One of new CSA GM’s jobs was to welcome the community

Community events like open days at the mine will help demystify mining operations and foster transparency between CSA and the community in which we operate,” Mr Walker

The Cobar Weekly

In addition to welcoming his staff and contractors’ families (to see what their dad or mum does on site) and interested members of the community to the Open Day, Mr Walker took along his family, wife Andrea and their eight month old son Ryan, to show them his new workplace.

The Walkers have lived in Cobar for just over two years with Mr Walker recently serving as the GM for Aurelia Metals’ Hera/ Federation Mining complex.

I am thrilled to be with MAC as the General Manager of the CSA mine, ready to apply my extensive experience and diverse perspective to this new challenge,” he said.

Mr Walker has nearly three decades of experience in the mining industry, having served in diverse roles ranging from boilermaker, loader operator to a mine manager and more recently, as general manager.

My broad spectrum of hands-on experience enables me to understand the demands of opernal dynamics and needs across the entirety of operations, from the underground mining environment to surface operations, through to the corporate setting,” Mr Walker said.

I am well-versed in the intricacies of operational readiness and familiar with the challenges of culture change. This comprehensive background gives me a dynamic and holistic perspective, which I believe is crucial in strategizing and implementing decisions that benefit all facets of the operation.”

Mr Walker said as someone who has seen the

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Fridays industry from multiple angles, he can empathize with, understand, and communicate effectively with all stakeholders, to help foster a harmonious and productive environment.

He said it was the vast potential that CSA possesses that encouraged him to take on the role.

“It’s not just about what CSA is now, but also what it could and will become in the future, with the right leadership, strategy, and execution. With MAC now at the helm, CSA’s significant new potential translates to dynamic opportunities, paving the way for challenging, exciting work,” he said.

In an interview with MAC’s CEO Mick McMullen following the purchase of the mine from Glencore in June this year, Mr McMullen told The Cobar Weekly their vision for CSA was for the mine to be run more efficiently to create increased production.

Mr Walker shares that vision and said shifting the culture at the mine back to a highperforming one is an absolute necessity for the operation’s sustainability and success.

“It is not merely an option, but a must-do that will form the backbone of our collective efforts. A high-performing culture is the bedrock upon which productivity, efficiency, safety, and overall employee satisfaction is built.

“It entails fostering an environment where everyone is committed to achieving excellence, where teamwork is valued and where continuous improvement is a shared goal,” he said.

“The shift requires strategic planning, open communication, rigorous training, unwavering commitment, and relentless persistence from every level of the organization.

“It may be challenging, as culture change 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.”

He believes leading and managing operational 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 innovate in response to these changes.

“However, this can often be a complex task as it not only requires meticulous planning and 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.”