The Mining Mum Podcast

The Mining Mum Podcast

By The Mining MumBusinessCareers
Download on the App Store

The Mining Mum Podcast episodes

  • The Future of Mining: Decarbonisation, Electrification & Copper with BHP’s VP of Climate & Environment | Graham Winkelman

    In this episode, Tegan sits down with Graham Winkelman, Vice President of Climate & Environment at BHP, to discuss the mining industry's journey towards decarbonisation, the growing demand for critical minerals, and the technologies shaping the future of mining.


    Graham shares insights into BHP's decarbonisation priorities, including its transition to renewable electricity, trials of battery-electric haul trucks, and the challenges of electrifying large-scale mining operations.


    We also explore why copper is becoming such a hot commodity, how lithium and other critical minerals are powering the energy transition, and what it will take to make mining more sustainable.


    Whether you're working in mining, considering a career in the industry, or interested in where the resources sector is heading, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what's next.


    Listen, learn and join the conversation.

    41 min
  • Starting FIFO at 62 | Tania Rennie - FIFO NAN

    Tania took a leap of faith and entered the FIFO mining industry at 62 after the end of her 40-year marriage. Starting as a housekeeper, she embraced the challenge, worked her way up, and discovered a new purpose in the mining industry.In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast, Tania shares her journey into FIFO, the challenges of starting over later in life, and why she believes it's never too late to back yourself.

    21 min
  • How This Irish Expat Broke Into WA Mining With No Experience | Cal McIlwaine

    How do you go from working at nightclubs and Amazon in Ireland to landing a FIFO mining job in Western Australia with zero mining experience?In this episode of the Mining Mum Podcast, we hear Cal McIlwaine’s incredible journey from Ireland to the WA mining industry.Cal moved to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa with one goal: break into FIFO, earn good money and create more freedom to travel.Just 28 days after landing in WA, after applying for around 70–100 jobs, Cal secured his first FIFO role in the Pilbara.His first nine months of FIFO work saw him earn $141,000, something he says was more than double what he had been earning back in Ireland.Now, three years into his FIFO journey, Cal works as a Serviceman on a Pilbara mine site while building a community of more than 260,000 people across social media, helping others learn about moving to Australia and breaking into FIFO.If you're considering moving to Australia, starting a FIFO career, or simply curious about what life on a WA mine site is really like, this episode is for you.Listen to the full Mining Mum Podcast and hear Cal's story from Ireland to the Pilbara.

    31 min
  • From Underground Geologist to Chief Geologist | Leah Moore’s Mining Career Journey

    What does it really take to build a career in mining and rise from a graduate geologist to Chief Geologist?In this episode of the Money Man Podcast, we sit down with Leah Moore, Chief Geologist at Patronus Resources, to unpack her incredible career journey - from discovering her passion for geology at university, to working underground, taking on a challenging role in Papua New Guinea, moving into exploration, consulting, leadership, and eventually becoming a Chief Geologist.Leah shares the realities of working in mining, including the differences between production and exploration geology, the challenges of FIFO life, leading geological teams, balancing a demanding career with family, and what it really takes to succeed in the resources industry.We also talk about ambition, career setbacks, leadership, finding gold, and why sometimes you need to “care less about what people think” and “keep the rage.”ABOUT LEAH MOORELeah Moore is the Chief Geologist at Patronus Resources, with a career spanning underground mining, exploration, consulting and geological leadership.If you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with people shaping the mining, resources and business industries.

    34 min
  • She Disrupted the Mining Training Industry: From Starting With Nothing to 300K Followers | Niamh Murphy

    What does it really take to break into the mining industry — and build a business from the ground up?

    In this episode of the Mining Mom Podcast, Tegan sits down with Niamh Murphy from Cailin Mining & Civil to talk about her unconventional journey into mining, starting with a goal of earning enough money to attend music school in London.

    From struggling for two years to get into the mines, discovering the gender pay gap, and becoming a subcontractor — to building a training and labour hire business, leasing a quarry, and growing a social media community of 300,000+ followers, Neave shares the lessons behind her success.

    They also dive into:

    • Why having a ticket doesn't guarantee you a mining job
    • The reality behind mining training and why Neave refuses to lower her standards
    • How she built a business by testing demand before investing
    • Why she believes real, hands-on training matters
    • Dealing with criticism, trolls and anonymous hate online
    • Being a woman in a male-dominated mining industry
    • The pressure to always be “tough” in mining
    • How authenticity helped grow her brand
    • The importance of numbers, data and knowing your business
    • Winning national recognition for disrupting the training industry
    • Her advice to anyone thinking about starting a business

    One of the biggest takeaways? Build a brand, build a community, test the demand — then invest.

    🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with people changing the mining, resources and business industries.

    #Mining #MiningIndustry #MiningJobs #FIFO #WomenInMining #MiningTraining #Business #Entrepreneurship #CivilMining #FIFOJobs

    33 min
  • Leading The Way in Aboriginal Business | Caity Hicks Forshaw

    Caity Hicks Forshaw, CEO of Hicks Civil & Mining, shares what it was like leading an Aboriginal business in the Pilbara at a time when the industry wasn’t ready.

    From fighting for their place in the mining industry to becoming part of the change, Katie reflects on the challenges, criticism, resilience and determination it took to build their business and help change perceptions of Aboriginal businesses in mining.

    18 min
  • Why young Australians should care about Mining | Tania Constable

    Mining impacts every Australian, whether you work in the industry or not.


    In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast, Tegan sits down with Tanya Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, to discuss the future of mining, Australia's role in supplying critical minerals, AI and automation, mining careers, women in mining, taxation, and why the industry remains one of Australia's biggest economic drivers.


    They also explore common misconceptions about mining, what young Australians should be studying, and how the industry is evolving to meet the challenges of the future.


    In this episode:

    •⁠ ⁠Why mining is critical to Australia's economy

    •⁠ ⁠⁠The truth about mining taxes and royalties

    •⁠ ⁠⁠What critical minerals actually are

    •⁠ ⁠AI and automation in mining

    •⁠ ⁠Why Australia doesn't process all its minerals

    •⁠ ⁠The future workforce and skills shortages

    •⁠ ⁠Women in mining and workplace culture

    •⁠ ⁠Apprenticeships, STEM, and career pathways

    •⁠ ⁠Common myths about the mining industry


    Whether you're already in mining, considering a career, or simply curious about how the industry shapes Australia, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the country's most important sectors.

    39 min
  • 39, No Experience: Joey’s Dump Truck Story

    From arriving in Australia with just one suitcase to becoming a Mining Superintendent at MACA, Joey Wikairi's story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. She left New Zealand to create a better future for her five children, started as a dump truck operator, and worked her way through the mining industry into leadership.Whether you're thinking about a career in mining, already working FIFO, or simply looking for an inspiring story of perseverance, Joey's journey is one you won't forget!👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more inspiring stories from the people shaping the mining industry.#Mining #WomenInMining #FIFO #MiningCareers #MiningLeadership

    26 min
  • From COO to building a business that manages $1 Billion dollars

    Jane Tandy, Founder & Managing Director of Leeuwin Wealth, is an absolute powerhouse!

    After leaving her career in the stockbroking world feeling completely burnt out, Jane took a step back to figure out what she truly wanted.

    She spent time at home with her kids, enjoyed a few Pilates classes, and then an incredible opportunity came along to co-found Leewin Wealth with her business partners.

    In just their first year, they achieved an incredible milestone managing over $1 billion in funds.

    In this episode, we dive into:

    ✨ Self-managed super funds (SMSFs)

    ✨ Investing and building long-term wealth

    ✨ Jane’s career journey from burnout to business owner

    ✨ Practical tips to help you take control of your financial futureIf you’ve ever wanted to better understand investing or wondered how to start building wealth, this episode is for you.

    Have a listen, and if you’d like to learn even more, join us at our upcoming Women Leading – WINANCE event, where we’ll be breaking down the barriers that stop women from investing with confidence.


    #womeninmining #womeninfinance #business

    40 min
  • The Future of Mining Vlog x The Mining Mum

    Future of Mining Conference Vlog

    A true pinch me moment.

    What started as sharing my journey in the mining industry has led to my very first social media partnership, attending the Future of Mining Conference, and even speaking on a panel alongside some of the industry's leaders.

    In this vlog, I'm taking you behind the scenes of one of Australia's biggest mining conferences—from networking with industry professionals and exploring the latest mining technology to stepping onto the stage as a panel speaker and representing The Mining Mum Podcast.

    If you've ever wondered what happens at a mining conference, how to build a career in mining, or what it's takes to create opportunities through social media, this vlog is for you.

    Whether you're already working in mining, looking to get your first FIFO job, interested in mining careers, recruitment, leadership, women in mining, or simply following my journey, I hope this inspires you to back yourself and chase the opportunities that come your way.

    Thank you to everyone who has supported The Mining Mum and this incredible journey. This is only the beginning.

    Let me know in the comments:
    • Have you ever been to a mining conference?
    • Would you like to work in the mining industry?
    • Who should I interview next on The Mining Mum Podcast?

    Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for weekly mining content, FIFO career advice, behind-the-scenes vlogs, podcast episodes, recruitment tips and everything happening in Australia's mining industry.

    #FutureOfMining #MiningIndustry #MiningAustralia #MiningJobs #MiningCareers #FIFO #FIFOLife #WomenInMining #MiningConference #TheMiningMum #MiningPodcast #ResourcesSector #MiningLeadership #MiningTechnology #MiningInnovation #MiningRecruitment #CareersInMining #WesternAustralia #BHP #RioTinto #FMG #MiningLife #MiningCommunity #Perth #Australia

    11 min

About The Mining Mum Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Mining Mum Podcast is the mining podcast for anyone building a career in the resources industry. Host Tegan sits down with miners, FIFO workers, engineers, operators and leaders from across Australian mining and minerals to share the real stories behind their careers: how they got started, how they moved up, and how they balance FIFO life with family.