Who are you and what do you do?
Tony “Banto” Banton, Mining Superintendent at Moolarben Coal Operations. My day to day is enabling and empowering my team to safely deliver all production metrics in the open cut.
My current focus is the implementation of the OC4 extension plans including MIA facilities. Due to the sheer size of our operation and with up to 70% of our production outputs coming from OC4, we identified a need to bring our workforce closer to the action. These plans will maximise our equipment utilisation and further finesse the execution of our key processes whilst remaining sensitive to operations.
When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job?
I started as a heavy equipment operator for Turners Engineering at Yarrabee Coal Company back in 2008.
How different is your job now to what you wanted to be when you were a kid?
I hail from a long line of coal miners and naturally I gravitated towards the same. Whilst my family are predominately underground miners, I’ve always had a passion for larger scale earthmoving, cementing my career in open cut mining.
What’s a usual day at work entail?
Every day is different and that’s why I love it. From an operational focus of delivery to plan and the safe execution of our performance metrics to touring the mine with Chinese delegates and working closely with our community for strategic growth. No matter what, there’s always a bit of banter and a team I’m proud to be a part of.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The people. We live by a motto at Moolarben – “our people make the difference, we’re all in”. I’m driven by this notion and firmly believe that building a great culture starts from engaging our workforce from the ground up.
The worst thing?
People who aren’t team players or bring a negative attitude to the workplace. I think it’s important to surround yourself with people that want to have a go and get amongst it. We’re lucky to have plenty of these people at MCO.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Leadership is always a challenge, stepping away at times from our day-to-day operations in order to enable the future and see the bigger picture. It’s exciting to be a part of but has been a learning curve for me to get the best of both worlds.
What’s something about your job that would surprise people to know?
I’ve been working extensively with multiple departments across site on a passion project to uplift our Palaeo channel operations and future-proof our mine which entails the dewatering of our alluvial Palaeo channel on site. We’ve already made great progress this year through embedding new mining practices, additional equipment and proficiency upskilling to our operators to enable a safer working environment whilst ultimately moving more dirt!
What’s your best advice for people entering the industry?
Do your homework first to ensure it’s in the best interest of your family and future goals. Mining is not a cruisey job, it’s a career commitment with long hours, lifestyle changes and working in large teams. Something I always say is “treat it like it’s your mine”. What kind of attitude would you want your people to have? If you’re positive and motivated, there’s plenty of opportunities out there. Have goals, stay focused and rip in!
The mining industry gets more than its fair share of criticism. What is your view of our industry and the impact it has?
Our region benefits greatly from the resources sector and has enabled many families to have a better life. We have dedicated teams working to support safer and more sustainable practices and are passionate about giving back to our communities. Mining has impacts, but we work hard to minimize these through new methodologies and improved technology. With the right people at the forefront, I believe we’ve got a bright future ahead.
