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One of new CSA GM’s jobs was to welcome the community One of CSA Mine’s new general manager “Community events like open days at the industry from multiple angles, he can empaRobert Walker’s jobs this week was to wel- mine will help demystify mining operations thize with, understand, and communicate efcome the community to the mine’s annual and foster transparency between CSA and the fectively with all stakeholders, to help foster a open day on Sunday. community in which we operate,” Mr Walker harmonious and productive environment. Mr Walker started with Metals Acquisition told The Cobar Weekly. He said it was the vast potential that CSA Corporation (MAC) at CSA last Monday. In addition to welcoming his staff and con- possesses that encouraged him to take on the tractors’ families (to see what their dad or role. mum does on site) and interested members of “It’s not just about what CSA is now, but the community to the Open Day, Mr Walker also what it could and will become in the futook along his family, wife Andrea and their ture, with the right leadership, strategy, and eight month old son Ryan, to show them his execution. With MAC now at the helm, CSA’s new workplace. significant new potential translates to dynamic The Walkers have lived in Cobar for just opportunities, paving the way for challenging, over two years with Mr Walker recently serv- exciting work,” he said. ing as the GM for Aurelia Metals’ Hera/ In an interview with MAC’s CEO Mick Federation Mining complex. McMullen following the purchase of the mine “I am thrilled to be with MAC as the General from Glencore in June this year, Mr McMullen Manager of the CSA mine, ready to apply my told The Cobar Weekly their vision for CSA extensive experience and diverse perspective was for the mine to be run more efficiently to to this new challenge,” he said. create increased production. Mr Walker has nearly three decades of expe- Mr Walker shares that vision and said shiftrience in the mining industry, having served in ing the culture at the mine back to a highdiverse roles ranging from boilermaker, loader performing one is an absolute necessity for the operator to a mine manager and more recently, operation’s sustainability and success. as general manager. “It is not merely an option, but a must-do that “My broad spectrum of hands-on experience will form the backbone of our collective efenables me to understand the demands of oper- forts. A high-performing culture is the bedrock ational dynamics and needs across the entirety upon which productivity, efficiency, safety, of operations, from the underground mining and overall employee satisfaction is built. environment to surface operations, through to “It entails fostering an environment where the corporate setting,” Mr Walker said. everyone is committed to achieving excellence, “I am well-versed in the intricacies of opera- where teamwork is valued and where continutional readiness and familiar with the challeng- ous improvement is a shared goal,” he said. es of culture change. This comprehensive “The shift requires strategic planning, open CSA Mine’s new general manager, Robert background gives me a dynamic and holistic communication, rigorous training, unwavering Walker, with his wife Andrea and their perspective, which I believe is crucial in strate- commitment, and relentless persistence from baby son Ryan at the mine’s Open Day on gizing and implementing decisions that benefit every level of the organization. all facets of the operation.” “It may be challenging, as culture change Sunday. ▪ Photo contributed Mr Walker said as someone who has seen the often encounters resistance, but I firmly believe that with the right leadership and collective resolve, we can cultivate a culture that promotes high performance and stands as a benchmark in the mining industry.” believes leading and managing operation2 Marshall St | 6836 2102 | cobarrsl@bigpond.com alHe change will be his main challenge in his new role. “The mining industry is continuously evolving, and as such, it’s crucial to adapt and innoFridays 7pm + Black Beer Club vate in response to these changes. “However, this can often be a complex task Saturdays 3.30pm as it not only requires meticulous planning and Sundays 1pm implementation but also a cultural shift within the organization. “Additionally, achieving stretch targets can be a daunting prospect. These targets, while designed to drive the organization to higher performance levels, necessitate a careful balance between ambition and realism. “It’s essential to set these targets in a way that motivates the team to push their boundaries without risking morale or setting unrealistic expectations. Nevertheless, I see these challenges as opportunities to grow and enhance the organization’s operational efficiency and overall performance.” Mr Walker has a ‘Live local, shop local, work local’ philosophy and as a staunch advocate for community involvement, he believes CSA has an array of opportunities to foster stronger ties with the local community which will underpin their continued support. “Supporting local businesses through procurement etc, as well as investing in local infrastructure improvements, will significantly boost the local economy and showcase MAC’s support. “A proactive, symbiotic continued and enhanced relationship with the community will not only fulfill our social responsibility but also enhance CSA’s reputation and strengthen its footprint within the community.”
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Page 4 The Cobar Weekly Wednesday August 9, 2023
