imperfect Information

23:15 Focus on Current Projects and Social License Challenges

28:00 Board Diversity, Building Teams, and Hiring Leaders

31:00 CEO Selection and Future Skill Sets

39:30 Challenges: Talent Pipeline, FIFO, and the Image of Mining

47:30 Rapid Fire Questions

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LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines

Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we sit down with Tommy McKeith, a seasoned mining executive with over 30 years’ experience across geology, exploration, business development, and leadership. From leading international growth at Gold Fields to shaping the direction of companies like Evolution Mining, Arrow Minerals, Thungela Resources, and Ordell Minerals, Tommy brings deep insight into what drives sustainable growth in the mining sector. We explore how global experience informs strategy, the evolving role of exploration, and the importance of balancing commercial discipline with long-term opportunity.

David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/

Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/

Tommy McKeith🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-mckeith-45298456/

ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko

Timecodes:

(00:00) Introduction to Leadership Qualities

(01:03) Guest Introduction: Tommy McKeith

(03:41) Early Life and Career Beginnings

(08:46) Balancing Board Roles and Personal Interests

(09:54) Leadership Insights and Challenges

(16:58) Board Dynamics and Chairman Responsibilities

(23:32) Sponsor Acknowledgements

(24:39) Strengthening Staff Engagement

(26:38) Indicators of a Healthy Business Culture

(32:04) Challenges in the Australian Mining Industry

(36:58) Rapid Fire Questions

(45:31) Final Thoughts and Advice

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LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines

Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we welcome Jordan Morrissey, General Manager People at Perseus Mining. With leadership roles spanning sustainability, people, and culture, Jordan brings rare insight into building strong teams and resilient workplaces across complex international operations. Perseus Mining, listed on the ASX and TSX, is Australia’s largest gold producer in Africa, and Jordan is at the heart of its people strategy. Join us as he shares what it takes to lead with purpose, balance performance with culture, and support people in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.

David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/

Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/

Jordan Morrissey 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-morrissey-5945911/

ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko

Timecodes:

(00:00) Introduction

(1:18) Career Journey and Achievements

(3:16) Early Life and Family Background

(5:00) Sports and Early Influences

(10:56) Leadership Qualities and Effectiveness

(16:47) Challenges and Opportunities at Perseus

(18:13) Cultural Differences in Leadership

(20:52) Listening and Leadership

(24:01) Cultural Insights from Working in Africa

(25:02) Language Diversity in Africa

(26:56) Crafting a Compelling Value Proposition

(31:40) Hiring for Cultural Fit

(34:51) Challenges in the Mining Industry

(43:22) Rapid Fire Questions

(49:13) Final Thoughts and Farewell

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LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines

Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, Warren Pearce, CEO of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), shares his mission to make Australia the best place in the world to explore and mine. From reducing regulatory barriers to lowering business costs and unlocking new opportunities, Warren is at the forefront of shaping policy and driving growth for the sector. Tune in to hear how AMEC is backing explorers, supporting discoveries, and ensuring Australia remains a global leader in resources.

David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/

Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/

Warren Pearce🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-pearce/?originalSubdomain=au

ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko

Timecodes:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:50) Meet Warren Pearce: CEO of AMEC

(03:19) Warren's Early Career and Leadership Journey

(04:42) Growing Up and Early Influences

(08:52) Balancing Work and Personal Life

(10:53) Challenges and Opportunities in the Mining Industry

(18:28) The Talent Shortage in Mining

(23:52) The Importance of Engagement in the Workplace

(24:15) Inclusive Leadership in Business

(25:59) Creating a Safe Space for Ideas

(27:48) Values and Culture at AMEC

(31:06) Challenges in the Mining Industry

(33:14) Regulatory and Environmental Issues

(42:24) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

(46:45) Optimism and Future Prospects

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LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we sit down with Ron Mitchell, a global commercial and business development executive with 25+ years across mining, manufacturing, renewables, and government. Ron brings deep expertise in lithium mining, battery materials, and EV supply chains— sharing insights on leadership, global partnerships, and building strategic collaboration across the clean energy sector. From his senior roles at Talison Lithium and other ASX, TSX and Tokyo-listed companies, to founding Chair of the LME Lithium & Cobalt Committee, Ron reflects on leading through growth and change.

David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/

Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/

Ron Mitchell 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-mitchell-57a7642/

ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko

Timecodes:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:58) Ron Mitchell's Early Life and Career Beginnings

(4:34) Personal Life and Interests

(6:51) Leadership Insights and Challenges

(20:13) The Importance of Integrity and Resilience

(26:28) Challenges in the Lithium Industry

(32:45) Australia's Role in Value-Added Processing

(35:00) Balancing Skills in Lithium Projects

(35:25) Government Support and Power Costs

(36:23) Comparing Australia and China in Downstream Processing

(36:54) Opportunities in Midstream Processing

(41:16) The Importance of Trust in Business

(46:40) Navigating Approvals and Red Tape

(50:02) The Impact of AI on the Mining Industry

(56:52) Rapid Fire Questions with Ron

(1:07:49) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Our guest is Duncan Gibbs, Managing Director and CEO of Gold Road Resources. With more than 35 years of mining industry experience, Duncan shares insights into leading one of Australia’s largest gold operations, the world-class Gruyere mine. We discuss Gruyere’s long-term future, Gold Road’s exploration projects, and the company’s $3.7 billion acquisition by Gold Fields. Duncan also reflects on leadership, value creation, and navigating major corporate transactions.

David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/

Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ 

David Gallagher 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-gallagher-3541553/ 

Duncan Gibbs 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-gibbs-88b62213/ 

ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko

Timecodes:

(0:00) Acknowledgement and Introduction

(1:12) Guest Introduction: Duncan Gibbs

(2:03) Significant M&A Deals

(3:08) Leadership Superpower and Team Building

(9:08) Duncan's Early Life and Career

(19:58) Leadership and Board Dynamics

(28:42) Company Culture and Recruitment

(44:26) High Performing Teams and Leadership

(47:34) Employee Value Proposition and Leadership Influence

(48:53) Diversity in Leadership Teams

(58:02) Challenges in the Mining Industry

(1:03:21) AI and Technological Advancements in Mining

(1:07:20) Educational Gaps and Industry Image

(1:12:49) Downstream Processing and Competitiveness

(1:17:52) Leadership Reflections and Future Plans

(1:27:58) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Sam is a seasoned executive and company director with more than 30 years of experience across aviation, consulting, and mining. After 13 years at IGO as Chief People and Sustainability Officer, she helped transform the business into a leader in clean energy materials. Today, she continues to shape the leadership landscape through Chief Executive Women and as a director of Youth Focus. In this episode, Sam shares valuable insights on leadership, engagement, and culture development drawn from her distinguished career in mining and beyond.

David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/

Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ 

David Gallagher 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-gallagher-3541553/ 

Sam Retallack 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-retallack-69151819/

ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko

Timecodes:

(0:00) Acknowledging Traditional Owners and Podcast Introduction

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Jeff Quartermaine, Managing Director and CEO of Perseus Mining, shares how he transformed the company into Australia’s largest and most successful gold producer in Africa. With over 30 years in senior corporate and financial roles across global resource companies, Jeff reveals insights into leadership, multi-jurisdictional growth, and delivering a five-year production outlook exceeding half a million ounces annually. A must-listen for those interested in mining, leadership, and building global success stories.

David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/ 

Timecodes:

(00:00) Acknowledging Traditional Owners and Podcast Introduction

(01:53) Introducing Jeff Quartermaine and Perseus Mining

(06:11) Jeff's Background and Early Career

(09:51) Leadership Insights and Cultural Adaptation

(11:21) Challenges and Opportunities in African Mining

(16:44 The Importance of Trust and Communication

(23:04) Managing Executive Dynamics and Remote Work

(25:43) Addressing Talent Shortages in Mining

(28:15) Cultural Differences in Career Ambitions

(30:11) The Importance of Core Values

(35:45) Artificial Intelligence in Mining

(36:48) Effective Recruitment Strategies

(44:48) Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections

(52:22) Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Mike Spreadborough brings over 30 years of mining leadership to this episode, sharing insights from technical, executive and board roles across gold, base metals, rare earths and iron ore. As Executive Co-Chairman of Novo Resources and Non-Executive Director of Arafura Rare Earths, Mike discusses operational leadership, project development, financing and corporate governance. Join us for a compelling conversation with one of the industry’s most charismatic and experienced leaders, exploring strategy, growth and the future of mining in Australia.

David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/ 

Timecodes:

(0:00) Acknowledging Traditional Owners

(0:13) Introduction to Hearts and Minds Podcast

(1:17) Guest Introduction: Mike Spreadborough

(3:06) Mike's Early Life and Career Beginnings

(9:26) Leadership Insights and Challenges

(13:50) Board Dynamics and Responsibilities

(19:43) Empowerment and Mentorship

(23:04) Addressing the Skills Shortage in Mining

(26:11) Diversity in the Mining Industry

(29:11) The Role of Culture in Organisations

(33:17) Challenges in Exploration and Development

(33:40) Climate Change and the Mining Industry

(36:59) The Future of Critical Minerals

(40:13) AI in the Mining Industry

(42:49) Lightning Round

(50:49) Conclusion and Farewell

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

With over 30 years in mining across five countries, Vanessa Torres, Chief Operating Officer Australia of South32, shares her journey from Brazil to the boardroom. A senior leader at South32 with Doctorate and Master’s degrees in Minerals Engineering, she discusses the challenges she faced navigating socio-political dynamics as a young mining leader. Hear how she applied artificial intelligence in mining, led multi-billion-dollar operations, and built a reputation for safe, profitable management. Vanessa also shares how she unwinds through her love of football and Formula One racing.

David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/ 

Timecodes:

(00:00) Acknowledging Traditional Owners

(00:13 Introduction to Hearts and Minds Podcast

(01:23 Meet Vanessa Torres

(12:21) Vanessa's Career Journey

(17:30) Leadership

(25:33) Inspiring the Next Generation for Mining

(26:07) The Necessity of Mining for Society

26:36 Addressing the Mining Industry's Image Problem

(27:34 Space and Ocean Mining

(29:40) The Ideal Culture in Mining Businesses

(31:47) The Role of Leaders in Shaping Culture

(40:56) The Impact of AI on the Mining Industry

(44:22) Decarbonisation and the Future of Energy

(48:23) Rapid Fire Questions

(54:36) Final Reflections

Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.