When we think about mining, we often picture technical skills — machinery, geology, production targets, safety. But beneath every strong team lies something less visible and far more powerful: soft skills.
In this two-part series, I uncover how communication, emotional intelligence, and empathy shape the culture, safety, and wellbeing of our industry.
In Part 1, I’ll explore:💬 How real communication goes beyond words and changes team dynamics🧠 Why emotional intelligence matters more than you think — especially in high-pressure environments❤️ How empathy can transform the way we lead, support, and show up for each other
This isn’t about buzzwords — it’s about real moments: prestart meetings, shift handovers, and those quiet conversations that change someone’s day.
Whether you’re leading a crew, starting your first role, or just want to understand people a little better, this episode will help you build the soft skills that make mining stronger — and more human.
FIFO life isn’t just about the long shifts and the roster – it’s about how those choices ripple through our relationships, families, and personal lives. In this episode, I sit down with my partner, Jayden, to have an open and honest conversation about what it really takes to keep a relationship strong while working FIFO together.
We talk about the pressures, the sacrifices, and the unspoken mental load that comes with distance, different rosters, and trying to balance work with love and connection. From the moments that test you to the strategies that help you stay grounded; this is a real insight into navigating relationships in the mining industry.
Whether you’re FIFO yourself, supporting someone who is, or just curious about what life looks like behind the scenes, this episode shines a light on both the challenges and the deep rewards of building a partnership in this lifestyle.
Underground or surface — which path in mining is right for you? In this episode of She Mines, I dive deep into the realities of both worlds. From pay, rosters, and culture, to health, family, and career growth, I’ll break down what it really means to choose one over the other.
I’ll explore the common misconceptions, the mental load of misalignment between your job and your values, and how to figure out which lifestyle actually supports the future you want.
Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career pivot, this episode gives you the clarity to make a choice that feels aligned, not just financially rewarding.
Feeling trapped in mining because of financial pressure? You’re not alone. In this episode of She Mines, I dive deep into the mental load that comes with believing you can’t leave site — because the bills, the mortgage, the lifestyle, and the fear of “what’s next” all feel too heavy.
I’ll talk about the hidden costs of staying in a job that drains you, how financial fear impacts your mental health, and ways to start regaining a sense of control over both your money and your mindset.
If you’ve ever felt stuck — this one’s for you.
In this episode of She Mines, I sit down with my high school friend, Tarnee Rutherford — a former Senior Environmental Advisor who climbed the FIFO and corporate ladder before making the bold decision to walk away.
We talk about life in FIFO, the highs and lows of working on site, the transition to city life, and the pivotal moment when she knew it was time to leave. Tarnee shares how she backed herself, started her own consulting business, and built a lifestyle that gives her the freedom to work from anywhere in the world.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in FIFO but scared to take the leap, this conversation is for you.
To get in contact with Tarnee at TR Environmental Consulting, see details below:
Website: www.trenvironmentalconsulting.com
Email: trenvironmentalconsulting@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Tarnee Rutherford
Instagram: trenvironmentconsulting
In this episode, I dive deep into what working nights really does to the body and mind. I’ll be honest – I haven’t worked night shift myself, but I’ve spoken with plenty of people who have, and I’ve gathered their insights along with science-backed research to paint a clear picture of the challenges.
I’ll unpack:
- The physical and psychological impacts of working against your body’s natural rhythm
- The connection between circadian disruption and mental health struggles
- Coping strategies that actually help – from sleep hygiene to food choices, light exposure, and community support
Whether you’ve worked night shift yourself, you’re about to, or you just want to understand it better, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone in the struggle – and there are ways to make it more manageable.
Starting out in mining is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. In this Q&A episode, I dive into the early career challenges that so many of us face — from imposter syndrome and building confidence in high-vis, to dealing with loneliness on site, finding mentors, and knowing when it’s time to speak up or move on.
Whether you’re brand new to FIFO or just navigating those first few years, this episode is packed with honest insights, practical strategies, and personal stories to help you find your feet in the industry.
Tune in to hear how to build connections, overcome self-doubt, and create a career that feels right for you.
In this episode of She Mines, I'm talking about what it really means to bring feminine energy into a male-dominated industry — and why it’s not a weakness, it’s a strength.
From intuition that spots hazards before checklists do, to empathy that builds trust in high-pressure teams, I’ll unpack how feminine traits actually make mining safer, smarter, and more human. I’ll explore how this energy shows up on site, whether there’s room for it in a culture that still prizes toughness, and how to balance it with masculine energy without losing yourself in the process.
If you’ve ever been told to “toughen up” or felt you had to mute part of who you are to belong — this conversation is for you.
In this episode of She Mines, I dive deep into the role of allies in creating safer, fairer, and more inclusive workplaces in mining. From why allies are critical for progress, to how small, consistent actions can lead to big change, I’ll explore the practical ways every person on site can make a difference.
This isn’t about grand gestures or titles — it’s about showing up, speaking up, and taking responsibility for the culture we all create. Whether you’re in leadership, just starting your mining career, or somewhere in between, you’ll leave with clear, actionable ideas for becoming the kind of ally that inspires trust and drives real change.
It’s no secret that drinking culture is deeply woven into life on site — from knock-off beers in the wet mess to the pressure of “just having one.” In this episode, I take a look at why alcohol plays such a big role in mining, how dry camps are shifting the culture, and what it means if you choose not to drink.
I talk openly about peer pressure, escapism, social rituals, and how to support yourself or your mates — whether you're pouring a beer or skipping it altogether. This is not about judgement, it’s about awareness, choice, and starting conversations that actually matter.
Whether you’re sober-curious, navigating a dry camp, or just trying to figure out what role drinking plays in your own experience — this one’s for you.
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of alcohol use and addiction. If this topic feels sensitive for you, please take care while listening.
Ever felt like you don’t quite fit in at work? Questioned your next move? Or wondered if you’re the only one struggling to feel confident in hi-vis? You’re not alone — and this episode is for you.
In this Q&A session, I tackle your real, raw, and relatable questions about workplace culture in mining, building confidence in male-dominated spaces, and what it really looks like to pivot your career — whether that means stepping sideways, chasing something new, or simply slowing down.
Expect honest reflections, practical advice, and a few hard truths (with a warm dose of reassurance). Topics include:
Navigating cliques, gossip, and toxic culture
Learning to back yourself — even when no one else does
Knowing when to pivot (and how to take your skills with you)
Managing other people’s expectations when you make a big move
What to do when you're feeling stuck, burned out, or just... done
Whether you’re new to the industry, considering a shift, or just craving a little confidence boost — this one’s for you.
In this episode of She Mines, I unpack the powerful truth that vulnerability isn’t the opposite of strength—it’s the heart of it. In an industry where toughness is worn like a badge of honour, many of us have learned to suppress how we really feel just to get through the day. But what if being honest, asking for help, or admitting when we’re struggling actually made us stronger—not weaker?
I explore the unspoken culture of silence in mining, the cost of emotional suppression, and how vulnerability can build trust, improve safety, reduce burnout, and create high-performing teams. I’ll share research-backed insights and examples of what happens when people in hi-vis drop the mask and get real.
Plus, I’ll show you how to be vulnerable without losing your professionalism—and how even small moments of honesty can shift a culture.
In this deeply honest episode, I unpack the personal cost of working FIFO — the strain it places on our relationships, our identity, and our mental health. From missing milestones to feeling like a stranger in your own life, this episode explores what happens behind the scenes of the high-vis lifestyle.
Through Q&A-style reflections, I answer your most common (and vulnerable) questions:
– How do I prepare my family for my first swing?
– What if I want to leave FIFO but can’t afford to?
– How do I stay connected to my partner?
– And what happens when we start to grow apart?
Whether you’re navigating FIFO with a partner, missing your people back home, or simply trying to figure out how to make this lifestyle sustainable — this episode is for you.
Complacency doesn’t show up in loud, obvious ways—it creeps in quietly. In this episode of She Mines, I take a deep dive into one of the most underestimated risk on site: complacency.
From the psychology behind why it happens, to examples from mining, this episode explores how routine, mental fatigue, and culture can slowly erode our safety awareness. I’ll look at how special forces stay sharp through techniques like scanning from right to left, and how we can apply that same mindset on site to see what we usually miss.
I also unpack the powerful link between mental health and complacency—because when your head’s not in the game, your body’s still on the field.
Whether you're new to mining or a seasoned operator, this episode will help you recognise complacency for what it really is—and how to fight it before it becomes a serious incident.
In this honest and reflective episode, I explore one of the toughest questions people in the mining industry often carry silently: what if you’ve tried everything to belong, and it still doesn’t feel right? Is it okay to leave?
I dive into what it really means to walk away—from a role, a crew, or even a career—and why choosing to leave isn’t a sign of failure but a step toward alignment. You’ll hear insights on recognising when the role or culture no longer fits, how to separate guilt from clarity, and what it looks like to rebuild your sense of identity outside of work.
This episode is a reminder that it’s okay to want more, and sometimes, the strongest choice you can make is choosing yourself.
Who are you beyond the high-vis, the production targets, and the long shifts? In this deeply personal episode of She Mines, we explore what it means to reclaim your identity outside of work. Because in mining — and other high-demand industries — it’s easy to let your role define you.
We talk about why we tie our sense of worth to our productivity, the guilt that often comes with resting, and how to reconnect with the hobbies, values, and parts of ourselves that can get buried under constant pressure.
If you’ve ever felt like the job has swallowed your sense of self — this one’s for you.
In this episode, I explore the invisible mental load carried by so many in mining — the constant thinking, emotional labour, and pressure to manage life on and off site. It’s the juggling act of rosters, relationships, responsibilities, and expectations. For some, it’s burnout masked as fatigue. For others, it’s the emotional whiplash of leaving site and stepping straight into family life.
I break down how this mental load shows up differently for men and women, why it often goes unspoken, and how it impacts performance, wellbeing, and identity.
Whether you’re FIFO, residential, or supporting someone who works in the industry, this conversation is a reminder that the mental load is real — and we don’t have to carry it alone.
The high-vis, the big money, the long hours — we’ve all heard about the surface-level parts of mining. But what’s the real story behind life on-site?
In this episode, I unpack the things no one tells you before stepping into the mining industry: the mental load, the culture shock, the unexpected highs, and the challenges that test your limits. Whether you're new to site, FIFO-curious, or just want the raw truth behind the safety glasses, this episode shares the lessons I learned the hard way — plus the tips I wish someone had told me in year one.
I’ll also take a look at the positives that often get overlooked — the friendships, freedom, and growth that come from living and working in one of the most intense industries out there.
In this first episode, I share my story - growing up in a mining family, starting FIFO life as a site admin, navigating early challenges, and stepping into a new career as a mining engineer.
I open up about what inspired this podcast, including my role as a mental health wellbeing champion, and the conversations that sparked it all.
This episode sets the tone for what's to come: honest stories, practical insights, and a space for connection in an industry that doesn't always show its human side.