CEO PROFILE
The Future of the Mining Industry Despite declining commodity prices and rising costs , JJ isn ’ t worried about the future of the mining industry .
“ Every commodity business goes through its cyclical challenges . As we all know , two-thirds of the time the price curve is coupled with the cost curve . There are always people not making money yet there is another one-third of the time during which everyone is making money . [ These fluctuations are not indicative ] of how the industry is doing .”
Instead , he explained , “ The indicator is how the industry is becoming more efficient in all aspects , including sustainability and the costs associated for each mine . The other thing is the use of technology and how it ’ s playing a major role in making the industry safer , and therefore more viable .”
Rio Tinto is a great example of how technology needs to be driven forward , he said .
“ Their Mine of the Future is a fabulous step in the right direction , and they ’ ve shown they have the advantage . You can see their cost of production in iron ore is lower than everyone else . Although others are catching up , they ’ ve already achieved that lead . They ’ ve shown the marketplace what can be done , and it ’ s a great model to follow .”
Although the mining industry may be experiencing tough times , JJ maintains a glass-half-full outlook and encourages mining companies and executives to do the same .
“ I generally believe tough times are good times because that ’ s when you learn all the good habits and shed some of the fat that you build on when everything is good .”
Likewise , “ When things are good , I don ’ t get excited because something always comes . I don ’ t believe in doom either because extremes don ’ t last forever . You need to find
When employees understand the ins and outs of what it takes to run and maintain a mine , the outcome is usually far greater . You can only learn something by being thrown in the pool . You can ’ t keep people standing up and try to teach them everything without putting them in the water .