Mining Pro

CAPABILITIES AND COMMODITIES

AMining Pro provides tailored services that add value to its clients’ mine site operations. Executive Director, Grant Wechsel, unearths the elements that enable the company’s success

Writer: Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

s the capital of Queensland (QLD), Brisbane proudly boasts the title of being the largest mining city in Australia’s second-biggest state.

It is also home to the headquarters of Mining Pro, who provides mining production and maintenance personnel, operational supervision, and management to execute mining projects from a single production fleet to a whole-of-mine solution.

Grant Wechsel, Executive Director

of Mining Pro, is also the Founder and Executive Chairman of parent company, MWG Mining. With a passion for mining that spans over two decades, he brings vast expertise to the industry.

The MWG Mining group was formed by Wechsel with the support of former Australian Rugby League captain Darren Lockyer as a long-term business partner. Fellow Executive Director, Grant Arnold, later joined the Mining Pro business in 2021.

Weschel, Executive Director, Mining Pro

“IN ADDITION TO MINING PRO’S ORGANIC GROWTH OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS, WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING A NUMBER OF ACQUISITIONS TO FURTHER BOLSTER OUR SERVICE OFFERING FOR OUR CLIENTS”

– GRANT WESCHEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MINING PRO

Mining Pro likewise benefits from Wechsel’s wealth of global experience in the industry and years of providing services to the world’s largest mining companies. He now has broader experience in junior

mining, exploration, and capital finance markets, which has given him a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the mining industry.

“Four years ago, I returned to Australia after living in Singapore and

saw an opportunity in the market to provide a specific range of mining services run professionally by experienced industry executives,” reveals Wechsel.

Despite only being established in 2020, Mining Pro is a rapidly growing mining services company that has proven itself on various projects across QLD, New South Wales (NSW), and Western Australia (WA).

The company operates throughout the country and partners with key mining clients in the coal and iron ore industry. With over 700 fulltime employees, it is committed to providing diversified mining services to its clients that add value and improve the overall operation.

OPERATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Wechsel introduces Mining Pro as a concept built on a true partnership with clients, allowing its capability to continue to expand.

“We are involved at every stage of the mining lifecycle, whether it’s an owner’s team or a set scope of work on the mine site,” he clarifies.

Mining Pro specialises in providing a range of services, including site services and maintenance, as well as operating production fleets or entire mine sites. The company is primarily focused on serving the coal industry on the east coast of Australia, but it is also expanding its services to the WA iron ore industry.

Iron ore mining in WA is increasing, with the bulk of production coming from the Pilbara region. However, mines are also located in the Mid West, Kimberly, and Wheatbelt regions.

To capitalise on the opportunity, Mining Pro ensures it has the best team on board with significant experience.

“Operationally, we are led by specialist directors and senior management who have long careers in the areas in which they work,

Grant

including mining production, services, contracting, employee relations, and health and safety,” Wechsel outlines.

The success of Mining Pro is buoyed by the fact that coal mining is expected to be the fastest-growing industry by 2030.

“As we have grown at such a quick rate, I am currently focused on delivering unique operating solutions for clients and investment partners across various commodities with a strong focus on coal.

“We partner with the mine owner or incoming investors to operate the asset as safely, efficiently, and costeffectively as possible, with flexibility and choice in the model we agree on,” divulges Wechsel.

Indeed, strategic alliances help to facilitate operational excellence and sustainability, which are ever-present issues within the mining industry.

AN INDUSTRY OF IMPORTANCE

The mining industry is as critical as ever to Australia. It is the backbone of the economy, and bulk mining commodities such as coal and iron ore play a crucial role in socioeconomic development.

“It is an exciting industry to be involved in, and I am happy to support it however I can. I host an annual coal industry event in Brisbane each year, presented by Mining Pro. The idea behind the event is a simple one – to get the whole sector together and openly discuss current trends and

THE MINING INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA

Australia remains one of the most important countries for the mining industry, hosting significant mineral resources and playing a key role in the production of most commodities. It has long been a cornerstone of the Australian economy, and today, it remains one of the country’s most established sectors.

WA accounts for the majority of total iron ore production in Australia, which is also one of the world’s leading exporters of coal. Indeed, there are over 350 operating mine sites across

topics in the coal industry,” Wechsel enthuses.

As a privately owned and founded company, it was easier for Mining Pro to step up to the plate and host the event on behalf of the industry without any restrictions from shareholders, funders, or third parties.

the country, one-third of which are located in WA; the other two major mining sites are in QLD and NSW.

Mining became more mainstream in Australia in the 1850s with the discovery of gold. Previously, European settlement saw minerals being produced on a large scale following the discovery of coal. Lead became the first metal to be mined, with copper following soon after. Australia is the world’s largest producer of lithium and amongst the top five globally for gold, iron ore, zinc, lead, and nickel production.

largest uranium stores and the fourth-largest black coal

The beginning

Dr Doug Morison undertook his basic and advanced medical training in the beautiful south-west of England, before fulfilling a childhood dream of moving to Australia after becoming a GP and working for several years in the UK.

Dr Doug Morison

He arrived here in Brisbane in 2015 and immediately felt like it was home. Initially working as a GP he took an interest in Occupational Medicine and over the course of the last eight years has built and led the Durack Occupational Medicine team.

He has achieved further training and qualifications in Occupational Medicine, which is now his main focus.

He still does some general GP work to keep his skills up, but his passion is OccMed and especially now, in Mining related medicine. He is an AMA and very proud to provide an end-to-end service that is second to none. -

Durack Occupational Medicine is a medical service providing a wide range of high quality workplace and pre-employment medicals across a wide range of industries. We are conveniently located in South-West Brisbane at the crossroads of several main arterial road networks.

We pride ourselves in a swift and excellent service, with quality, safety and great communication at our heart.

What do we do?

• Pre-employment medicals across all industries.

• QLD CMWHS (including AMA service)

• We are an accredited Spirometry practice.

• QLD Respiratory Health Surveillance MMQ.

• NSW Order 43 coal services.

• Transport and Heavy haulage.

• AHP Rail medicals

• DAME for Aviation medicals

• Q fever

• And more!

Who we are Testimonial

“Dr Morison and the staff at Durack Occupational Medicine have been the most caring and helpful medical team our company have used. Our company has been working with Durack for around 10 months as we needed extra support with having Q fever vaccinations and extra medical onboarding done as a part of our internal recruitment process. The Durack team went above and beyond to ensure that we had smooth processes and took the extra steps necessary to ensure that we had the right administration support to take the stress off our business. We would make bookings of up to 30 patients in one day, nothing we have ever asked for has been too hard and the support they give to our business never goes unnoticed. The whole team at Durack are second to none. I would highly recommend the Durack medical centre to any business that has any medical requirements. “

Durance, Talent acquisition lead, JBS

So, what do we do differently?

• Most medicals can be booked and seen within 72 hours.

Did you know?

Dr Morison is our lead Doctor and a qualified AMA. He is building relationships with some of the best Mining companies in Australia.

• Convenience - we carry out all aspects of the medical from Examination, audio, spirometry to functional under one roof, clients and workers alike find this very smooth. (The only short trip is to X-ray which is 5 minutes away by car).

• Communication is paramount to us, we will always keep you updated on the status of any medicals outstanding and our staff will never keep you waiting.

• Our turnaround times are fast.

• Our prices are extremely competitive.

• We focus on high quality and always have safety in mind.

• Highly experienced staff from reception through to the Doctors led by Dr Doug Morison.

• Drug and alcohol testing

Testimonial

“My company has utilised the services of Dr Doug and his team at Durack Occupational Medicine for over 10 years. In the field of Oc Medicine, Dr Doug not only knows his subject, supports our team with great service and a willingness to support our growing demand.

Highly recommend”

- Gavin Dunwoodie, CEO, Products For Industry (PFi)

“At Durack Occupational Medicine , booking appointments is a breeze! Their exceptional customer service and swift booking times made organizing our employees and mining medicals a seamless experience from start to finish. Highly recommended!”

Dr Doug went above and beyond to understand our business and have provided us with tailored medical service to meet our needs. Dr Doug’s knowledge and level of communication make him a valuable assest to our health and safety strategy. He is always available to talk through any medical result or workplace injury. I cannot recommend Dr Doug and his team at Durack Occupational Medicine high enough!’’

MINING PRO SERVICES

CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT

• A structured engagement, mobilisation, and invoicing process for all subcontractors.

• Leading technology platforms to manage employees, processes, compliance, and reports on services.

• Central account management and monthly reporting.

• Optimal efficiency and effectiveness of site manning requirements.

SITE SUPPORT

• Open-cut site services teams for civil infrastructure and road maintenance, pumps and dewatering, minor works, and rehabilitation projects.

• Underground support services, including secondary support and outbye services.

• Wet and dry hire of ancillary, transport, and light vehicles.

The company is also an active member of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and supports several regional mining events and initiatives throughout Australia.

To the general public, however, coal has negative connotations and hasn’t been promoted broadly enough across QLD.

“The absence of knowledge is due to a lack of understanding, as the state’s premium metallurgical coal is the best in the world and a key component of the global demand for steel,” Wechsel points out.

This is evidenced by QLD accounting for around 90 percent of Australia’s metallurgical coal production from 2021 to 2022. The demand for the commodity is set to continue into 2024 and beyond as it is an essential ingredient for steel production, one of the most widely used building materials on the planet. The mining industry’s contribution to QLD is impactful, supporting one in six jobs in the state’s economy. Furthermore, QRC works in close collaboration with member

companies to ensure a positive outcome for all.

APPROACHING ACQUISITIONS

To ensure Mining Pro’s future, the company is continually pursuing new ventures, and naturally, more projects require a larger workforce.

“In addition to Mining Pro’s organic growth over the last three years, we are also considering a number of acquisitions to further bolster our key service offering for our clients.

“The acquisitions are focused on

equipment hire, maintenance, and other mining service offerings that complement our current scope of work and further round out our capabilities to manage the whole-ofmine site operations for our clients,” imparts Wechsel.

Mining Pro is proud to have fostered an environment where strong performance and direct communication with its employees provide the best outcome for clients.

“Our approach to recruiting and retaining employees is focused on creating a culture of development and engagement,” explains Wechsel.

Empowering Businesses to Embrace Risk

We speak to Emjay Insurance Brokers about its enviable history and growth to provide industry-leading insurance solutions, expert risk advice, and first-class claims management to a vast range of high-risk industries. We were joined by one of Emjay’s directors, Christian Cuenca, to delve a bit deeper...

Firstly, could you introduce us to Emjay Insurance Brokers (Emjay) and provide an overview of its main products and services, locations, and client base?

Christian Cuenca, Senior Account Manager (CC): Emjay is one of Australia’s most respected privately and fully family-owned insurance brokers. We have been providing comprehensive insurance and risk management solutions to a variety of companies for more than 35 years.

Our team represents thousands of private and public businesses across a range of high-risk industries such as mining, construction, energy, manufacturing, and life sciences.

At Emjay, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive array of commercial insurance solutions, which can be tailored specifically to the mining industry. Whether you’re involved in surface or underground mining operations in either hard or soft rock mines, we have experience in providing a wide range of essential insurance products designed to safeguard your business and mitigate your exposures.

Whether you require insurance for your property assets or plant and equipment/motor fleet, or be it your public and products liability coverage, directors’ and officers’ insurance, statutory liability, cyber liability, or even workers’ compensation services, our mining industry expertise allows us to offer the best possible solutions from the widest range of underwriting markets to meet your unique challenges.

Ultimately, it is our four decades of experience that we leverage to enable our clients and partners to embrace risk.

Could you outline Emjay’s mission, values, and ethos that underline the company’s insurance services? Does the same apply to its risk management solutions?

CC: Through our values of accountability, authenticity, empathy, and curiosity, our mission is to empower ambitious businesses to embrace risk, smart risk, informed risk, the risk to grow.

At the end of the day, insurance is nothing more than a promise, therefore, when it comes to promises, trust is everything. That’s why, rather than talking about the trust in our services, we guarantee it.

If for any reason our promises are not met after following our written advice, Emjay will refund its clients’ fees at the next renewal and continue to support them to find the resolution of any outstanding matters.

As a company that prides itself on helping its clients understand risk, how does Emjay empower them to grow and evolve?

CC: We fundamentally believe risk is good and that it should be embraced, not avoided; taking risks is the only way to grow and evolve for the future.

Therefore, understanding risk is key to having the best insurance possible. To support clients in this manner, we provide the Emjay 360° Risk Audit, a comprehensive assessment conducted to evaluate the critical risk areas within a business. This involves examining the potential issues associated with the key elements of a client’s operations, from people and contractor risks to processes and operational exposures, to a review of contractual and

statutory obligations, as well as analysis of the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity threats.

Our Emjay 360° Risk Audit can be broken down into the following four areas:

People – Examining risks associated with a client’s workforce, including contractor management and induction protocols, adherence to safety requirements and frameworks, and review of the potential hazards inherent in mining activities. The audit focuses on mitigating risks of accidents, injuries, and health hazards faced by mining contractors, operators, and mine owners.

Processes – Analysing the efficiency, effectiveness, and resilience of operational processes within an organisation. It includes identifying bottlenecks, vulnerabilities, and points of failure that could lead to disruptions or financial losses.

Contractual and statutory obligations – Ensuring compliance with legal requirements, industry standards, and contractual agreements. It involves assessing the business’s adherence to regulations, contractual terms, and obligations to stakeholders, suppliers, and customers.

Cybersecurity landscape – Given the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, this component examines an organisation’s susceptibility to cyberattacks, data breaches, and information security infringements. It also involves evaluating the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures, data protection protocols, and incident response plans.

As the first step we take with each client, the Emjay 360° Risk Audit is a process that captures decades of experience and puts it to work for your business. It means we know and protect clients more efficiently from the very beginning.

Finally, could you tell us more about Emjay’s workers’ compensation team, and the important role that it plays within the company?

CC: Our specialty workers’ compensation team plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of our clients employees and the sustainability of their operations in the mining industry.

For example, one of our clients is a major service provider to the underground mining industry in Australia. During their proud 30-year history, they have worked on projects across the country, requiring them to operate under the different workers’ compensation frameworks of the various states.

For over a decade, Emjay has provided professional advice and support for all their workers’ compensation insurance matters and the management of injured employees.

In a recent testimonial given by the client, one of our Senior Workers’ Compensation Account Managers was quoted as “being a constant source of invaluable assistance and industry expertise throughout our time of service, working closely with the client’s Return to Work Coordinator and Safety Manager to manage claims proactively and provide advice regarding complex cases, where required.”

See further commentary direct from the client below: “Craig’s thorough understanding of our business and the challenges inherent to the underground mining industry ensure that PYBAR gains the maximum benefit from the relevant workers’ compensation insurance scheme and the associated processes.

“He assists with policy renewal negotiations to obtain the best premiums for our business and participates in monthly claim reviews with each of our insurers, as well as a fortnightly internal review. Craig shares his knowledge and experience to coach and mentor new employees and is always available when required.

“We consider Craig and Emjay an integral part of our injury management team and have grown a strong partnership with the company over the years. We have no hesitation in recommending Emjay to prospective clients and look forward to continuing our relationship into the future.”

Mining Industry Specialists

From day one, our mission has been to partner with our clients to protect their businesses by providing smart insurance solutions, expert risk advice and first-class claims management.

Emjay is one of Australia’s most respected privately and fully family-owned insurance brokers. We have been providing comprehensive insurance and risk management solutions to a variety of businesses for more than 35 years. www.emjayib.com.au

Our team represents thousands of private and public businesses across a range of high-risk industries. We leverage our local and global strategic partnerships to access the best insurance products on the market to tailor a solution to suit your needs.

Fundamentally, at Emjay we believe that risk isn’t a bad thing. Without risk, there’s no room for your business to grow and evolve. So we’re here to empower you to embrace risk. Smart risk. Informed risk. The risk to grow.

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How We Can Help

The key to being properly insured is understanding risk. Our Emjay 360º Risk Audit assesses the critical risk areas across your business, from people to processes, contractual and statutory obligations right through to the ever-evolving cyber landscape.

It’s a process that captures decades of experience and puts it to work for your business; it’s where we start with every client. It means we know you better and protect you better, right from the start.

We’re offering our Mining Outlook/APAC Outlook partners a complementary audit – simply mention the fact you saw our piece in these publications, and we will provide you with a comprehensive review of your current programme at no upfront cost.

Risk Management Services

The company is committed to developing careers in teams managed by experienced leaders, from whom they receive regular guidance and support.

Drawing upon its solid reputation and well-established presence in the industry, Mining Pro consistently attracts top-tier individuals who are seeking long-term careers in a workplace where they feel supported, motivated, and valued.

“Our commitment lies in providing long-term permanent employment opportunities and providing operational training and development programmes to assist in advancing our employees’ mining careers,” he expands.

Many people find the prospect of being part of a dynamic force shaping the future of mining appealing, and Mining Pro certainly values longterm employment and workforce investment.

“Our employees work with

“WE PARTNER WITH THE MINE OWNER OR INCOMING INVESTORS TO OPERATE THE ASSET AS SAFELY, EFFICIENTLY, AND COST-EFFECTIVELY AS POSSIBLE, WITH FLEXIBILITY AND CHOICE IN THE MODEL WE AGREE ON”

– GRANT WESCHEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MINING PRO

management to ensure they are treated as valued team members. We have worked to create a safe, productive environment for our employees,” states Wechsel.

“A key component of our performance culture has been implementing appropriate incentive schemes for our teams that focus on people and production performance metrics to ensure that our employees are recognised and rewarded for their contribution to our company’s on-site performance,” Wechsel announces.

CONTINUING THE JOURNEY

Mining Pro holds key supplier relationships across Australia which supports the company and its teams to operate on-site.

From logistics, medical, and human resources (HR) service providers to key equipment and vehicle suppliers, Mining Pro engages with a range of companies, from small, local providers to large-scale international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

“We have a majority Indigenousowned supplier that also provides

mine-spec vehicles and other services to the rest of the MWG Mining group,” shares Wechsel.

Mining is the lifeblood of many of the communities in which the company operates, as well as the wider Australian landscape.

“The industry offers real jobs with good salaries and conditions, but it also has a range of other economic benefits at a federal, state, and local level.

“Furthermore, the company contributes to local communities by sponsoring mining industry and

THE MINING PRO MODEL

BUILT ON: EXPERIENCE – A detailed understanding and first-hand experience of operations in the mining industry.

RESPONSIBILITY – Taking responsibility for the operational leadership, safety, and management of its teams.

CERTAINTY – Delivery of agreed outcomes for clients that add value to their businesses.

CAN INCLUDE:

SUPERVISED CREWS – The company’s crews include highly skilled operators and operational leaders.

WHOLE-OF-MINE PROJECT TEAMS – Mining Pro engages the mine’s operation teams, support personnel, logistics, and other site services.

PARTNERING WITH EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS – To provide ultra-class and ancillary equipment for mining operations.

Indigenous engagement initiatives annually. We also attend a range of local events and collaborate with our clients on sponsored events.”

Whether for an existing operating mine or a new greenfield operation coming into production, Mining Pro partners with mine owners to deliver on the day-to-day operations of the mine site.

“Working specifically with coal mining companies to manage operations on-site, our leadership and site teams execute operational mining plans that allow our client partners to focus on running safe, productive, and profitable mines,” Wechsel prides.

Mining Pro’s work scope at current projects includes supervised production crews with supporting project management teams, wholeof-mine site services to manage production, maintenance, logistics, and much more.

The company is currently working with a number of key mining clients, including Coronado Global Resources, Stanmore Resources, and Peabody Energy.

“Our priorities for 2024 are to continue to grow our teams and expand the quality services we are providing to the mining industry. We have already been ramping up several new projects and expect to add over 300 more permanent jobs throughout the year across our businesses.

“If we continue to provide safe and productive services to our clients, I have no doubt it will be a successful year,” Wechsel concludes.