Tell us about the business.
Global Soils (GSS) is an environmental consultancy and contractor specialising in mine site rehabilitation. We are part of the B&K Group Australia, a family-owned business working in revegetation and landscaping across the civil, commercial and government sectors.
When a client comes to us in the initial phases of a project, we provide practical and cost-effective solutions based on decades of experience. Our services cover the full rehabilitation lifecycle – including topsoil management, amelioration, seeding, planting, dust suppression, hydromulching and ongoing land management.
By offering a true “one-stop shop”, we create efficiencies, reduce costs and remove the stress of managing multiple contractors on site.
How long have you been doing business?
Operating across QLD and NSW since the early 1990s, GSS has worked on most major mine sites during that time. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for delivering high-quality rehabilitation outcomes that stand the test of time.
How many people work for the business?
We currently have 19 dedicated staff, including field crew, supervisors, operators and management. As part of the 130 strong B&K Group, we can also draw on additional expertise and manpower to meet project demands.
Describe a typical day at ‘The office’.
There really is no typical day at the office. On any given day we could have teams working across multiple sites completing a range of different things. This could include hydromulching batters on a newly constructed dam, controlling invasive weeds in conservation areas, ameliorating soils ahead of seeding, planting tubestock in mine offsets, or applying dust suppressants to a tailings dam.
While the day-to-day office work still needs to be done – admin, invoicing and compliance etc., we’d much rather be out on site getting our hands dirty.
What are the biggest challenges facing your business?
Like many growing businesses, finding the right people can be a challenge. Our work is rewarding but demanding – it suits those with a genuine passion for the environment, a love of working outdoors, and a commitment to delivering lasting results.
What are the biggest opportunities for your business right now?
The mine rehabilitation sector in Australia is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing regulatory pressures, environmental concerns, and corporate sustainability commitments. With many mines now nearing the end of their operational life, large scale rehabilitation projects are on the rise, creating opportunities for companies with the capabilities, resources and track record to deliver.
What is the business most proud of?
One of the most rewarding parts of our work is revisiting sites we first rehabilitated in the 1990s and early 2000s. Seeing a former open-cut mine transformed into a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem – complete with native wildlife – is something we’re truly proud of. We’re also proud of our reputation for quality and the relationships with clients that we’ve built along the way.
Community or other causes close to its heart and values?
Following the loss of a long-time employee and good mate to cancer, the B&K Group has been committed to supporting cancer related charities. Working in the mining industry we also like to support the rescue helicopter.
Any employees that deserve a shout out?
As special mention goes to James Nebauer GM of GSS and the B&K Group. He’s super supportive of the whole team and loves to get out on site as much as possible. On any given day you might find him helping out on the back of the hydroseeder, driving a tractor, submitting tenders, or keeping tabs on the numerous projects we have going on across QLD and NSW.
Image caption: James Nebauer (General Manager) and Craig Outridge (Business Manager) manning the Global Soils stand at the recent Mine Waste & Tailings Conference in Brisbane.
