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Sussanah Osborne

A picture of Sussanah Osborne

Name:
Sussanah Osborne
Age:
30
Location:
Brisbane
Current job title:
Mine Operations Improvement Specialist

Qualifications

Past experience

Five years with Orica explosives as Technical Services Engineering working throughout Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific. Involved in high risk, technical blasting, blasting optimisation, introduction of new technologies and training (including rapid response teams) in open cut, underground, quarries and construction. One year with BHP Billiton working in an underground lead, zinc mine (Cannington) and eight months with Rio Tinto Coal Australia working to improve knowledge share and identify business wide opportunities in the areas of Drill and Blast, Load, Haul and Dump and heavy mining equipment.

How did you get started?

While living in Colombia, South America, I was exposed to the mining industry (while driving along in the countryside) and decided I wanted a job that allowed me to capitalise on my mathematical and science strengths which also allowed me to travel the world.

Greatest professional achievement

Designing and project managing a major construction blast 1m from infrastructure (including an active shopping centre and major road) which was completed successfully and without injury.

Challenges the job presents

Working in different operating conditions and identifying the best solutions for each condition. Aligning the sites to work together, and influencing a decision.

What you like most about your job

The opportunity to work with many different people (including employees and suppliers) to improve the way we do things. The opportunity to be involved in new technologies and travel the world to share best practice.

The thrill - to know that my thoughts and actions contribute to not only business growth but also to the overall economy through employment of others.

Typical day at work

A typical day can be anything from a 6am flight to site to work on a truck payload system installation, a 7am phone hook-up with the US to discuss improved global explosives supply and security, meetings with suppliers to look at how we can reduce fuel consumption in our haul truck fleet or improve our payloads with new truck trays, or a quiet day in the office catching up on all the opportunities out there!

Advice for other women

Don't accept that just because you are female you don't have a role in this industry, but also don't use it as an excuse. I once had an older guy ask me "what do you know lassie?" when I was trying to explain how we could successfully remove misfired explosives. I showed him how to do it and he was shocked, but also quickly developed a respect for my knowledge, not my gender

Other profiles

Mining

Construction

Science

Engineering

Technology

Last updated: 8 April 2008