“It is important to the WA Mining Club that we invest in the future of our industry, and this is one of the many ways we are.”
This quote from Jordan Pedley, Youth Professionals Lead at WA Mining Club, highlights how the WA Mining Club is giving its members the opportunity to connect members seeking professional development with experienced industry leaders.
On 13 February 2025, the WA Mining Club will be kicking off its Emerging Leaders Program with its executive mingle launch event for an evening of networking and connecting.
Established in 2021 by former committee member Craig Hook, the Emerging Leaders mentor program pairs motivated professionals with experienced industry leaders for a transformative six-month mentorship journey. The program is designed to support the development of the next generation of mining leaders, as well as facilitate sharing knowledge, stories and guidance.
During that year, Pedley was a mentee and paired with George Bauk and she learned about running businesses, managing people, government grants, indigenous culture, as well as networking and personal development.
With over 25 years experience in the resources industry, George Bauk has a strong background in strategic management, business planning, finance and capital raising. Bauk has recently been appointed as Peninsula Energy’s (ASX:PEN) CEO.
Now in 2025, Pedley is the lead of the program and tells this news service it was important for her to see the program continue.
“Going through the program and being mentored by George Bauk had an incredible impact on my professional growth,” she says.
“I am passionate about sharing knowledge and stories and strengthening the next generation so running the program is aligned with my values.”
Pedley says it is the mentee’s responsibility to reach out to a mentor, set their goals, and take in all of the information, networks, and stories a mentor has to offer.
“It is important they take ownership of their learning journey,” Pedley tells Mining.com.au.
“This helps with building confidence and strengthens their ability to manage their own PD and push for their own growth and independence. We want to empower the mentee.”
Once a mentee fills out the application, the WA Mining Club committee recruits and pairs a mentor with a mentee. Once this is completed, it is up to the mentee to reach out to the mentor.
As a mentor, the responsibilities involve meeting with mentees once a month, providing guidance, motivation, relevant stories and role modelling, as well as offering honest feedback and practical advice.
“Mentoring is such an important gift that people can give,” Pedley says.
“My mentor always said he went away feeling like he had a shot of energy and positivity after we met. You get out what you put in and I absorbed every little thing George said and acted on it.”
Last year, Pedley won the inaugural Youth Leader in Mining Award, as part of the Mining.com.au Masters of Mining Awards. The Youth Leader award recognises a company, individual, or program that advocates for and facilitates employing and training young people in Australia’s mining industry.
The inaugural 2024 Mining.com.au Master of Mining Awards were the newest national awards program to recognise and celebrate people and companies that have contributed to the mining and minerals processing industry within Australia and internationally.
Formed in 1972, the WA Mining Club is a group of dedicated Perth-based industry professionals, including executives from mining companies and associated industries, geologists, engineers, metallurgists, accountants, economists, lawyers, journalists, government representatives and more.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: WA Mining Club
