Personal & Career Background

Can you walk us through your career path and how you ended up at Datamine?
I started out as a mine geologist and spent more than 25 years working across various commodities and both open-pit and underground operations. Over time, I became increasingly drawn to reconciliation, the critical link between plans and what’s actually mined and processed. I saw how essential it was for decision-making, yet often misunderstood or poorly supported by systems.

That focus led me to blend roles in geology, business analysis, and project management. Eventually, I became the Product Owner of Reconcilor, a specialist reconciliation solution. I worked closely with sites to improve transparency and trust in data.

When Reconcilor became part of Datamine in 2021, I joined the group with the product. I’ve continued leading its development and implementation, working to raise the profile of reconciliation in the industry and help sites make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Was there a defining moment that confirmed mining was the right industry for you?
The moment I knew I’d found my niche was actually as a client implementing Reconcilor. I’ve always been a numbers person who loves solving problems, and I began to realise that reconciliation isn’t just end-of-month reporting, it’s about using data to tell the real story of what’s happening across the value chain.

Good reconciliation can drive better decisions, build trust, and connect geology, data, systems, and people. That realisation led me to focus entirely on reconciliation and eventually to where I am today.

Role & Expertise

What is your area of expertise, and how do you use it in your role at Datamine?
I’m a mining geologist with over 25 years of industry experience and the Product Owner for Reconcilor at Datamine. My focus is on bridging geology, data, and operational decision-making, especially in the context of metal reconciliation.

I help operations build trust and accountability through effective reconciliation processes. My work spans open-pit and underground sites, and I use reconciliation not just for reporting but as a catalyst for collaboration and performance improvement.

How would you explain your role to someone unfamiliar with the mining tech space?
I help mining companies understand how much metal they expected to mine compared to what they actually produce, using a software tool called Reconcilor. My job blends science, operations, and technology to make sure teams across geology, engineering, and processing can make informed, aligned decisions.

It’s a bit like being a data detective, tracking down where things line up, where they don’t, and why. I also work closely with software developers to ensure the product addresses real on-site challenges.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Connecting the dots. I love bringing people, data, and processes together to uncover the real story of what’s happening in a mining operation. That moment when it all clicks, when you can see where value was created or lost, is incredibly rewarding.

I also enjoy working across teams. Reconciliation sits at the crossroads of geology, engineering, and processing, so I get to collaborate with a variety of people and help them see their role in the bigger picture. Every site is unique, which keeps the work interesting and challenging.

Challenges, Projects & Learnings

What has been the most challenging project or client engagement you’ve worked on?
One of the most challenging projects I’ve worked on was with a multi-site gold operation where each site had its own systems, definitions, and workflows for reconciliation. The biggest hurdle wasn’t technical, it was cultural, getting everyone to agree on common terminology and processes.

It took a lot of negotiation, listening, and trust-building across departments. But once we established shared understanding, the real progress began. It reinforced for me that reconciliation is as much about people as it is about systems or data.

What’s a professional milestone or achievement you’re especially proud of?
Two milestones come to mind: being invited to join the AusIMM Mining Geology Conference committee, and being a nominee for the 2022 Women in Digital Awards – Technical Leader of the Year. Both honours reflect the impact of my work and the importance of reconciliation in today’s mining landscape.

What’s been your biggest learning curve while working in the mining industry?
Learning that technical skill isn’t everything. Early on, I focused on getting the numbers and geology right, but I’ve since realised that the real challenge is communication, bridging different disciplines, building trust, and aligning on goals. Transitioning from technical expert to cross-functional communicator has been one of the most impactful shifts in my career.

Perspectives & Reflections

How has the mining industry evolved since you started and how have you adapted?
The shift toward data integration and digital tools has transformed the industry. Reconciliation, once an afterthought, is now recognised as a strategic lever for performance and accountability.

I’ve adapted by working closely with developers and operational teams to create tools that are both technically robust and user-friendly. The move from reactive reporting to proactive insights has been a rewarding evolution to be part of.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field?
Stay curious and be open to detours, some of the most rewarding roles are the ones you never planned for. Don’t underestimate communication and collaboration. Your technical knowledge is important, but your ability to work across teams and connect the dots will set you apart.

And find mentors. The people around you often have the best lessons to share, and those conversations can be career-defining.

What keeps you motivated and passionate about your work?
The people. Working with smart, curious, and dedicated professionals keeps me inspired. And the variety—every site and every challenge is different, which pushes me to keep learning and improving.

Fun & Forward-Looking

If you weren’t in mining, what career could you see yourself in?
A travel consultant! I love booking holidays, maybe even more than taking them. Planning itineraries and solving logistics taps into the same problem-solving instincts I use in my work.

What’s one myth about mining you’d love to bust?
That mining is old-fashioned. It’s actually one of the most high-tech, data-driven industries today. From automation to real-time analytics, it’s a fast-evolving space filled with innovation and smart, future-focused professionals.

What excites you most about the future of mining and technology?
The shift toward real-time, integrated decision-making. Reconciliation is evolving from end-of-month reporting to being a proactive, strategic tool. Technology is breaking down silos and fostering collaboration, and that’s where I see real, exciting change happening.

Quote Highlight

“Geology got me into mining. Reconciliation made me stay.”

Fun Facts

• Secretly loves planning holidays more than taking them.
• Once implemented Reconcilor as a client before becoming Product Owner.
• Go-to coffee order: Strong flat white.