Resourceful: Stories from the Site

In mining and resources, the pay gap doesn’t just show up in your payslip. It shows up in your super, your options, and your future choices.

In this episode, James Marshall sits down with Debbie French — financial adviser and ESS strategist — to talk about how women in mining and resources can build real financial confidence (even when they’re time poor, juggling caregiving, and navigating complex remuneration like executive share schemes).

Debbie shares her global upbringing through a “family of bankers” (Botswana, the UK, New Zealand, then Australia), how she found her way into finance through university, and why she’s built a niche supporting women — especially those in male-dominated industries — to take control of their financial futures. Her work spans mining and resources executives, professionals, and business owners with demanding schedules, fluctuating income, and remuneration packages that aren’t always straightforward.

Debbie breaks down the difference between the pay gap and the wealth gap — and why mining still ranks among the sectors with the highest median total remuneration gap when you factor in superannuation, bonuses, allowances, and executive share schemes. She also speaks to the “sandwich generation” reality: women balancing careers while caring for children and ageing family members, and how career breaks (plus life disruptors like relationship breakdowns) can compound quickly without a plan.

Debbie outlines the non-negotiables that create long-term security. From understanding what “comfortable retirement” benchmarks actually look like, to making sure insurance cover matches the realities of physically demanding roles and travel, to automating cash flow so you’re not relying on willpower. She also reinforces why estate planning matters — especially for blended families — and how getting the basics right can create wellbeing that’s mental as much as it is financial.

If you’ve got shares as part of your package, this section is worth a replay. Debbie explains why “every scheme is different” and why your grant letter terms, vesting schedule, and tax treatment should be understood early — not when vesting hits and you’re scrambling. She shares a simple rule of thumb to avoid nasty surprises at vesting, the importance of diversification (because having your income and most of your wealth tied to one employer is a risky game), and why record keeping is crucial to save you serious pain later.

A recurring theme: the biggest hurdle isn’t always money — it’s time. Debbie’s advice is to start with one manageable step, automate what you can, consolidate where it makes sense (without accidentally losing important insurance cover), and review your plan regularly instead of “set and forget.” Confidence doesn’t come from motivation — it comes from knowledge, support, and consistent action over time.

If you’re a woman in mining or resources and you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or like your finances are “another thing” you’ll deal with later… this episode is your nudge. Not to overhaul your whole life in a weekend — but to start, get clear, and build a plan that matches the reality of your career, your family, and your future.

00:00 Introduction

01:18 Debbie’s journey into finance (and why she focuses on women)

03:18 The role of a financial adviser: filtering noise + building a roadmap

04:11 Pay gap vs wealth gap (and why mining is still high)

05:34 Unique challenges for women in mining: rosters, remoteness, time poverty

06:46 The foundations: super, insurance, cash flow, estate planning

08:26 Practical first steps when you’re overwhelmed

09:44 ESS essentials: vesting, tax, documentation, diversification

11:12 Common mistakes: concentration risk + poor record keeping

12:08 Advice for women who feel “behind”

12:54 Retirement planning mistakes: underestimating needs + delaying

13:34 Actionable tips: budgeting tools, offsets, automation, SMART goals

15:07 One money lesson Debbie would tell her younger self

15:15 Wrap up + subscribe

Debbie French: https://www.resourcesunearthed.com.au/contributor/debbie-french/

James Marshall: https://www.resourcesunearthed.com.au/contributor/james-marshall/

For those looking to explore the intricacies of financial planning in the resources and mining sector, Debbie & James and the team are available for further consultation. 

Find the full episode with Debbie French here: https://www.resourcesunearthed.com.au/resourceful-podcasts/

Resources Unearthed Website: https://www.resourcesunearthed.com.au/

DISCLAIMER: The information contained within this episode does not consider your personal circumstances and is of a general nature only. You should not act on it without first obtaining professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.

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.

Cameron 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.

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.

Building 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.

Cameron 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.

The 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).

If 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

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/

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: Specialist Tax and Business Advisor

Craig Hong: https://hillhouse.com.au/

Business succession planning is an essential strategic move for business owners looking to transition out of ownership and into retirement or a new venture. Selling a business can often seem like a daunting process filled with complexities, but with proper planning and expert advice, it can be navigated smoothly. Understanding the legal and tax considerations at the time of sale is a crucial component of this journey, ensuring that both buyers and sellers walk away with a fair deal.

Let's explore some of the key issues and considerations that come into play during the sale of a business, paying close attention to the importance of a comprehensive approach to succession planning.

00:00 Introduction to Business Succession

00:40 Key Issues in Selling and Purchasing

01:46 Financing the Purchase

03:13 Legal Considerations and Whitewashing

06:47 Tax Implications

10:07 Administrative and Legal Transition

13:02 Due Diligence and Risk Management

19:23 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

21:45 Conclusion and Next Steps

Brett & James: https://www.resourcesunearthed.com.au/

Craig Barry: Specialist Tax and Business Advisor

Craig Hong: https://hillhouse.com.au/

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: Specialist Tax and Business Advisor

Craig Hong: https://hillhouse.com.au/

As the world increasingly becomes interconnected, the opportunities for executives to live and work internationally have expanded significantly. However, alongside these opportunities come various tax and legal intricacies that must be addressed carefully. 

Brett Cribb, Managing Director and Founder of Resources Unearthed, recently sat down with with experts Craig Barry from William Buck Queensland, James Marshall from Stratus Financial Group, and Rob Lamb from Hill House Legal Partners to talk through these intricacies in detail. Together, they explore the multifaceted considerations executives must manage when relocating overseas for work.

00:00 Introduction to Resourceful Stories

00:23 Meet the Experts

01:06 Key Considerations Before Moving Overseas

01:26 Tax Residency and Financial Planning

05:08 Managing Trusts and Super Funds

07:18 Double Taxation and Tax Treaties

09:20 Estate Planning and Legal Considerations

12:42 Living and Working Overseas

39:43 Returning to Australia: Opportunities and Challenges



41:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

Brett & James: https://www.resourcesunearthed.com.au/

Craig Barry: Specialist Tax and Business Advisor

Craig Hong: https://hillhouse.com.au/

Robert Lamb: https://hillhouse.com.au/

n this episode, Brett Cribb, Managing Director and Founder of Resources Unearthed hosts Craig Barry from William Buck and Rob Lamb from Hill House Legal Partners. They discuss the intricacies of family offices, looking at what they are, their types, and their benefits. The conversation also covers how virtual family offices can assist families with substantial wealth, addressing intergenerational transfers, and the importance of managing family dynamics. The episode concludes with insights into creating a family charter, estate planning, and common legal considerations in family succession.

00:00 Introduction

00:22 Understanding Family Offices

00:29 Meet the Experts: Craig Barry and Rob Lamb

01:29 Types of Family Offices

03:39 Virtual Family Office Services

05:44 Family Dynamics and Intergenerational Transfers

07:44 Legal Considerations and Family Charters

12:34 Common Issues and Solutions

17:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

Brett & James: https://www.resourcesunearthed.com.au/

Craig Barry: Specialist Tax and Business Advisor

Craig Hong: https://hillhouse.com.au/

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

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

This episode is a recast from the Queensland Business Hub discussing tax issues that mining consultants should consider. 

A common career pathway that many mining professionals contemplate is setting up a consultancy.  This could be for a variety of different reasons but it is important to understand some of the key tax issues that may apply in this scenario. 

In this episode, Craig Barry and Scott Lindeblad discuss two important tax issues - setting up a structure to trade through and the different tax issues and opportunities that might apply. 

One of the first considerations for anyone looking to start a new consultancy is whether to set up a trust or company, or whether to trade as a sole trader. Craig and Scott discuss a number of items to evaluate when making a decision about structure, including cost, purpose and commercial reasons. They discuss different structure types and the importance of working with an experienced accountant, lawyer or business advisor throughout the process. 

A lot of the decision making around structuring centres around the current circumstances, but also understanding future plans and expectations. There are a variety of issues to consider, including splitting income, paying yourself a salary and superannuation, company cars, and personal expenses to name a few. 

Craig and Scott go through a case study about a husband and wife in the 50’s who both work in the mining industry. They discuss details regarding their financial position and current circumstances and the advice they received on the best way to structure their consultancy. 

LINKS:

Queensland Business Hub - Digging With Accountants Podcast