The BBMC Crib Room Podcast

Executive geologist and board director Caoilin Chestnutt joins us in The Crib Room, sharing her remarkable journey from accidentally enrolling in geology at Trinity College Dublin to becoming a trailblazer in Australia's mining sector. In our chat, Caoilin offers expertise spanning gold, coal and critical minerals exploration. We examine the stark differences between commodity cycles, highlighting...

This episode is the one where Tim Strong, CEO of Waterline Projects, shares his journey from farm kid dreaming of big machinery to leading an engineering consultancy in Queensland's resources sector.  We talk about:  Leadership through trust and transparency - Building client relationships by meeting them on their ground, being transparent about operations, and empowering people rather than microm...

In this episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast, Nick Jorss, Executive Chairman of Bowen Coking Coal and founder of Coal Australia, joins us for a passionate discussion about the coal industry's struggles under the Queensland royalties regime. With Bowen Coking Coal currently fighting to save 500 jobs, Nick explains how the company paid $120 million in state royalties before making their first profi...

We're back!  This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we catch up with Janette Hewson, CEO of the Queensland Resources Council, just over 12 months after she took on the job. From policy to approvals, royalties, the next generation and the sector's resilience - we cover a whole range of topics relating to the present and future of Queensland mining.  Tune in to find out: Current...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we look at the world of finance that's driving mining industry projects. From policy and activism's effects on banking decisions, to alternative avenues for finance - what's the current state of play? Nick Rees of Bridgend Capital comes through with the insights in this chat with Jodie and Sarah-Joy, against a backdrop of the Bowen Basin'...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we dig into the potential for collaboration between mining and agriculture, thanks to a fairly common rock in the Bowen Basin (and no, it's not coal!). Join Jodie and Sarah-Joy as we chat with Carbonaught CEO Andrew Pedley about the opportunities that basalt presents to both industries in the Bowen Basin.   Tune in to find out: How crushe...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we talk about nuclear power, and the compelling arguments for nuclear to be a part of Australia's energy mix.   Tune in to find out: What it would take to operate nuclear power in Australia from the 2030s What a nuclear future looks like for the mining industry Why climate activists are realising that nuclear isn't a bad idea If the econo...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we chat about everything from how to cook rice in under 5 minutes (have a listen, we promise it's relevant) to mental health with the fascinating Nathan Turner of Onsite Rental Group.   Tune in to find out: The difference between working in the mining industry in Papua New Guinea and Australia The lessons a former chef can bring over to t...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we chat emissions and the future of the industry with Michael Rosegren of QMetCo.   Tune in to find out: The reason potential mining engineers may be missing out on decades of a great career How changes to emissions legislation affect the industry What 'green-shifting' is and how it hurts industry The major differences between a big compa...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we chat with strategist, technology leader and all-around go-getter Theodora Le Souquet. Theodora leads Canaria Technologies and we chatted to her about technology (obviously), AI and the future.   Tune in to find out: Why AI can't get to the future first (and why Theodora hopes the robots take our jobs) How predictive biometrics solve pr...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we discuss the 'critical resource called coal' with Michelle Manook of the World Coal Association.    Tune in to find out: How the WCA as a 'think tank' is changing the representation of our industry Why coal's contribution to society goes far beyond combustion The importance of not making a trade-off between development and decarbonisati...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we talk about changing the narrative with Kate Campbell of Bravus.  Tune in to find out: Why fighting fear with facts is an effective communications strategy The surprising impact of FIFO on communications for industry What our own industry gets wrong about future demand for coal Why the Carmichael project has had to 'try harder' Nothing...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we catch up with QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane to talk about royalties, industry trends like ESG, and where we're headed. His answers might surprise you!  Tune in to find out: News on a project that's been around for 20 years and is finally seeing major progress What really happened around consultation on Queensland's controversial r...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we talk about trends, tech and transition with Tim Guinea, Director of AAMG. Tim's built a successful business in autonomy and asset management, after working his way through the ranks of several mining industry businesses from a trade background.  Tune in to find out:  The unexpected challenges of launching a new business in the mining i...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we talk all things safety with Larnie Mackay, GM of MyneSight, a mining industry training organisation. Larnie has an amazing career background, having risen through the ranks at Anglo American to ultimately lead the team that created the world's first intrinsically safe underground tablet - and now she's taking on new adventures. Tune in...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we chat soil science and rehabilitation with Alison Price of SoilCyclers, the winner of the 2022 Queensland Mining Contractor of the Year. Along with her JV partners Innovate Enviro and Cammel Consulting, Alison has changed how we think about topsoil rehabilitation.    Tune in to find out: Why Queensland's soil science leads the world How...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we talk about a Queensland coal mine's gutsy plan to get to zero emissions by 2050 - yes, it's entirely possible, and Allan Fidock of Batchfire tells us how.    Tune in to find out: What you really need to know about mining and 'net zero' How Allan's early experiences shaped his career today What's different about the current mining boom...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we talk company startups, the future of exploration and skills shortages with the talented Kim Wainwright. Tune in to find out: How Kim manages her time to be a director of no less than 7 companies What a respite care organisation has to do with Kim's mining industry businesses The current state of Queensland's exploration pipeline, and w...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we go behind the scenes of the Department of Resources, and chat with Mike Kaiser, the Director-General. If you've ever wished you could catch up with the Director-General in the Crib Room, this is your chance. Tune in to find out: Mike's opinion about Queensland's approvals process How new economy minerals are changing the way we think a...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we talk about safety - both physical and psychological. We're talking to Anton Guinea, motivational speaker and advocate for safety in industry.  Tune in to find out: What happened the day that Anton nearly didn't come home from work Why it's important for people to bring their 'whole selves' to work What psychological safety is really ab...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we speak with Florence Drummond, CEO of Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia. Florence has built her organisation from the ground up, creating visibility, voice and quality participation for Indigenous women in the sector. Tune in to find out: The 'sliding doors' moment that landed Florence in the mining industry What being...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we dive deep into net zero - what it actually is and what it means for the mining industry. We're talking with Lisa France - director of Climate Change Roadmap, environmental scientist and ex-politician.  Tune in to find out: How to explain net zero over the pub counter (or a glass of wine) The real steps companies are taking to get there...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we interview Queensland's Minister for Resources, the Hon. Scott Stewart. We haven't spoken with Minister Stewart since he took on the portfolio, so we were keen to ask his views on the important issues facing mining in Queensland. Tune in to find out: The Minister's long-held family connection to mining What the QRIDP is, and what it mea...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we chat to Dr Benjamin Heard, an 'environmentalist voice for nuclear'. Surprisingly, nuclear and our industry don't have mutually exclusive futures - and we chat to Ben about what that future might look like. Tune in to find out: What actually constitutes an environmental perspective on nuclear How Ben actually started out as anti-nuclear...

This episode of the BBMC Crib Room Podcast is the one where we catch up with Ian Macfarlane of the Queensland Resources Council. Ian nearly needs no introduction, following a long career in politics and resources. Tune in to find out: The next big challenge for resources What Ian calls the 'policy tragedies of Australia' The one piece of legislation Ian would change The surprising role Mrs Macfarl...