There’s no single career path into the mining sector—just ask the wide range of professionals who’ve taken dramatically different paths into the sector. In Part 2 of this Career Paths into Mining series, we explore further examples of career paths into mining from guests who have shared their experiences with Rob Tyson (Director of Mining International) on the Dig Deep The Mining Podcast. Whether transitioning from finance, humanitarian work, or early technical roles, each individual brings unique insight into how people find success in mining. Their stories underline the diversity of backgrounds that can lead to long-term roles in the industry.
Rob McEwen – From Finance to Industry Leadership
Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner of McEwen Mining and former CEO of Goldcorp, began his career in the financial sector before moving into mining. Influenced by his father’s work in investments, he developed a strong interest in natural resources, eventually leading him to acquire and run mining companies himself.
I followed my father into the investment industry focusing on natural resources… I left the investment industry and jumped into mining by taking over two mining companies and focused on exploration.
His leadership of Goldcorp helped transform the company from a $50 million business into an $8 billion powerhouse. Yet McEwen’s path was not without significant challenges. He recalled the complexity of navigating industrial relations and public expectations, including a 46-month union strike and even a personal death threat during his time in Goldcorp’s early development. His long-term commitment—backed by over $200 million of personal investment—has reinforced the value he places on shareholder alignment and operational resilience.
You need to develop good links with government and communities… You can’t just expect to operate like you’re at home. There’s a much heavier commitment of time to deal with local issues.
His experience highlights the potential of moving across sectors and applying strategic and financial expertise to mining, while also navigating the industry’s operational and reputational complexities.
Brooke Bibeault – Mining with a Mission
Brooke Bibeault, CEO of Makor Resources, entered the mining industry through a non-linear path rooted in humanitarian work and economic development. Initially involved in aid and corporate consulting across Africa and North Africa, she gradually realised the central role mining plays in wealth creation and social impact.
My pathway into mining was certainly not a straight line… I saw how resources—who controls them, who profits—define economies and opportunity. That’s what brought me to mining.
Brooke now leads initiatives supporting artisanal and small-scale miners and is vocal about responsible sourcing, community engagement, and sustainable practices. Her work centres around integrating informal mining into legitimate supply chains, bringing investment-grade standards to underserved communities, and using technology to track ESG risk in real time.
Mining isn’t just about extraction—it’s about creating economic ecosystems that can outlive the mine itself.
Her journey illustrates how mining careers can develop from a purpose-driven, development-focused foundation and how storytelling, strategy and risk intelligence play crucial roles in modern mining operations.
Juan Carlos Giron – Strategic Thinking and Serendipity
Juan Carlos Giron, President and CEO of Canstar Resources, began his career in offshore banking before transitioning into mining through a series of strategic moves. His exposure to entrepreneurs while at UBS sparked an interest in building and problem-solving.
As much as I loved the bank… every day in the startup was different—you were in the lab, with the engineers, with the business team—developing solutions. I loved that environment.
His entry into mining came through a water-tech start-up whose pilot technologies were used for mine-affected water. A pitch meeting with a Nevada-based miner led to a surprise job offer, and within weeks he was leading a listed mining company. The contrast between corporate finance and on-site mining operations brought a refreshing sense of realism and purpose.
You’re in Reno, you see wild horses, historic mills, the high desert—then you walk into a town hall meeting with people whose lives are directly affected by the mine. It’s real, it’s tangible, it matters.
His story shows how transferable skills, humility and curiosity can lead to influential roles in mining.
Spencer Cole – Building Technical and Business Foundations
Spencer Cole, Chief Development and Financial Officer at Xanadu Mines, began with a strong technical foundation in geology and later gained financial experience with Macquarie Bank. He attributes his career progression to being open to hybrid roles that blended technical expertise with commercial skills.
The transition to banking was not about leaving geology behind—it was about gaining commercial acumen. That combination really opened doors.
His current role involves project development, investor relations and capital raising, making full use of both his geological training and financial knowledge. Spencer’s journey reinforces how dual skill sets can provide strong career paths into mining executive roles.
What we’re seeing more of now are professionals who can translate between exploration teams and investors. That bridge is critical.
He represents a new generation of leaders who are comfortable speaking both the language of the rocks and the markets.
Key Themes from These Career Paths into Mining
These stories show that career paths into mining are as varied as the industry itself. Several themes emerge:
- Cross-sector skills are highly valuable: Professionals with backgrounds in finance, consulting, or humanitarian work bring fresh perspectives to mining leadership.
- Serendipity plays a role: Many careers started with a well-timed introduction or unexpected opportunity.
- A clear sense of purpose matters: Those who understand the broader impact of mining on society, economies, and sustainability, often find fulfilling careers.
- Blending technical and commercial expertise creates strong leadership profiles: As Spencer Cole and Juan Carlos Giron demonstrate, bridging geology and finance can lead to strategic executive roles.
- Community engagement is no longer optional: As Brooke Bibeault emphasises, success in mining now depends on building long-term, locally informed partnerships that benefit all stakeholders.
Mining offers more than just traditional engineering roles. It welcomes individuals with varied backgrounds who bring diverse thinking and a willingness to learn. As shown in these real-life career paths into mining, the industry is built not just on rocks and resources, but on the rich stories of those who choose to be part of it.
As part of our aim to support mining professionals with career advice and resources, we’ve developed a free CV Tips Guide. You can find it here.
At Mining International, we specialise in helping professionals find opportunities within the global mining sector. If you’re looking for career guidance or the next step in your mining career, visit our case studies page to see how we’ve helped professionals like you advance their careers in the mining industry, and feel free to get in touch with us.
