Who are you and what do you do?
Ash Welch – I am the Finance and Administration Manager at Thiess Mount Arthur South.
When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job?
I started in the mining industry as an Accountant at Thiess Mt Owen. Prior to that I worked in public practice for a Big 4 accounting firm.
How different is your job now to what you wanted to be when you were a kid?
I wanted to do so many different things when I was a kid but chose to start my career in nursing. Having always enjoyed numbers, structure and problem solving, I went back to university to study accounting when on maternity leave with my now 14-year-old, so this turned out to be a great fit.
What’s a usual day at work entail?
A usual day involves overseeing the site’s financial operations and working closely with all teams across site to help drive operational success and achieve the best financial outcomes. No two days are the same, and each day brings different priorities, challenges and opportunities.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The complexities of mining mean I get to work with many talented and high performing people with a wide range of skills. I am constantly learning and finding new ways to contribute, which is fascinating and motivating.
The worst thing?
The early morning starts in winter!
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Balancing children, study commitments, and career progression has been the biggest challenge. All three are demanding in their own ways, and learning how to prioritise work at work, and also ensuring the important things outside of work don’t get missed is difficult. I don’t always get it right, but I make sure I do my best.
The resilience, time management and the importance of backing myself even when the timing isn’t perfect has been a hard lesson to learn but has also helped the way I approach my work today – with focus, perspective and a strong appreciation for the opportunities that come from hard work and persistence.
What’s something about your job that would surprise people to know?
My job isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about understanding what is happening across site and what different teams do, and helping them to make decisions that are informed, practical, and aligned with operational success.
What’s your best advice for people entering the industry?
Go in with an open mind. Mining is complex and fast paced, with so many different career paths and opportunities. Take the time to understand what contributes to the bigger picture, learn from the people around you, and be prepared to keep growing. If you are willing to work hard, ask questions and be adaptable it can be incredibly rewarding.
The mining industry gets more than its fair share of criticism. What is your view of our industry and the impact it has?
I understand the criticism, but I also see the positive impact mining has every day. It supports families, creates meaningful career opportunities, invests in communities, and brings together highly skilled people working towards shared outcomes. It’s a necessary industry that is constantly improving, and one that I am proud to be a part of.
