The Mining Mum Podcast

Tania took a leap of faith and entered the FIFO mining industry at 62 after the end of her 40-year marriage. Starting as a housekeeper, she embraced the challenge, worked her way up, and discovered a new purpose in the mining industry.In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast, Tania shares her journey into FIFO, the challenges of starting over later in life, and why she believes it's never too late to back yourself.

How do you go from working at nightclubs and Amazon in Ireland to landing a FIFO mining job in Western Australia with zero mining experience?In this episode of the Mining Mum Podcast, we hear Cal McIlwaine’s incredible journey from Ireland to the WA mining industry.Cal moved to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa with one goal: break into FIFO, earn good money and create more freedom to travel.Just 28 days after landing in WA, after applying for around 70–100 jobs, Cal secured his first FIFO role in the Pilbara.His first nine months of FIFO work saw him earn $141,000, something he says was more than double what he had been earning back in Ireland.Now, three years into his FIFO journey, Cal works as a Serviceman on a Pilbara mine site while building a community of more than 260,000 people across social media, helping others learn about moving to Australia and breaking into FIFO.If you're considering moving to Australia, starting a FIFO career, or simply curious about what life on a WA mine site is really like, this episode is for you.Listen to the full Mining Mum Podcast and hear Cal's story from Ireland to the Pilbara.

What does it really take to build a career in mining and rise from a graduate geologist to Chief Geologist?In this episode of the Money Man Podcast, we sit down with Leah Moore, Chief Geologist at Patronus Resources, to unpack her incredible career journey - from discovering her passion for geology at university, to working underground, taking on a challenging role in Papua New Guinea, moving into exploration, consulting, leadership, and eventually becoming a Chief Geologist.Leah shares the realities of working in mining, including the differences between production and exploration geology, the challenges of FIFO life, leading geological teams, balancing a demanding career with family, and what it really takes to succeed in the resources industry.We also talk about ambition, career setbacks, leadership, finding gold, and why sometimes you need to “care less about what people think” and “keep the rage.”ABOUT LEAH MOORELeah Moore is the Chief Geologist at Patronus Resources, with a career spanning underground mining, exploration, consulting and geological leadership.If you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with people shaping the mining, resources and business industries.

What does it really take to break into the mining industry — and build a business from the ground up? In this episode of the Mining Mom Podcast , Tegan sits down with Niamh Murphy from Cailin Mining & Civil to talk about her unconventional journey into mining, starting with a goal of earning enough money to attend music school in London. From struggling for two years to get into the mines, discovering the gender pay gap, and becoming a subcontractor — to building a training and labour hire business, leasing a quarry, and growing a social media community of 300,000+ followers , Neave shares the lessons behind her success. They also dive into: Why having a ticket doesn't guarantee you a mining job The reality behind mining training and why Neave refuses to lower her standards How she built a business by testing demand before investing Why she believes real, hands-on training matters Dealing with criticism, trolls and anonymous hate online Being a woman in a male-dominated mining industry The pressure to always be “tough” in mining How authenticity helped grow her brand The importance of numbers, data and knowing your business Winning national recognition for disrupting the training industry Her advice to anyone thinking about starting a business One of the biggest takeaways? Build a brand, build a community, test the demand — then invest. 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with people changing the mining, resources and business industries. #Mining #MiningIndustry #MiningJobs #FIFO #WomenInMining #MiningTraining #Business #Entrepreneurship #CivilMining #FIFOJobs

Caity Hicks Forshaw, CEO of Hicks Civil & Mining, shares what it was like leading an Aboriginal business in the Pilbara at a time when the industry wasn’t ready. From fighting for their place in the mining industry to becoming part of the change, Katie reflects on the challenges, criticism, resilience and determination it took to build their business and help change perceptions of Aboriginal businesses in mining.

Mining impacts every Australian, whether you work in the industry or not. In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast, Tegan sits down with Tanya Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, to discuss the future of mining, Australia's role in supplying critical minerals, AI and automation, mining careers, women in mining, taxation, and why the industry remains one of Australia's biggest economic drivers. They also explore common misconceptions about mining, what young Australians should be studying, and how the industry is evolving to meet the challenges of the future. In this episode: •⁠ ⁠Why mining is critical to Australia's economy •⁠ ⁠⁠The truth about mining taxes and royalties •⁠ ⁠⁠What critical minerals actually are •⁠ ⁠AI and automation in mining •⁠ ⁠Why Australia doesn't process all its minerals •⁠ ⁠The future workforce and skills shortages •⁠ ⁠Women in mining and workplace culture •⁠ ⁠Apprenticeships, STEM, and career pathways •⁠ ⁠Common myths about the mining industry Whether you're already in mining, considering a career, or simply curious about how the industry shapes Australia, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the country's most important sectors.

From arriving in Australia with just one suitcase to becoming a Mining Superintendent at MACA, Joey Wikairi's story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. She left New Zealand to create a better future for her five children, started as a dump truck operator, and worked her way through the mining industry into leadership.Whether you're thinking about a career in mining, already working FIFO, or simply looking for an inspiring story of perseverance, Joey's journey is one you won't forget!👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more inspiring stories from the people shaping the mining industry.#Mining #WomenInMining #FIFO #MiningCareers #MiningLeadership

Jane Tandy, Founder & Managing Director of Leeuwin Wealth, is an absolute powerhouse! After leaving her career in the stockbroking world feeling completely burnt out, Jane took a step back to figure out what she truly wanted. She spent time at home with her kids, enjoyed a few Pilates classes, and then an incredible opportunity came along to co-found Leewin Wealth with her business partners. In just their first year, they achieved an incredible milestone managing over $1 billion in funds. In this episode, we dive into: ✨ Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) ✨ Investing and building long-term wealth ✨ Jane’s career journey from burnout to business owner ✨ Practical tips to help you take control of your financial futureIf you’ve ever wanted to better understand investing or wondered how to start building wealth, this episode is for you. Have a listen, and if you’d like to learn even more, join us at our upcoming Women Leading – WINANCE event, where we’ll be breaking down the barriers that stop women from investing with confidence. #womeninmining #womeninfinance #business

Future of Mining Conference Vlog A true pinch me moment. What started as sharing my journey in the mining industry has led to my very first social media partnership, attending the Future of Mining Conference , and even speaking on a panel alongside some of the industry's leaders. In this vlog, I'm taking you behind the scenes of one of Australia's biggest mining conferences—from networking with industry professionals and exploring the latest mining technology to stepping onto the stage as a panel speaker and representing The Mining Mum Podcast . If you've ever wondered what happens at a mining conference, how to build a career in mining, or what it's takes to create opportunities through social media, this vlog is for you. Whether you're already working in mining, looking to get your first FIFO job, interested in mining careers, recruitment, leadership, women in mining, or simply following my journey, I hope this inspires you to back yourself and chase the opportunities that come your way. Thank you to everyone who has supported The Mining Mum and this incredible journey. This is only the beginning. Let me know in the comments: • Have you ever been to a mining conference? • Would you like to work in the mining industry? • Who should I interview next on The Mining Mum Podcast? Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for weekly mining content, FIFO career advice, behind-the-scenes vlogs, podcast episodes, recruitment tips and everything happening in Australia's mining industry. #FutureOfMining #MiningIndustry #MiningAustralia #MiningJobs #MiningCareers #FIFO #FIFOLife #WomenInMining #MiningConference #TheMiningMum #MiningPodcast #ResourcesSector #MiningLeadership #MiningTechnology #MiningInnovation #MiningRecruitment #CareersInMining #WesternAustralia #BHP #RioTinto #FMG #MiningLife #MiningCommunity #Perth #Australia

Growing up beside a gold mine in Brazil, Amanda dreamed of seeing more of the world. That dream led her to Australia, where she built a successful career across mining, oil & gas, health and safety, and transport logistics before launching her own business, Got Safe Media.Whether you're looking to start a career in mining, grow professionally, or take the leap into business ownership, Amanda's story is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

From a remote Aboriginal community to becoming a respected leader helping create opportunities for others, this is a story of resilience, purpose, and impact. In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast, we sit down with Yulu McGrady to discuss his incredible journey. Growing up in an Aboriginal community in Queensland, Yulu's childhood was filled with hunting, fishing, culture, and being surrounded by hundreds of family members. Like many young Australians, he dreamed of making it to the NRL and later moved to the Gold Coast to pursue that dream. But life had other plans. A move to Port Hedland led Yulu into the mining industry, where he began his career with Fortescue Metals Group through the VTEC program. It was here that he discovered his true passion—helping people and creating pathways for Aboriginal communities. Yulu shares the moment that changed his perspective forever: sitting in an induction room and watching an Aboriginal man walk in wearing a suit to sign a contract. It was something he had never seen before, and it opened his eyes to what was possible. At just 29 years old, Yulu faced one of his biggest challenges when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Rather than letting it define him, he used it as fuel to keep moving forward. His journey then led him to Minderoo Foundation, the philanthropic arm founded by Andrew Forrest and Nicola Forrest, where he continued his work supporting communities and creating meaningful impact. Today, Yulu has taken the leap into consulting, combining his experience, leadership, and passion for people to help organisations build stronger relationships with communities and create lasting change. This episode is packed with powerful lessons on leadership, culture, resilience, purpose, and the importance of backing yourself. If you've ever wondered how one person can create a ripple effect of positive change, this conversation is for you. Let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments. Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE for more inspiring conversations with the leaders shaping the future of mining, business, and community. #TheMiningMum #YuluMcGrady #AboriginalLeadership #MiningIndustry #PortHedland #CommunityImpact #IndigenousBusiness #Leadership #Resilience #MiningLife #AustralianPodcast #TheMiningMumPodcast

From law school dropout to ASX-listed drilling - one Perth woman's unfiltered journey through sales, startups, and mining.In this episode, we sit down with a Perth-born business development professional who has done it all: dropped out of UWA Law, lived in London at 19, cold-called her way into a magazine sales career, earned a law and commerce degree, worked on IPOs and backdoor listings, built a 5,000-member women's business network, and is now making waves in the drilling and mining resources sector.This is one of the most honest conversations about career reinvention, backing yourself, and finding your place in the Australian mining industry.What we cover:→ Growing up in Vic Park and getting into UWA Law School→ Landing a sales role in London with zero experience (and negotiating her pay on the spot)→ Working on ASX IPOs, rights issues, and backdoor listings as a corporate lawyer→ Why a colleague's sudden death changed everything→ Building a women's business community of 5,000+ in Perth→ Her unexpected pivot into drilling and mining resources→ The role of networking - and why a friend Tim Taylor changed her career→ Mindset tools for high performers: the accomplishments list→ What the mining and resources industry needs to do differently→ Her two non-negotiable pieces of career adviceKey takeaways:✔ Clarity before networking — know what you want before you go looking✔ Back yourself before anyone else does✔ A career change isn't failure — it's your next chapter✔ Choose what you fill your mind with wiselyPerfect for: people considering a career in mining and resources, women in STEM and male-dominated industries, Australians navigating career transitions, and anyone who's ever felt like they're figuring it out as they go.

From Scaffolder to Business Owner | The Mining Mum Podcast with Shane Lima – Lima Resources What does it take to go from working on the tools to building your own business in the mining industry? In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast , I sit down with Shane Lima , founder of Lima Resources , whose story is a powerful example of grit, discipline and long-term vision. Shane grew up in Brazil and made the life-changing decision to leave home at just 18 years old , moving across the world to New Zealand to start fresh. With no shortcuts and no safety net, he began working as a scaffolder , learning the trade from the ground up. After gaining experience, Shane moved to Western Australia , where he spent 16 years working in the mining industry before launching his own company. But Shane’s story isn’t just about business. He lives his life with the discipline of an athlete and follows what he describes as a “Samurai lifestyle” — focused on structure, self-discipline and continuous improvement. No drinking. No drugs. Daily training. Fueling his body and mind for performance. That mindset has helped him transition from working on the tools to building a successful mining services business . In this episode we talk about: • Growing up in Brazil and moving overseas at 18 • Starting out as a scaffolder in New Zealand • The journey into the Western Australian mining industry • Lessons learned from 16 years on site • The mindset required to start your own business • Discipline, training and the “Samurai lifestyle” • Advice for people wanting to build a career in mining • How tradespeople can transition into entrepreneurship Shane is an incredible example of how hard work, discipline and consistency can transform your career and life . If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to go from working on the tools to building your own company , this episode is for you. 🎙 The Mining Mum Podcast shares real stories from people working across the mining and resources industry — from operators and tradespeople to CEOs and business owners. If you're interested in mining careers, FIFO life, entrepreneurship, leadership or the resources sector , make sure to subscribe and follow. Follow The Mining Mum Instagram: @theminingmum LinkedIn: The Mining Mum Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube

In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast, we chat with Shayne and Mahaylia — the powerhouse founders of Flowaid, a brand transforming menstrual care in the mining and resources industry.We dive into how they’re changing the menstrual game on-site, improving accessibility for women in mining, and breaking down long-standing barriers around period care in FIFO and mining workplaces. If you’re passionate about women in mining, mining innovation, FIFO life, or improving health and wellbeing on site, this episode is a must-watch.💡 What you’ll learn:• How Flowaid started and why the mining industry needed it• Menstrual care challenges women face on site• Their mission to create safer, more supportive mining workplaces• Real solutions that are reshaping the industry🎧 Listen on:• Spotify• Apple Music📸 Stay updated on new episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and guest features on Instagram: @theminingmumpodcast#WomenInMining #MiningPodcast #Flowaid #FIFOlife #MiningIndustry #MenstrualHealth #MiningMumPodcast

Join me in this episode as I sit down with Bianca, founder of Womali, an Aboriginal-owned mining and construction business. We dive into her incredible journey from growing up in Albury-Wodonga to becoming a successful entrepreneur — exploring her roots, family influences, and the experiences that shaped her path from rural life to leadership in the mining industry.Bianca shares how culture, community, and courage have guided her mission to create opportunities and representation for Indigenous people in mining and construction.If you’re passionate about Indigenous entrepreneurship, women in mining, or building businesses with purpose, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.✅ Like, comment & subscribe for more inspiring stories📢 Share this episode to support Indigenous-led businesses and voices#WomenInMining #IndigenousBusiness #Womali #AboriginalEntrepreneur #MiningIndustry #Construction #TheMiningMumPodcast #WomenInLeadership #Entrepreneurship #InspiringStories

In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast, we sit down with Scott, a leadership coach with an incredible career in the mining industry. Scott shares his journey from joining the military to mining and now mindset and leadership coaching.Whether you’re in mining, business, or leadership — this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and ready to level up. 💪🎧 Watch now and don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more real conversations from The Mining Mum Podcast!#TheMiningMumPodcast #MiningLeadership #WomenInMining #Leadership #MiningIndustry #Podcast

In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast , we dive into what it’s really like to be a woman thriving in industries traditionally dominated by men. Joining me are Amber from Neuro Spicy Collective and Kate from Sandon WA , two incredible women who are challenging the norms, building strong communities, and paving the way for more inclusion across mining, civil, and transport. We talk about confidence, finding your voice, and navigating workplaces where you might be one of the few women on site — or the only one. From leadership to resilience and real-life stories, this episode is all about owning your space and showing that gender is not a barrier to success. 💪 Whether you’re in mining, construction, or any male-dominated industry — this one’s for you. 🎧 Tune in to The Mining Mum Podcast and be inspired by women rewriting the narrative, one shift at a time. 👇 Comment below: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women entering male-dominated industries? #TheMiningMumPodcast #WomenInMining #FemaleLeaders #BreakingBarriers #InclusionMatters #MiningCommunity #WomenInConstruction #WomenInTransport #Leadership #Resilience #TheMiningMum

This week is Mental Health Week, and in this episode, we’re talking about something so many of us struggle with — mental health in the workplace.Joining me today are Amber from Neuro Spicy Collective and Kate from Sandon WA, two inspiring women who are creating change in the mining, civil, and transport industries through real conversations and community support.We’re unpacking what it’s really like to juggle work, business, and motherhood while keeping your mental health in check. From burnout to boundaries, and everything in between — this episode is an honest look at how we can better support ourselves and each other at work.As business owners, leaders, and parents, our mental health often takes a back seat. But it doesn’t have to be that way. This conversation is your reminder that success means nothing if you’re running on empty.☕️ Tune in, take a deep breath, and let’s talk about what it means to look after your mental health while chasing your goals.👇 Comment below: How do you protect your mental health at work or in your business? #TheMoneyMumPodcast #MentalHealthWeek #WomenInMining #NeuroSpicyCollective #SandonWA #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness #EntrepreneurLife #TheMiningMum #WomenInBusiness #MiningCommunity

I’m so excited to share this special 3-part series for Mental Health Week — where we’re diving into honest conversations around wellbeing, purpose, and community in the mining, civil, and transport industries.In this episode, I’m joined by Kate from Sandon WA and Amber from Neuro Spicy Collective — two incredible women who are creating real change in their industries and opening up important conversations around mental health, neurodiversity, and support for women in mining.Kate shares the story behind Sandon WA, a not-for-profit organisation she started to give back to the mining, civil and transport sectors — especially for women who often face the challenges of isolation, burnout, and pressure in male-dominated environments.Amber brings her perspective from Neuro Spicy Collective, sharing how understanding neurodiversity and creating inclusive spaces can transform mental health outcomes at work and at home.As a business owner, leader, and mum, this conversation hit close to home for me. Mental Health Week is such an important reminder that we’re all human — and that taking care of ourselves is just as important as getting the job done.Grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s get real about what it means to support mental health in our communities and workplaces. 👇 Watch, comment, and share your thoughts below!How do you prioritise your mental health at work? #mentalhealthweek #womeninmining #NeuroSpicyCollective #SandonWA #miningcommunity #mentalhealthawareness #neurodiversity #wellbeingatwork #mininglife #theminingmum

Join me in this episode as I sit down with Kym, founder of CO Gear, to talk about pioneering workwear for women in traditionally male-dominated industries. We explore how functional, inclusive gear can transform the experience of women in trades like mining, construction, engineering—plus the personal journey behind creating a brand with purpose.If you’re into women in trades, innovative workwear, gender equality, mining & construction, or simply love hearing inspiring entrepreneurship stories — this one’s for you.✅ Like, comment & subscribe for more content like this📢 Share with someone who’d find value in it#WomenInTrades #WorkwearForWomen #CoGear #Mining #Construction #Empowerment #WomenEntrepreneurs #InclusiveDesign #Podcast