Talk of 2024 beginning on a high crazy note! Guys, I feel like I have been through the wringer these past two weeks. It has been a beehive of activities, and a lot has happened in the ‘bundus’ beginning from the failing and replacement of one of our Run-Off-Mine pumps. Just when we thought we had fixed that, and we had everything under control, we experienced a terrible pipe burst on the main slurry line. Chaotic, right?

But wait, it gets crazier! This week we were planting one of our hopper bins in an area that has a very high water table (wueeh, this was a whole experience altogether, but let’s just say, the high water table was a thorn in our side and stirred lots of anxiety in all of us even in our dreams!)

However, amidst the chaos and the adrenaline-pumping moments, the highlight of this rollercoaster week was the engaging and insightful meeting we (Graduate Trainees) had with our mine manager. Now, I don’t know about you, but for me, after dealing with a failing pump, a terrible pipe burst, and waterlogged nightmares, this meeting was like a breath of fresh air.

It’s been six months into our graduate trainee program, and the journey of navigating through the ups and downs of the mining world has been nothing short of extraordinary. To be honest, starting a new job can feel like running the gauntlet as you learn to navigate the company’s culture and expectations. I have had to learn how to engage the people around me as much as I learn new technical skills.

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Every day has been the real deal (my boss loves this saying), and I have learnt to appreciate it as it comes.

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We have been having regular monthly meetings with our mine manager and he’s also been interacting with us in the field, but I think this last meeting was a special one for me because he simply wanted to hear about our individual experiences so far.

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I always relish such moments because as a young mining engineer, I’ve passed through many hands in my journey, but not all have been as genuinely concerned about my growth as an individual.

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It’s truly remarkable to have a senior figure genuinely interested in our growth, not just professionally but in every facet of our personal development. It adds a unique aspect to our career journey, making each step forward all the more meaningful. Not only has he been a steady guide and mentor, but also, his door has always been wide open for consultations and inquiries, and not once has he dismissed our seemingly trivial questions. His unwavering support has been a cornerstone in our professional development, making this journey of learning all the more enriching.

So, here’s to mentors who care, bosses who listen, and experiences that shape us into resilient mining engineers ready to face whatever the ‘bundus’ throws our way. Cheers to an interesting ride of 2024!