Bravus Mining and Resources is celebrating the success of its Future Leaders Program as its inaugural intake of graduates step into full-time environmental officer roles at the Carmichael open-cut coal mine near Clermont, Queensland.
Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe congratulated Aidan Castle and Rex Gruspe on graduating from the business’ talent development pathway after 18 months of onsite training and online study delivered in partnership with Central Queensland University (CQUniversity).
“We created the Future Leaders Program in 2024 to give local university graduates the best possible start to their career in the mining industry,” Crowe said.
“Our environmental team is fundamental to how we mine safely and responsibly at Carmichael as they deliver the world-class programs that ensure we continue to comply with our approval conditions.
“We couldn’t ask for two better young leaders than Aidan and Rex to join that high-performing team. It’s been a delight to watch the pair of them grow over the past 18 months into capable environmental officers who care deeply about their work, and they’re just as good as people as they are at their job.”
The Future Leaders Program saw Aidan and Rex combine real-world experience and training working a seven-on, seven-off roster at Carmichael while completing two non-award MBA (leadership) units and a microcredential short course through CQUniversity’s Be Different online platform.
Castle, a Bowen local, said the broad range of skills he learned over the 18 months program would serve him well throughout his career.
“A big highlight for me was the extensive training we received in everything from Fauna Spotter-Catcher certification and remote first aid to fire management and earning a remote pilot licence,” Castle said.
“The other thing that really stood out was learning how to work with different people and discovering the many ways to reach a goal while building strong relationships.”
Cruspe, who lives in Townsville, said the variety of work and the support from his Bravus Mining and Resources colleagues made the experience hugely rewarding.
“Every day on site is unique and that brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow,” Gruspe said.
“The support and guidance everyone in the enviro team gave me was amazing, and I can’t thank them enough for helping me grow my confidence and the skills I needed to step into the environmental officer role.”
Bravus Mining and Resources and CQUniversity will soon invite applications for the 2025/2026 Summer Vacation Student Program, which provides a pathway into the Bravus Mining and Resources graduate program.
Want to connect with the mining industry? Register to attend AIMEX and WA Mining Conference.
Want to connect with the mining industry? Register to attend AIMEX and WA Mining Conference.
