Employee testimonial: Justin Johns, Waihi Operation Process Manager
For Justin Johns – who joined OceanaGold in 2010 and has worked at the Globe Progress Mine, Macraes Operation, Haile Gold Mine and Waihi Operation – OceanaGold is a career destination with real growth potential.
Justin Johns spent his whole childhood in Kalgoorlie but has spent most of his mining career in New Zealand.
Along the way, Justin has worked at almost every OceanaGold operation and found challenges and opportunities at every site.
“My Dad said to me ‘If you’re not going to study, you’ll just end up digging holes for a living’. I went to university in Western Australia and ended up with a degree in chemistry and back in Kalgoorlie working in a lab,” Justin said.
Justin said he soon realised that wasn’t for him and returned to study part time for two years at the School of Mines, while continuing to work full time, receiving a Diploma in Metallurgy.
“I had discovered my passion. The ability to create something out of rock,” he said.
Joining OceanaGold in 2010 as Process Manager at the Globe Progress Mine (now Reefton Restoration Project), Justin says that it was really special to develop a team that worked so well together to improve the plant year on year, whether from a tonnage or cost perspective.
“The Reefton site, high up in the Paparoa Range and looking out over the mountains is just awesome and making concentrate to be shipped by rail to the other side of the South Island to our Macraes mine was very different.”
Justin followed the concentrate, working in Dunedin and Macraes as Metallurgical Superintendent and Process Manager.
“The Macraes Operation is a well-established and far more complex site and also a really good place for a person entering the industry to get wide ranging experience in their trade or degree.”
“A comparatively old plant coupled with the complexities of the autoclave system was fascinating. Innovative technological solutions with computer systems and data management allowed us to provide end users with really useful information very quickly and for valid decisions to be made based on reliable information.”
Justin’s next move was to the Haile Gold Mine for three years, which he describes as “challenging, but very rewarding”.
“The site has variable ore sources, and the plant is complex and advanced, dealing with refractory gold and a very fine grind. There are many advanced control systems and there is the ability to link systems together to provide advanced plant control and reporting systems.”
Now back in New Zealand, and at the Waihi Operation, Justin says there are further opportunities to push learnings and technologies from other operations to further optimise ore processing at the mine.
“The main thing is building a high performing team. In the end, the technology is a tool, it’s the team who use that technology that’s really important.”
“OceanaGold is a ‘Goldilocks’ company. We are not too big and not too small – big enough to provide a significant opportunity to get exposure to many aspects of the industry, chase various career paths and work at different locations, but small enough to be innovative, to try things, to influence and direct change.”
“At OceanaGold, if you show you are willing to learn and put in a good effort, the scope is certainly there.”
Receive articles like this
Tags
Receive articles like this
Welcome to your next role
Can't find what you're looking for? Click on the button below to explore more of our opportunities.
Roles you might be interested in
Salary
Location
Kershaw
Functional Area
Engineering
Employee Type
Full-time
Location
Kershaw
Description
Under the general supervision of the Senior Geotechnical Engineer, the Underground Geotechnical Engineer is responsible for reviewing mine plans and providing expertise by applying rock mechanics prin
Reference
905fe92a-7103-4f9b-ba04-43f5d9cdffc6
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa Smith![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa SmithSalary
Location
Kershaw
Functional Area
Other
Employee Type
Full-time
Location
Kershaw
Description
Responsible for all processing area electrical and instrumentation planning activities. This position combines the responsibilities for E&I technicians, schedule execution, continuous improvement, and
Reference
a01cc4a1-bc29-46e9-acf6-5973dcbfa5f0
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa Smith![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa SmithSalary
Location
Kershaw
Functional Area
Production
Employee Type
Full-time
Location
Kershaw
Description
OceanaGold’s Haile Mine is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operators to join the team. JOB RESPONSIBILITES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:5 years experience or more of operating mining equipment To ensu
Reference
076adb26-0002-4548-8fa4-625294c04951
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa Smith![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa SmithSalary
Location
Kershaw
Functional Area
Other
Employee Type
Full-time
Location
Kershaw
Description
Perform all work required: operate equipment in a safe and productive manner, understand and complete direction from direct supervisorPerform all assigned tasks with limited supervisionPerform all dut
Reference
c2f36e41-62e6-4f8f-a54a-1f06182da816
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa Smith![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa SmithSalary
Location
Kasibu
Functional Area
Production
Employee Type
Full-time
Location
Kasibu
Description
OceanaGold are seeking a suitably qualified and reliable Control Room Operator to optimize performance of all operating circuits within the plant, whilst working safely and efficiently, by following s
Reference
5600df7f-554f-44c6-a0c2-d7ab029be511
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa Smith![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa SmithSalary
Location
Kershaw
Functional Area
Production
Employee Type
Full-time
Location
Kershaw
Description
Principal Position Objective:Responsible for all underground electrical and instrumentation activities. This position combines the responsibilities for E&I technicians, schedule execution, continuous
Reference
c7fd5d81-a6e9-4ad2-a956-9a4eb30343bb
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa Smith![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa SmithSalary
Location
Kershaw
Functional Area
Production
Employee Type
Full-time
Location
Kershaw
Description
The role:Must have the ability and desire to learn and understand prints and manuals, diagnose faults or malfunctions to determine required repairs, using diagnostic equipment and an ability to perfor
Reference
15652e94-d02e-47cb-84c0-fe769f1ca0a0
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa Smith![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa SmithSalary
Location
Kershaw
Functional Area
Training
Employee Type
Full-time
Location
Kershaw
Description
Job DescriptionConduct a training needs analysis for the underground development team and develop formal training plansCoordinate with and assist Project / Area Managers in setting and achieving train
Reference
9254c46d-57a6-48fb-a28f-c7c1c75563ac
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa Smith![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa SmithSalary
Location
Kasibu
Functional Area
Production
Employee Type
Full-time
Location
Kasibu
Description
Seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Superintendent-Learning and Development who will be responsible for improving the productivity of the organization’s employees. You will assess company-wi
Reference
3ea8e786-b1df-49a5-8dbe-5ed2b21aa018
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa Smith![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa SmithSalary
Location
Kershaw
Functional Area
Engineering
Employee Type
Contract
Location
Kershaw
Description
The Electrical & Instrumentation Technician will repair and maintain associated plant equipment for the mill in line with achieving our performance objectives.JOB RESPONSIBILITES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reference
ed4f3a1d-1ead-4e61-ba98-09b5901d1add
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa Smith![Lisa Smith](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/Blob/images/user_no_image.jpg)
Author
Lisa SmithArticles you might like
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/img/TxaKLM77fU4q0QjbzwN5cQ/75/Blog+3.jpg)
Teaser
Company UpdateContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/17/2023
Summary
The Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand is 328 metres tall. Tourists take the lift to the observation deck or the revolving restaurant for uninterrupted views of the city and the Hauraki Gulf.Or,
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481157/75428bcb-9944-4bc4-b78e-13c377f8a244/2023.17000.1367/img/aZQgBB8Qj0wU0wjbzwLYKQ/75/Blog+1.jpg)
Teaser
Company UpdateContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/17/2023
Summary
Members of the Waihi Gold Mines Rescue Team will ascend the southern hemisphere’s tallest building in a few weeks for a flaming good cause.The annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge on August
Summer 2022 Recruitment is live
Work Abroad – In these roles, we will place you in any one of our 100+ fabulous holiday destinations for the season. We will arrange your flights, accommodation and the necessities to ensure you get settled into your new home quickly and can start enjoying your new job.
Read moreJobs you have shown an interest in