Hearts & Mines

Ep: 27 Warren Pearce: Advocating for an Improved and Stronger Mining Industry

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, Warren Pearce, CEO of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), shares his mission to make Australia the best place in the world to explore and mine. From reducing regulatory barriers to lowering business costs and unlocking new opportunities, Warren is at the forefront of shaping policy and driving growth for the sector. Tune in to hear how AMEC is backing explorers, supporting discoveries, and ensuring Australia remains a global leader in resources.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/
Warren Pearce🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-pearce/?originalSubdomain=au
ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(00:00) Introduction 
(00:50) Meet Warren Pearce: CEO of AMEC
(03:19) Warren's Early Career and Leadership Journey
(04:42) Growing Up and Early Influences
(08:52) Balancing Work and Personal Life
(10:53) Challenges and Opportunities in the Mining Industry
(18:28) The Talent Shortage in Mining
(23:52) The Importance of Engagement in the Workplace
(24:15) Inclusive Leadership in Business
(25:59) Creating a Safe Space for Ideas
(27:48) Values and Culture at AMEC
(31:06) Challenges in the Mining Industry
(33:14) Regulatory and Environmental Issues
(42:24) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
(46:45) Optimism and Future Prospects
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep 26: Leadership in Lithium, EV Supply Chains & Global Partnerships with Ron Mitchell

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we sit down with Ron Mitchell, a global commercial and business development executive with 25+ years across mining, manufacturing, renewables, and government. Ron brings deep expertise in lithium mining, battery materials, and EV supply chains— sharing insights on leadership, global partnerships, and building strategic collaboration across the clean energy sector. From his senior roles at Talison Lithium and other ASX, TSX and Tokyo-listed companies, to founding Chair of the LME Lithium & Cobalt Committee, Ron reflects on leading through growth and change.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/
Ron Mitchell 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-mitchell-57a7642/
ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:58) Ron Mitchell's Early Life and Career Beginnings
(4:34) Personal Life and Interests
(6:51) Leadership Insights and Challenges
(20:13) The Importance of Integrity and Resilience
(26:28) Challenges in the Lithium Industry
(32:45) Australia's Role in Value-Added Processing
(35:00) Balancing Skills in Lithium Projects
(35:25) Government Support and Power Costs
(36:23) Comparing Australia and China in Downstream Processing
(36:54) Opportunities in Midstream Processing
(41:16) The Importance of Trust in Business
(46:40) Navigating Approvals and Red Tape
(50:02) The Impact of AI on the Mining Industry
(56:52) Rapid Fire Questions with Ron
(1:07:49) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐
LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep 25: Duncan Gibbs on finding solutions amidst ambiguity and uncertainty.

Our guest is Duncan Gibbs, Managing Director and CEO of Gold Road Resources. With more than 35 years of mining industry experience, Duncan shares insights into leading one of Australia’s largest gold operations, the world-class Gruyere mine. We discuss Gruyere’s long-term future, Gold Road’s exploration projects, and the company’s $3.7 billion acquisition by Gold Fields. Duncan also reflects on leadership, value creation, and navigating major corporate transactions.
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ 
David Gallagher 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-gallagher-3541553/ 
Duncan Gibbs 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-gibbs-88b62213/ 
ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(0:00) Acknowledgement and Introduction
(1:12) Guest Introduction: Duncan Gibbs
(2:03) Significant M&A Deals
(3:08) Leadership Superpower and Team Building
(9:08) Duncan's Early Life and Career
(19:58) Leadership and Board Dynamics
(28:42) Company Culture and Recruitment
(44:26) High Performing Teams and Leadership
(47:34) Employee Value Proposition and Leadership Influence
(48:53) Diversity in Leadership Teams
(58:02) Challenges in the Mining Industry
(1:03:21) AI and Technological Advancements in Mining
(1:07:20) Educational Gaps and Industry Image
(1:12:49) Downstream Processing and Competitiveness
(1:17:52) Leadership Reflections and Future Plans
(1:27:58) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.
 

Ep 24: Leading with Purpose: Sam’s Journey in Mining and Beyond

Sam is a seasoned executive and company director with more than 30 years of experience across aviation, consulting, and mining. After 13 years at IGO as Chief People and Sustainability Officer, she helped transform the business into a leader in clean energy materials. Today, she continues to shape the leadership landscape through Chief Executive Women and as a director of Youth Focus. In this episode, Sam shares valuable insights on leadership, engagement, and culture development drawn from her distinguished career in mining and beyond.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ 
David Gallagher 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-gallagher-3541553/ 
Sam Retallack 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-retallack-69151819/
ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(0:00) Acknowledging Traditional Owners and Podcast Introduction(1:03) Introducing Sam Retallack(5:39) Sam's Early Life and Influences(17:47) Leadership Qualities and Experiences(35:59) Challenges Faced by Female Leaders(36:38) The Value of Consistency in Leadership(39:46) Unique Corporate Values at IGO(41:13) The Importance of Employee-Driven Values(46:55) Recruitment Strategies and Challenges(52:08) Balancing Personal Well-being with Professional Life(53:56) Workforce Challenges in the Mining Industry(1:04:22) Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep 23: Shaping Global Gold: Jeff Quartermaine on Growth and Leadership

Jeff Quartermaine, Managing Director and CEO of Perseus Mining, shares how he transformed the company into Australia’s largest and most successful gold producer in Africa. With over 30 years in senior corporate and financial roles across global resource companies, Jeff reveals insights into leadership, multi-jurisdictional growth, and delivering a five-year production outlook exceeding half a million ounces annually. A must-listen for those interested in mining, leadership, and building global success stories.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/ Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(00:00) Acknowledging Traditional Owners and Podcast Introduction
(01:53) Introducing Jeff Quartermaine and Perseus Mining
(06:11) Jeff's Background and Early Career
(09:51) Leadership Insights and Cultural Adaptation
(11:21) Challenges and Opportunities in African Mining
(16:44 The Importance of Trust and Communication
(23:04) Managing Executive Dynamics and Remote Work
(25:43) Addressing Talent Shortages in Mining
(28:15) Cultural Differences in Career Ambitions
(30:11) The Importance of Core Values
(35:45) Artificial Intelligence in Mining
(36:48) Effective Recruitment Strategies
(44:48) Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections
(52:22) Final Thoughts and Farewell
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep22: Leading with Vision: Mike Spreadborough on Mining, Strategy and Growth

Mike Spreadborough brings over 30 years of mining leadership to this episode, sharing insights from technical, executive and board roles across gold, base metals, rare earths and iron ore. As Executive Co-Chairman of Novo Resources and Non-Executive Director of Arafura Rare Earths, Mike discusses operational leadership, project development, financing and corporate governance. Join us for a compelling conversation with one of the industry’s most charismatic and experienced leaders, exploring strategy, growth and the future of mining in Australia.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/ Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ Mike Spreadborough 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-spreadboroughivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(0:00) Acknowledging Traditional Owners
(0:13) Introduction to Hearts and Minds Podcast
(1:17) Guest Introduction: Mike Spreadborough
(3:06) Mike's Early Life and Career Beginnings
(9:26) Leadership Insights and Challenges
(13:50) Board Dynamics and Responsibilities
(19:43) Empowerment and Mentorship
(23:04) Addressing the Skills Shortage in Mining
(26:11) Diversity in the Mining Industry
(29:11) The Role of Culture in Organisations
(33:17) Challenges in Exploration and Development
(33:40) Climate Change and the Mining Industry
(36:59) The Future of Critical Minerals
(40:13) AI in the Mining Industry
(42:49) Lightning Round
(50:49) Conclusion and Farewell
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep21: Pushing Boundaries: Vanessa Torres on leadership and innovation

With over 30 years in mining across five countries, Vanessa Torres, Chief Operating Officer Australia of South32, shares her journey from Brazil to the boardroom. A senior leader at South32 with Doctorate and Master’s degrees in Minerals Engineering, she discusses the challenges she faced navigating socio-political dynamics as a young mining leader. Hear how she applied artificial intelligence in mining, led multi-billion-dollar operations, and built a reputation for safe, profitable management. Vanessa also shares how she unwinds through her love of football and Formula One racing.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/ Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ Vanessa Torres 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessatorres/ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(00:00) Acknowledging Traditional Owners
(00:13 Introduction to Hearts and Minds Podcast
(01:23 Meet Vanessa Torres
(12:21) Vanessa's Career Journey
(17:30) Leadership
(25:33) Inspiring the Next Generation for Mining
(26:07) The Necessity of Mining for Society
26:36 Addressing the Mining Industry's Image Problem
(27:34 Space and Ocean Mining
(29:40) The Ideal Culture in Mining Businesses
(31:47) The Role of Leaders in Shaping Culture
(40:56) The Impact of AI on the Mining Industry
(44:22) Decarbonisation and the Future of Energy
(48:23) Rapid Fire Questions
(54:36) Final Reflections
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep20: Leading With Grit: Mel Wren on People, Performance & Personal Strength

In this episode, we speak with Mel Wren, Chief People Officer at Westgold Resources, about leadership, resilience, and transformation in mining HR. With deep expertise in workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management, Mel shares lessons from integrating Karora Resources and the evolving role of digital technologies in people strategy. She also opens up about navigating a complex disability while leading at the highest level, offering a rare and moving perspective on personal strength in professional life. A must-listen for People Leaders and anyone interested in the human side of organisational success.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/ Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ Clayton Timms 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-timms/ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:(00:00) Acknowledging Traditional Owners & Podcast Introduction(00:37) Challenges in Career Advancement(01:09) Introducing Mel Ren(01:45) Mel Ren's Personal Journey(04:05) West Gold Resources & Cultural Integration(06:46) Mel Ren's Background and Early Years(14:59) Leadership and Engagement Insights(23:19) Workplace Flexibility and Trust(24:17) Balancing Flexibility in the Workforce(25:15) Hiring for Culture(28:33) Remuneration and Reward Systems(29:52) Challenges in the Mining Industry(34:42) AI in the Mining Sector(36:52) Personal Reflections and Career Advice(47:14) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep19: Building value in uncertain times with Clayton Timms, experienced mining executive.

In this episode, Clayton Timms joins us to unpack the real drivers behind strong workplace relationships in mining and heavy industry. With deep international experience in strategic HR, Clayton has led systems shaping safety, leadership, and workforce capability in complex operations. This episode explores how to build value through relationships, even amid corporate change and market volatility. His insights offer practical takeaways for leaders navigating uncertainty while trying to retain cohesion and performance. Whether you're in mining, oil & gas, or manufacturing, this conversation will leave you reflecting on how relationships underpin resilience and operational success.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/Clayton Timms 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-timms/ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:(00:38) The Role of Leadership in Shaping Company Culture(01:14) Introducing Clayton Timms: Expertise and Experience(03:14) Clayton's Early Life and Influences(05:20) Impact of Apartheid and National Service(13:16) Leadership Qualities and Organisational Context(20:08) Challenges in Leadership and Emotional Intelligence(25:25) Assessing Potential and Performance in Leadership(29:58) Culture in the Mining Industry(30:38) Leadership and Cultural Change(37:32) Leadership and Vision(39:50) Challenges in the Mining Industry(43:32) Diversity and Inclusion(46:46) The Mali Incident(52:22) Rapid Fire Questions(55:40) Conclusion and Farewell
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep18: Leadership, Legacy and the Business of Mining with Jim Walker, Chair of Diggers & Dealers.

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Walker—industry veteran with over 45 years of board and executive experience across mining, construction, and agriculture. Jim is Chair of Austin Engineering, the Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum, WA State Training Board, and the Motor Museum of WA, and was recently installed as Grand Master of the Freemasons of WA. With a career spanning some of WA’s most influential organisations, Jim shares insights on leadership, legacy, and the evolution of the mining sector. A must-listen conversation with one of the most respected figures in Australian business.
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/Jim Walker 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-walker-95733b53/ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
 
Timecodes:(0:00) Acknowledgment and Introduction(2:20) Reconnecting with an Old Friend(2:51) Career Journey and Early Influences(12:31) Leadership Philosophy and Practices(19:20) Challenges and Learning in Leadership(21:36) Importance of Training and Development(23:19) New Training Initiatives(23:56) Focus on School-Level Vocational Training(26:27) Mining Industry's Image Problem(27:45) Culture Development in Business(30:46) Hiring for Values(35:27) Leadership and Personal Values(37:17) Word Association Game(41:04) Final Thoughts and Reflections
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.