Maximising success in mining recruitment

Max Frew proves that a personal approach still thrives in the fast-paced Australian mining industry, making it the foundation of his latest business venture, Geology Group.

Mining recruitment expert Max Frew is no stranger to industry cycles.

For Frew, commodity price cycles present a major challenge as a recruiter of geologists in mining. The current battery metals downturn, for example, has put pressure on the junior end of the market where there is usually demand for geologists.

However, these cycles are not always consistent across commodities, allowing Frew to adapt and recruit geologists into areas where activity is high.

This adaptability defines Frew’s personal approach to recruitment which focuses not only on industry trends, but also on the individual needs of companies and geologists.

Frew said as the market environment for lithium had dissipated over the past 18 months and exploration activity slowed, interest in gold is returning.

“There are still skills shortages in mining and there have been commodity bubbles that have burst,” Frew said.

“Geologists are moving out of one commodity and looking for new opportunities in others. It’s a good time to be recruiting. Parts of the market are in shortfall but then there is supply coming from others.”

With more than 40 years’ mining experience, including the past 25 in recruiting, Frew has adapted to a changing industry but maintained his signature approach – building industry relationships.

Frew has launched Geology Group, a Western Australian-based labour hire company which specialises in recruiting geologists and field crew.

Geology Group complements Frew’s other company, Resource Project Recruitment (RPR), which focuses on permanent placements. Like RPR, Geology Group is supporting the industry by meticulously matching candidates to specific roles.

In addition to his market awareness, Frew believes his personal approach is a traditional quality that has faded. Modern recruitment companies, he said, are more likely to treat candidates like numbers.

Instead, Frew uses his highly developed interpersonal skills to form and foster meaningful relationships with both mining companies and each geologist seeking work.

Frew’s experience as a geologist and knowledge of mining businesses, as well as an affable personality have enabled him to develop this offering.

“I’m bringing traditional values such as honesty and integrity to Geology Group,” he said. “These are core values of the business and should be what matters most for recruiters.

“Geology Group has an in-depth understanding of the experience and skills which geologists require, but we take our service further by also sourcing candidates with personalities suited for each role.”

Frew’s fascination with geology, sparked during his childhood in regional Victoria, was the beginning of a lifelong career in the industry.

In 1980, he started his career in WA as a geologist exploring for gold and diamonds. His experience included drilling the southern extensions of the Golden Mile in WA’s Goldfields, working in diamond exploration in the Great Sandy Desert, and as a senior mine geologist in Kalgoorlie.

After working in Kalgoorlie and briefly returning to Victoria, Frew permanently moved to WA in the late 1990s.

A career-defining meeting in Kalgoorlie led to Frew’s shift into recruitment. After deciding recruitment was right for him, he joined WorkPac and would become its Kalgoorlie-Boulder branch manager.

A decade later, the global financial crisis (GFC) erupted, forcing companies including WorkPac to reduce staff.

“To WorkPac’s credit, they told me I would not be constrained in what I do next,” Frew said. “They had no issue with me starting my own business, which is what I did the next day.”

WorkPac’s backing gave Frew the opportunity to control his own future. In response to the challenges posed by the GFC, Frew founded RPR in 2009, a move that further shaped his reputation as a recruiter.

With decades of experience, Frew understands the unique demands of the mining industry and the importance of building a strong team. He has observed significant change in the profession, but his approach remains the same.

Technology has been an obvious disrupter. Frew now frequently recruits database geologists in addition to field geologists, reflecting the increased focus on technology. Personality traits have also become crucial, especially for board and management roles which prioritise leadership and financial acumen.

“Not every geologist has the personality of a CEO or managing director,” Frew said. “This is an area where the recruitment function is important as we go through the process to find the ideal candidate.”

This is where Frew’s personal service to both the employer and candidate, instead of treating them ‘like a number’, shines.

Whether it’s finding a quality geologist to work on a drill rig, placing a graduate in their first role or returning an old-hand into the workforce, Frew has the experience to fill these placements.

His reputation and industry network also help him navigate industry cycles. While he avoids forecasting market cycles, what he can control is the direction Geology Group takes.

“We will focus on supplying exceptional contract staff to companies while they focus on growing their business,” Frew said. “With our expertise in mining plus a commitment to delivering suitable personnel, we intend to be a trusted partner in providing staffing solutions.”

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