In this week’s episode of But Seriously, What is Engineering?, guests Martyn Robotham and Negin Beaton share their engineering journeys and dig deep into their rewarding careers in the resources industry.
Martyn started out in the mining industry 35 years ago, when gender diversity in the sector was non-existent. He has seen significant changes in his time and is a true champion of change as an active member of the UQ Women in Engineering Advisory Board.
Negin was motivated to follow in her father's footsteps when she chose mining engineering. She's able to apply her aptitude for problem solving to an industry that is integral to our every day lives, and is excited by the positive impact she can have on the sector's social, economic and environmental footprint.
Together they share insights into a day in the life of an operational mine, the challenges they have overcome in their careers, and the value of support networks and mentors in this global, yet small, industry.
With technological advances and scope for further innovation to create even safer and more efficient operations, the future of mining is exciting for prospective engineers looking to consider a career in the resources sector.
Get set to explore the possibilities available through a career in mining engineering.
To learn more about studying engineering at UQ visit the Future Students website.
Duration: 22:34 mins
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Meet our guests
Negin Beaton
Negin Beaton is currently the Development and Communications Coordinator for The University of Queensland's Women in Engineering program. Negin brings to the role over ten years of mining engineering experience, and also works part time at MEC Mining, a Brisbane-based consulting firm as Senior Mining Engineer and Learning and Development Lead. The majority of her mining career was spent on-site at open-cut coal mines in New South Wales and Queensland where she was involved in technical designs and scheduling. She most enjoyed the dynamic work environment and challenges that she could solve collaboratively with engineering and production teams.
Negin’s interest in engineering and mining stemmed from her upbringing, growing up in Wollongong with the resources sector a major industry in her hometown. Her father is also an engineer. A high school tour of a local underground coal mine cemented her future career direction. Her passion for diversity in the industry motivates her to engage with prospective female students, educate them on the diverse industries and rewarding careers available in mining and ignite their aspirations to engage in engineering-related studies.
Connect with Negin on LinkedIn.
Martyn Robotham
Martyn is General Manager Surface Mining and Chief Geotechnical Engineer with Rio Tinto’s Copper and Diamonds Group. He has over 35 years of experience in engineering geology, open-pit mine slope design and operations.
Martyn started his career as an underground mine geologist in South Africa before completing a MSc. in Engineering Geology in London. After 7 years of UK based mine geotechnical consulting, Martyn moved to Australia for six years in similar roles.
He joined Rio Tinto in 2001 where he was involved in mining and geotechnical work at all of their commodity groups in many different countries.
In 2007, he spent three years as Technical Manager at Bingham Canyon Mine in the USA, before returning to Rio Tinto in Australia. Martyn has led Rio Tinto’s global geotechnical discipline and geotechnical risk management and assurance processes. He represents Rio Tinto on a number of major technical committees and conferences and sits on mine technical review boards at Bingham Canyon, Oyu Tolgoi, Escondida and Diavik. He has led Rio Tinto’s relationship with The University of Queensland and chaired the Advisory Board to the UQ Geotechnical Engineering Centre. Martyn is an Adjunct Professor at UQ’s School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, and is a Fellow of the Australian Institution of Mining and Metallurgy.
Connect with Martyn on LinkedIn.
