Roni’s strength and compassion were instilled by his mother, who raised him as a single parent. A trailblazer in her own right, she worked in a law firm for 35 years before transitioning to an HSEQ admin training role in oil and gas, where she now works alongside Roni’s wife.
Roni’s career journey began in 1999 when he left high school at 16 and started working for his uncle’s earthmoving company. He later moved into construction, but it wasn’t until 2010 that he ventured into mining with a trainee role at NRW Holdings at Christmas Creek.
“During a night shift on my third swing, I realised, ‘I’ve made it in mining!’ That moment made me proud and motivated to keep going.”
His mining career truly took off when Macmahon took over the Christmas Creek contract, marking the start of a long and rewarding journey with the company. After gaining experience as a Leading Hand and later as a Production Supervisor at Telfer, Roni embraced every opportunity to grow, whether it was learning geotechnical concepts from the geology department or taking on superintendent responsibilities.
“If someone offers you an opportunity, they must see potential in you. Be courageous and don’t let self-doubt hold you back,” he advises.
Roni’s leadership is defined by his commitment to his team’s wellbeing. He championed a roster change from 2:1 to 8:6 to reduce stress and burnout among supervisors and took on a mentorship role to guide leading hands, especially in safety and risk management.
His time at Mt Morgans was another pivotal chapter, where he gained insights into the drill-and-blast process and worked to bridge gaps between teams. A standout moment for Roni came near the end of the Mt Morgans contract when he was asked by Macmahon’s CEO, Mick Finnegan, to deliver an important announcement: no one would lose their job.
“It was a tough message, but knowing Macmahon had plans to support everyone made it easier to deliver,” Roni says.
Now at Greenbushes, Roni has stepped into the role of Mine Manager, bringing with him a wealth of experience across multiple sites. He continues to prioritise mentorship, sustainability, and fostering a culture of unity.
“I believe in showing green behaviours—don’t just tell me, show me,” Roni says, echoing his belief in leading by example.
Roni’s advice for those looking to grow in their careers is simple:
“Bring a positive and genuine attitude. If you’re passionate about mining, it will show, and opportunities will come your way.”
Roni has already contributed so much to Macmahon and continues to lead with pride and purpose. Whether it’s managing a site or “playing in the sandpit,” as he fondly calls it, Roni is always ready for the next challenge.
Thank you, Roni, for being an integral part of the Macmahon team.
