For Tapiwa Padera, the road to Mineral Resources was a lot longer than most.
Few have travelled more than 10,500km to be part of our team, but that’s the reality for Tapi who farewelled his native Zimbabwe for a new life in Australia and joined the MRL family.
In doing so, he made the tough decision to leave behind his wife and two girls – the youngest just a few months old at the time – to pursue his next career chapter by putting his skills and experience to good use where they’re needed.
Arriving in Western Australia on a short-term visa, Tapi held several roles with mining companies before a recommendation to join MRL presented not only an opportunity to further his career but the chance to build a new future for his family.
Putting his skills to good use
Now a Leading Hand supporting MRL’s Asset Management team in the Pilbara, Tapi brings to the role over 10 years’ experience in mechanical service and repairs and joins a dedicated team ensuring some of our biggest and most impressive mining equipment performs at its best.
Area Manager James Tomalin said despite some early delays getting him on site due to COVID-19 lockdowns and administrative delays, Tapi has hit the ground running and is now a valued member of the team.
“Tapi has been great from day one and his skills, experience and strong work ethic are welcomed additions to our business.” James said.
“With many mining companies facing a skill shortage, mainly due to COVID-19, it’s been important for MRL to keep thinking differently about opportunities to bring quality talent into our business.”
Tapi said the warm welcome he received from the start of his employment and our strong sense of team offered immediate reassurance he’d made the right call choosing MRL.
“Working in this industry often comes with pressure, but at MRL I never really feel it because there’s always someone asking if I’m OK or if I need more time, and making sure everything is safe,” he said.
“Working here is not like some other places; you’re looked after and everyone is working as a team.”
The importance of family
While thankful for the opportunity to support the continuing growth of our business as a valued member of the MRL family, Tapi also dealt with the uncertainty of his visa status and a burning desire for his family to join him in Australia.
It was through ongoing chats with Tapi about his career path, and desire to build a new future with his family, that led to discussions about the prospect of applying for permanent residency.
MRL supported Tapi throughout the entire process and, just weeks after submitting his paperwork, he was delighted to receive confirmation the family’s application was successful – sparking joy and relief for his wife, JoJo.
Having spent over a year looking after their girls and longing to be reunited with Tapi, JoJo and their children recently touched down in WA and are now settling into Australian life together.
“It was difficult with me and the kids back in Zimbabwe, especially with our littlest one always asking ‘when is daddy coming back?’ or ‘when will we get to see daddy again?’,” JoJo said.
“We’re here now and I’m just super excited – we’re so glad to be together and the future is bright,” JoJo said.
Pave your road to success with MRL
Our people are key to achieving our vision to be recognised as one of the great Australian companies and we’re always keen to hear from talented people keen to progress their career.
When you join Mineral Resources, you join a company continuing to grow on the back of its entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to empower people to challenge the status quo and explore new opportunities.
Your road to Mineral Resources could be a permanent, project or fixed-term opportunity across our various operations – with plenty of support available to get you on board.
View our full list of open roles at our Careers page.
