From Geologist To CFO - with Gavin Ferrar
Dig Deep
How Did You Get Into the Mining Industry?
Gavin grew up in a mining town just east of johannesburg. His post graduate studies were sponsored by what was then jencar. He went on three expeditions to antarctica, which he describes as 'pretty good fun' Gavin is currently working for the South African National Mining Company (SNMC)
In this episode we chat to Gavin Ferrar, CFO of Central Asia Metals, a copper producer with operations at Kounrad, Kazakhstan and a zinc and lead operation in North Macedonia.
Gavin has a geology and finance background and we discuss his journey and how his career path developed from a geologist to now a CFO. We also get an update on CAML’s Kazakhstan and Macedonia’s operations and what is the outlook of the company over the next few years.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- There is always a slight friction between engineering and geology disciplines. Successful miners who conquer both pursuits are well placed for almost any career in mining.
- Experience is everything in mining. There are many opportunities for new initiates to mining, and a world of experimentation and exploration to unearth.
- Knowledge and experience give you credibility. Even for those who wish to change lanes in mining, the benefits of applying yourself are numerous. Engineers and geologists are known for their mathematical know-how, which can be useful if they wish to transition to the finance side of things.
- Improvements are constantly being made to the health and safety side of mining operations, as well as investment into the transition from cave level mining method, to the fill method, which also improves safety.
BEST MOMENTS
'I've been running around in khaki shorts and a Land Rover!'
'It was just like Boys' Own adventure stuff'
'If you can get an experience like that, it really sets you up for the industry'
'There have been many tweaks that have improved that operation'
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Dig Deep – The Mining Podcast on iTunes
Central Asia Metals - https://www.centralasiametals.com/about-us/directors/
Gavin Ferrar LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-ferrar-90489019?originalSubdomain=uk
ABOUT THE HOST
Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight to peoples experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.
Rob is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first world to third world countries from Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. We source, headhunt and discover new and top talent talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients organisation in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace.
CONTACT METHOD
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/
https://twitter.com/MiningConsult
https://www.facebook.com/MiningInternational.org
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC69dGPS29lmakv-D7LWJg_Q?guided_help_flow=3
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