Company Announcement - ‘Optimising today and transforming tomorrow’ is the objective of JKTech’s new Mining Leaders’ Program – a revolutionary seven month, four module course that aims to address the global shortage of future leaders in the industry. Brett Cunningham, Acting CEO of JKTech says, “We developed this unique program in response to a cyclical trend we recognised in the global mining industry where middle and senior management suffer critical job cuts every time there is a downturn. This creates a shortage of the next generation of leaders, as well as a loss of vital industry knowledge.” Providing online course work, intensive face to face learning as well as one on one coaching that addresses both leadership and technical issues, the program brings together participants from a variety of job functions across the value chain including general managers, plant managers, and human resource managers.

Eleven global mining companies including Anglo American, Sandvik, MMG, and African Barrick Gold have registered a total of 24 participants for JKTech’s inaugural course, which held the first of two face to face modules in Brisbane in late November. The program has been designed around three central themes critical to optimising current and future mining performance: the transition to high performing mining leader; the business of mining and optimising operational performance; and creating new value through transformation and innovation in global mining.“Our aim is to help companies recognise their future leaders and equip these people with the ability to demonstrate their full potential and make the successful transition to senior leadership roles. We are unlocking the hidden value in the mining industry and contributing to a more sustainable future,” says Brett. Demonstrating their potential involves participants recognising a strategic opportunity within their company and developing a plan for realising it on completion of the course. Professor David Brereton, Deputy Director for Research Integration at the Sustainable Minerals Institute and Academic Program Director for the Mining Leaders’ Program, believes that practical application is the key to the success of the program.“While the course content draws on some of the best research in the world undertaken by The University of Queensland and SMI, and participants have access to leading industry experts such as Rosemary Howard, Professor Ben Adair and Charlie Sartain; the greatest value comes in applying their learning directly to their business.”

“Collaboration with people from other companies is also imperative. Sharing knowledge and experience across a range of companies and roles within the industry provides participants with a well-rounded experience and exposure to issues they may not have otherwise experienced,” says Professor Brereton.
The Mining Leaders’ Program is now accepting expressions of interest for 2015/16. The program will run from September 2015 to March 2016.