James is part of MinRes’ in-house Engineering and Construction team, which consolidates project delivery under one roof and enables the company to safely deliver projects to market faster than any other mining company in Australia.
As one of the world’s only mining companies with an in-house engineering and construction capability, MinRes maintains full control and flexibility of project development - something that’s helped grow the division throughout James’ tenure.
This expertise has enabled the delivery of complex projects across several commodities including iron ore, lithium and gas, as well as road and port construction projects.
Reflecting on three decades with MinRes, James said the business has undergone significant changes helping it become an industry leader in engineering and construction.
“The initial workforce was less than 100 and all works were being undertaken on external sites - now we’re all internal projects and have too many staff to count,” James said.
“During my tenure I’ve been given the autonomy to undertake my work and enjoy the interaction with people from across a large range of disciplines within the business.”
“I’m very fortunate to have been in continuous employment within the construction industry and to have maintained interest and want to continue with MinRes.”
James’ working career began as a junior draftsperson at Minproc Engineers, before taking on roles at Saipem WA and Process Chemicals supporting BP’s Kwinana refinery.
In July 1995, James’ MinRes journey started as a project engineer and three years later found himself leading project works for PIHA, a subsidiary of MinRes, in Orange, New South Wales.
One of James’ most significant projects came in 2018, when he led the construction of the power station, gas pipeline and facilities at MinRes’ Wodgina lithium operation, while also driving similar projects at the Onslow Iron project.
“I’ve worked across the various MinRes offices - Bibra Lake, Kwinana, Applecross and now Osborne Park,” James said.
“I’ve spent plenty of time at many places within Australia that you’d not normally go for a holiday delivering various components of non-process infrastructure projects for our internal business groups and external companies.”
MinRes’ engineering and construction division features a dedicated workforce of engineers, draftspeople and construction professionals - many, like James, who have decades of experience.
“The large number of colleagues that I have worked with where we’ve generated personal friendships and helped each other without asking stands out,” James said.
“I’ve gained lots of enjoyment from teams of people delivering works all being on the same track and mindset - whether it be from labour right up to senior leadership.”
Chief Executive Engineering and Construction Darren Killeen said James has been part of many significant projects for the business during his three decades.
“The loyalty, dedication and commitment James has shown is the hallmark of what makes MinRes such a great company to work for,” Darren said.
“James, thank you for ‘just getting on with it’ and always doing your job with a smile and demonstrating pride and professionalism in your work.”
“Congratulations on reaching this fantastic milestone.”
Away from work, James enjoys spending time with a growing family, tennis and fishing.
“More fishing would be good,” he laughed.
Learn more about MinRes’ in-house engineering and construction capability.
