Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Jodie Fairbrother and I have gone from a Plant Operator to a Mining Engineer at Mount Thorley Warkworth mine.
When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job?
I began in the mining industry in 2008 as a Trainee Truck Operator at Camberwell Coal.
How different is your job now to what you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Having been exposed to the mining industry from a very young age due to my father being a workshop supervisor when I was growing up, I have had a love for mining my entire life. Being a very practical person, operating just made sense from a young age and the fifteen years I spent operating I really enjoyed. Moving into Tech Services and into a Mining Engineer role was a positive twist to my career that I wasn’t expecting but thoroughly enjoy.
What’s a usual day at work entail?
Day-to-day is now very different from shift work and being in production as an operator. Alternating projects and workload priorities can change day to day, but my role is primarily around Mid-Term Dumping Shells, Rehab Designing and Conformance, a lot of stakeholder engagement and running our Haulage Model.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The variety and scope of my work and being exposed to so many aspects of mining that I hadn’t been exposed to in operations has had a great impact to my perspective around mining. Not to mention the great people that I have the privilege to work with and meet.
The worst thing?
Sitting at a computer five days a week has been an adjustment.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Most recently would be moving from production and my crew. Also not having a lot of technical knowledge with computers was a challenge, and learning the designing and modeling programs used within my role.
What’s your best advice for people entering the industry?
Entering the mining industry is an exciting opportunity filled with challenges and rewards. Safety should always be your top priority; never cut corners and always look out for yourself and your team. You must be eager to learn from experienced workers, ask questions and take every chance to grow your skills. Mining is a tough but highly rewarding career, so stay patient, work hard and embrace the challenges as opportunities to grow. Build strong relationships, stay adaptable and maintain a positive attitude – these will take you far. Above all, believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. Every expert in the industry started as a beginner, and with dedication, perseverance, and a strong work ethic, you can build a successful and fulfilling career.
The mining industry gets more than its fair share of criticism. What is your view of our industry and the impact it has?
Mining is a vital industry that not only fuels economies but also strengthens communities and creates countless opportunities for individuals and families. It provides thousands of well-paid jobs, equipping people with valuable skills and career paths that support both personal and professional growth. Beyond employment, mining plays a crucial role in sustaining regional and local towns, driving economic activity and fostering infrastructure development. The industry also continues to evolve, embracing innovation and sustainable practices to minimise environmental impact and ensure long-term benefits for future generations.
Mining is more than just extracting resources – it is about building strong, thriving communities and making a lasting, positive difference in the world.
