Building Better Boards: Essentials for Good Corporate Governance

In the mining sector, strong corporate governance is crucial for navigating sustainability challenges and driving long-term success. The composition of the board plays a pivotal role in ensuring decisions align with both profitability and responsibility. In the latest issue of Macig 2025, Stratum's Managing Director, Nichole McCulloch, explores the key essentials for strong corporate governance in mining - critical considerations when building your Board.

Article: Talent is the biggest risk facing the mining industry

Stratum's Managing Director Nichole McCulloch spoke recently on the labour market, talent strategy, and developments like ESG and AI in her latest interview with Global Business Reports (GBR). “The mining industry needs to do more to engage with younger generations about what we do and why this is an exciting, innovative industry... If we do not get this message across, we are going to have a significant problem in 10 years’ time, when our current talent pool retires and there is no one up and coming.” Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/ejdrwE7u

Stratum sponsor Mining CEO of the Year Award and Gala Dinner

Celebrate outstanding leadership with the 2024 Mining CEO of the Year Award at the prestigious Resourcing Tomorrow Awards and Gala Dinner! We are honoured to sponsor this year's Mining CEO of the Year Award and Gala Dinner. Join us and over 500 industry influencers for an evening of recognition and celebration, where we celebrate those who have led their companies to outstanding success from October 2023 to September 2024. Don't miss this opportunity to submit your nomination before the 30th August deadline. Cast your vote now!

Interview: Moving Beyond the Mining Industry's Talent Shortage

Nichole McCulloch, our Managing Director, shared insights on industry reputation communication, corporate governance, addressing talent shortages, and navigating people issues. During a video interview with Mining Review Africa at Investing in African Mining Indaba 2024, Nichole dives deeper into how the industry addresses the key issue of talent pipelining, and what other ‘people’ related risks the industry is facing.

🌐 January Giving Update: 3,847 days of early childhood education for children in Ghana 📚

Celebrating the significant strides made in Ghana's early childhood education, thanks to Sabre's Transformational Teacher Training program which we have supported this month. In a country facing a shortage of quality kindergarten education, these contributions have been pivotal in reshaping classrooms. No longer confined to rigid rows, teachers now implement play-based learning methodologies, proven to enhance early years' learning outcomes. Picture a Ghanaian kindergarten today—vibrant walls adorned with educational visuals, dynamic learning spaces featuring pretend shops, building blocks, and a diverse collection of picture books. The days of disciplinary canes are replaced with an atmosphere of joy, filled with songs, stories, and laughter resonating through the classrooms. Ongoing support is essential for sustaining this positive change. Join us in making a lasting impact on the educational journey of these young minds. Click the link to contribute to Sabre's Transformational Teacher Training program through B1G1: https://lnkd.in/eMFZ8uyc #EducationImpact #TransformingEducation #GhanaEarlyChildhood #SabreFoundation #B1G1

Completing our 50th giving with B1G1 🌟

Today we celebrate completing our 50th giving with B1G1! We're grateful for the chance to contribute to impactful projects worldwide. For our 50th giving, we provided 8,334 meals to those in need in South Africa. 🍲 Partnering with The Community Chest and their Food Relief Programme has been a rewarding. The Food Parcel project, starting with a sandwich and a hygiene pack, has grown to encompass Food Hubs, Food Vouchers, The Dignity Shop, and The Community Chest Donations Drive-Thru, impacting communities across South Africa. Check out the project here: comchest.org.za/food-security🌐

Merger Announcement

Exciting merger news from Stratum International. We can now reveal that Stratum has merged with Clifton Hill Associates (CHA). CHA is a distinguished international Executive Search and Advisory firm with over two decades of combined experience in the mining industry, particularly Board and C-suite. This significant development marks the beginning of a new chapter for Stratum. This strategic tie-up represents a step towards greater innovation and growth, allowing us to offer an expanded range of services, becoming the leading boutique human capital firm with deep expertise across the full mining life cycle. CHA’s founder, Nichole McCulloch, is a prominent mining Board/Exco Advisor and Exec Search Consultant and was Managing Partner for Women in Mining for six years. In addition to CHA’s Board/C-Suite recruitment experience, they bring extensive sustainability, governance, diversity and inclusion expertise. Together, we have created the following three Practices: Stratum Partners – Board/Executive Search/C Suite Stratum Above Ground Risk – Sustainability/ESG, Due Diligence, Risk, Consulting & Advisory Stratum Site – In-Country Technical & Commercial leadership (Operations, Projects & Exploration) We wish to thank our exceptional team for their instrumental role in a seamless integration over the last few months: a testament to the aligned cultures and values of the firms, now operating as one.

Giving Update

Through our partnership with B1G1, we donated:   👉 25,000 days of vitamin-A supplementation in Mozambique This project is managed by One For the World. Our support for this project prevents vitamin-A deficiency in children. Visit their website, https://www.1fortheworld.org/, for more information.   👉 87 days of bookkeeping training for women in Zimbabwe This project is managed by MicroLoan Foundation Australia. Our support enables a woman business owner to successfully operate her business by providing a half-day course to learn bookkeeping skills. Visit their website, https://www.microloanfoundationaustralia.org.au/, for more information.   👉 95 workshops to protect children from toxic mines in Columbia This project is managed by Children Change Colombia. Our support enables educational workshops that engage children and teach them how to protect themselves and their region from exploitation and neglect. Visit their website, http://www.childrenchangecolombia.org, for more information.

April Giving Update

April Giving Update Through our partnership with B1G1, we donated:   👉 16,667 days of access to life-saving clean water to a community in Tanzania. This project is managed by MSABI. Our donation directly benefits people in Tanzania through the provision of water or sanitation infrastructure and hygiene sensitization programs. Visit their website for more information.   👉 117 days of access to a safe house for children saved from sexual abuse in Nepal. This project is managed by Antardristi Nepal who rescues victims of sexual abuse, brings them to a safe house and helps them heal - physically and mentally. Visit their website for more information.  

Stratum Anniversary & Merger Announcement

4 MAY 2023 - Stratum Anniversary & Merger Announcement Today Stratum celebrates its 11th year in business. We are grateful for everyone who has been part of our journey for the last 11 years! We are also excited to announce that over the coming months, Stratum will be merging with a fellow leading boutique mining Search and Advisory firm. The “new” Stratum will add significant Board/Executive Search and Advisory capacity (including extensive Above Ground Risk/ESG, Diversity, Due Diligence and Risk and related consulting) to Stratum’s extensive global C suite, Technical Leadership and Site-based recruitment (operations, projects and exploration) and Advisory/Due Diligence expertise. We are excited to update our customers and industry contacts with more details as soon as the transaction closes.

March 2023 Giving Update

Stratum, in partnership with B1G1, donated 117 days of access to a safe house for children saved from sexual abuse in Nepal through our partnership with B1G1. This project is managed by World Youth International and provides the clinic with vital equipment to test and treat patients as well as protect frontline staff and reduce the chance of infection, allowing them to continue lifesaving work.

December/January Giving Update

Dec/Jan Giving Through our partnership with B1G1, we donated: 👉 250 days of youth development programs to disadvantaged children in South Africa by Afrika Tikkun. This project makes a positive and dramatic impact on township youth. Youth have access to academic support and career guidance at community-based centres, Saturday schools, or specific high schools close to Afrika Tikkun centres. Your support gives them access to these services. 👉 1,250 days of education for children in the world Quality education is one of the most powerful and proven vehicles to achieve sustainable development. It improves health and livelihoods, as well as contributes to social stability. That is why Quality Education is one of the Global Goals. Your support provides access to education for children all over the globe! 👉 397 nutritious lunch meals for children in the Philippines managed by Gawad Kalinga The strategic response to hunger and malnutrition is a scalable program where thousands of nutritious meals providing 1400-1500 calories per day are prepared from central kitchens and then brought to the children in public schools, in communities, on the streets, and even in disaster and conflict areas. 👉 500 dollars to provide emergency relief support in Ukraine managed by Direct Relief. Direct Relief is working directly with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and regional partners to provide requested medical aid, from oxygen concentrators to critical care medicines while preparing for longer-term medical aid. For more informaiton, visit the B1G1 website.

ESG News: Mining sector puts energy into ESG, but lacks focus on gender and diversity

"Demand for greater transparency fuels shift in sustainable approach, finds new survey".

The Assay: The Future of ESG in Mining

"The mining industry has long struggled with the practice of mining sustainably. With the green movement accelerating globally, more pressure is being placed on mining organizations to prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters."

November Giving Update

🌡️ Stratum donated 1000 dollars towards emergency relief support in Ukraine. We continue to support the people of Ukraine. Our donation goes towards providing vital medical aid, like oxygen concentrators to critical care medicines. If you’d like to help, click here: https://lnkd.in/ejpF25gx.

October 2022 B1G1 Giving

🌡️ Stratum donated 500 dollars towards emergency relief support in Ukraine. We continue to support the people of Ukraine. Our donation goes towards providing vital medical aid, like oxygen concentrators to critical care medicines. If you’d like to help, click here: https://lnkd.in/ejpF25gx

September 2022 B1G1 Giving

Stratum supported the planting of 63 trees for income generation and nutrition. World Youth International provides the necessary garden tools and fruit tree seedlings to plant one fruit tree for a family that will create an orchard of fruits that improves nutrition and generates income in the long run. A fruit tree also restores the neighbourhood environment reducing the impact of natural disasters. In addition, the fruits can be harvested and sold in the local market to increase income, ensuring that the tree is cared for long-term. Donated R4476 to Blind Love, a registered carthorse charity in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Blind Love provides a safe, loving home to horses in need and improves the lives of all animals in the surrounding disadvantaged communities through education and access to essential veterinary services.

AZoMining: Nearly 1 in 5 mining sector CEOs don’t have a digital strategy, finds new survey

"The mining sector is severely lagging behind on digital transformation and failing to make use of data in the way other industries do."

July 2022 B1G1 Giving

Monday, 18 July, was Mandela Day. Inspired to take action, we looked to our local communities to make a difference. We donated:

• R5000 to Marsh Memorial Homes — which provides care to abused or abandoned children. Our donation goes towards rehabilitating and reuniting children with their families or communities of origin.

• R5000 to Heaven’s Nest — an emergency foster facility for young children in need. Our donation helps to give children between 6 months and 8 years of age a secure, loving home until they can be reunited with their families, fostered, or adopted.

• 250 days of youth development programs for children. Over two-thirds of South African children live in very poor homes in the township. Most go to bed hungry. By supporting a Youth Development Program, underprivileged kids get access to: -         Academic support -         Career Guidance -         Saturday schools

• $1000 in emergency relief support to Ukraine. As always, we continue to work with Direct Relief, Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, and regional partners to provide critical medical aid to those on the frontline.

• £600 to Chance for Childhood’s partnership with Unicef Rwanda. Stratum donated to Michael and Steve who will be raising critical funds to prevent children experiencing disabilities from being institutionalised. Orphanages are extremely harmful for children and have long lasting impacts on their health and wellbeing and ultimately denies them their right to grow up in a loving, protective family environment. Many families still believe that their children would be better off in an institution, incorrectly associating orphanages as a route out of poverty, a way to get a better education for their children or a way to avoid the stigma of living with a child with disabilities.

June 2022 B1G1 Giving

Through our partnership with B1G1, for the month of June 2022 we donated:

• 💦 43,800 days of access to life-saving clean water to families in Ethiopia. Imagine walking 3 hours a day to get water? Polluted water! Our donation to the WellWishes Trust ensures that women in Ethiopia get access to clean drinking water. PLUS, having a nearby well means they spend less time collecting water and more time in school.

• 🌡️ 500 dollars towards emergency relief support in Ukraine. We continue to support the people of Ukraine. Our donation goes towards providing vital medical aid, like oxygen concentrators to critical care medicines. If you’d like to help, click here.

May 2022 B1G1 Giving

Here’s a look at our initiatives for May. 👉  Donated $1500 to provide emergency relief support in Ukraine We continue to support the efforts of Direct Relief, a B1G1 partnership. They work closely with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and regional partners to provide vital medical aid to the people of Ukraine. This includes oxygen concentrators and critical care medicines. 👉  1471 days of access to sanitary material and medical services Only 7% of Ethiopia’s population has access to basic sanitary materials. The School of St. Yared gives talented impoverished children from the poorest communities in Addis Ababa access to: Yearly health check Dental check-up Eye exam Essential sanitary products, a bar of soap, and sanitary pads for females. Many of these students go on to become agents of change. If you’d like to learn more about the School of St. Yard, we’ve included a link to their website in the comments section. 👉 Gave 939 nourishing meals to people in need in South Africa 1 in 4 South African children is stunted due to malnutrition. Malnutrition affects their early development, impacting physical and brain development and cognitive and learning abilities. With the help of social workers, we identified families in need and were able to provide 939 nourishing meals. If you’d like to support these causes, get in touch with us. We’d be happy to share more information about our Giving Partnerships.

April 2022 B1G1 Giving

We kicked off the month by showing our support for World Autism Awareness Day. Our donation directly benefits and improves the lives of 15 children living with autism in South Africa. It included: 👉 Autism Resource bags and training for 10 mothers of children with autism. 👉 The assessment of 3 children with autism in KZN Midlands 👉 Weighted lap pads for 10 children with autism 👉 Weighted blanket and a weighted teddy for 2 children with autism 👉 Autism training for 1 facilitator 👉 And the first step to realise our dream of an Autism Mobile Unit (Aut-mobile) to reach children with autism in townships and rural areas. Next, we turned our attention to Ukraine. Our donation would go towards providing Emergency Relief Support in the war-torn country. This included much-needed medical aid such as oxygen concentrators and critical care medicines. The initiative is run by Direct Relief a B1G1 partnership, which works closely with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and regional partners. Getting long-term medical aid to the people of Ukraine is a priority, and we’re just glad we can help. Through the SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology), we donated 10 comfort kits to sexual assault or rape survivors at the Rape Crisis Centre and Thuthuzela Care Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. Lastly, to celebrate World Health Day, Stratum donated 500 trees to B1G1 to help combat climate change. Our TOTAL IMPACT has reached 562,742 and is still climbing. Get in touch with us if you’d like to know more about any of the initiatives mentioned and how you can show your support.

March 2022 B1G1 Giving

Stratum International March 2022 B1G1 giving update: 100 days of food and shelter to people in need in South Africa through Community Chest of the Western Cape, South Africa. The Community Chest provides short-term care and psycho-social support to those who need it: daily, short-term, a home from home, a refuge, a bath, and breakfast. 939 nourishing meals to people in need in South Africa through Afrika Tikkun. Afrika Tikkun plays a part in making a meaningful difference in the upliftment of previously disadvantaged and impoverished people in South Africa. Its mission is to empower and transform previously disadvantaged South African communities by focusing on vulnerable children and youth. This is achieved by investing in and delivering service excellence in the areas of education, economics, health, and social services.  

February 2022 B1G1 Giving

In February 2022, our partnership with Global Giving Initiative Buy1GIVE1 (B1G1), donated 101 days of early childhood development to a disadvantaged child in South Africa. This program focuses on children reaching their age-appropriate developmental milestones, support and empowerment of at-risk children and their families, and for caregivers to recognise the importance of Early Childhood Development. Donated to Afrika Tikkun and ensures that children are prepared to start school.  

November 2021 B1G1 Giving

Stratum International donated to a community-operated tree nursery (B1G1) in Guatemala who planted 379 trees. This reforestation program focuses on establishing and maintaining tree nurseries, educating communities about the positive environmental impacts of reforestation, and strengthening economic development, both through conservation and the responsible management of forest resources. By working with existing local groups, schools, and communities in extremely low-income rural and peri-urban areas to provide guidance on how to plant, graft, and maintain their trees, tree nurseries provide carbon sequestration, forest cover, increase biodiversity, and provide meaningful employment to local people.  

October 2021 B1G1 Giving

Stratum International donated 1079 days of medical support to HIV/AIDS-affected people in South Africa. We also provided 138 days of specialised medical support to people in need in South Africa through our B1G1 partnership. Stratum donated fruit baskets to the NHS. “On a very busy day when our breaks were much needed, having some fresh fruit was the perfect way to stay alert and healthy for the rest of our shift. A beautiful variety of fruit enjoyed by all our volunteers and staff - thanks so much Fruitful Office and donors”.  

Turning Mining Recruitment Into A Truly Human Endeavour

Mining Magazine: FIFO – Time for a Rethink

“According to a new research report, half of senior mining professionals working fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) shifts believe that the industry needs a major rethink on the design of rosters and the related benefits.”

Mining Journal: Ups and Downs of FIFO

“Stratum International’s survey of nearly 600 industry people across hte globe highlights general axccxeptance of the prevailing fly-in-fly-out culture with its high rewards but often punishing schedules. But it also points to the fact that ‘half of all the people we surveyed believe FIFO systems need a major rethink if they are to be sustainable’.” 

Mining Magazine: Waiting to Explode

“A new report from Stratum International has suggested that the mining industry is facing what it calls a ‘ticking time bomb’, due to its failure to implement strategies to attract and retain younger professionals. The population of mining professionals.”  

World Coal: A Demographic Time Bomb by Will Coetzer

“The mining industry is facing a demographic time bomb, which will affect the sector at all levels. In Canada, for instance, 40% of the mining workforce – at all levels – is aged 50 or over.”

Mining Journal: Mining’s Demographic Time Bomb

“The mining industry faces a “ticking time bomb” because of its failure to take measures to retain or attract younger professionals at a time when the workforce is ageing, according to Stratum, the global recruitment agency.”

Northern Miner: A 10-minute Resume Checklist by Jane Banks

In a recent survey, two thirds of senior mining managers and leaders told us they are either already looking for their next role or would consider a new role if the right one landed on their desk today. This begs the question: if the right opportunity came your way today, would your résumé be up to scratch for submission?

World Coal: Lost Leaders, Lost Potential? by John Larpent

“More than half of the survey respondents told us they would consider leaving their current employer if the right job landed on their desk today, while a further 13% said they were already actively looking for a new role.”

Mining Journal: FQM establishes online university to develop future leaders

“According to a survey by Stratum of more than 900 mining professionals, less than 24% of mining companies have programs in place that recognize the value of leadership development and provide career pathways for leadership roles. FQM is one of the mining companies that are actively pursuing such progressive corporate initiatives.”

September 2021 B1G1 Giving

In September 2021, Stratum International, through our B1G1 partnership, donated:

• 3,850 days of early childhood education for children in Ghana and planted 500 new trees.
• To the Central Westcoast Forest Society: a non-profit organization on the west coast of Vancouver Island. CWFS strives for the conservation of wild fish through habitat restoration, research and monitoring.
• To The Smith Family to help disadvantaged children get access to better tools for education in Australia.
• Fruit baskets to the NHS.

The AUSImm Bulletin: Leadership Lessons from the Mining Greats by Will Coetzer

“Many of the leaders I spoke to had family connections with mining, some going back more than one generation, and most confessed to a childhood interest in the great outdoors, leading to the study of geology at university. But it was …

Mining Magazine: Miners Wanted

“For those working on remote sites, work-life balance is a key factor,” confirms Will Coetzer, Managing Partner of Stratum International… Referring to Stratum’s FIFO: A Global Perspective report, Coetzer adds: “97% of our respondents told us…

Mine Finance: Due diligence in mining deals.

Panel discussion hosted by Will Coetzer

Making The Best People Stick

Global Business Reports’ MACIG West Africa Edition | 21 NOVEMBER 2020 – London, UK Note: Stratum’s original article published in Global Business Reports’ MACIG West Africa Edition.

Betting the Jockey…. and not getting screwed.

Stratum’s recent podcast interview with Resource Insider.

Stratum International's Fantastic New Digital Brochure - Brand New Design

Introducing Stratum International's fantastic new digital brochure in our new brand design. Be sure to check out the organisational charts of the roles we cover in mining recruitment and executive search globally. We will be launching our new website in mid-October! Exciting times! Download here [download id="1851"].

August 2021 B1G1 Giving

In August 2021, Stratum donated 4,167 meals for the hungry in the US, to the charity Rescue One Meal for The Hungry. For more information about this charity please visit the B1G1 Website - Rescue One Meal for The Hungry.  

Stratum/Gen-XX Launch Video

Stratum International is proud to be the first company to back GenXX’s vision of ending period poverty so all women can have a dignified experience. In a world-first, GenXX has designed revolutionary reusable sanitary products. Please take a minute to watch the video of the event launch, below (has sound). We believe this product and initiative aligns perfectly with mining companies and the communities we operate in around the world. Stratum/Gen-XX Launch Video from Stratum International on Vimeo.

Stratum welcomes Rowan Phendler - Director and Head of London

Rowan has 10 years’ resources industry experience supporting global companies’ senior executives and site-based management teams within the mining, Oil & Gas, and renewable energy market, including six years as Talent Director at a NASDAQ-listed engineering consulting/EPCM firm both in Canada and the United Kingdom. Originally from Montréal, Canada, and fully bilingual in English and French, Rowan has been instrumental in supporting large scale resources staffing projects globally, particularly within Africa, Asia, North America, and South America. His passion for people and mining has allowed him to become an expert across the mining life cycle, from exploration, greenfield startup construction projects, brownfields expansions and mining operations. His experience also includes remote artic project development and government-funded aid projects (MCC/DFID/USAID/DFAT). Specializing in business and candidate management, Rowan heads up Stratum’s HQ-based team in London. Rowan holds a Bachelor of Economics and an MBA in Global Leadership.

7 weeks to go! Stratum/Will's London Marathon update - Leading fundraiser, ParkRun Winner, Crazy Training Schedules, Goat Dodger, Wrapper Upper in Toronto

With just under seven weeks to go, we wanted to share a quick update. First and foremost, we want to thank all of our donors so far - we are building towards something quite remarkable -  We don’t say this lightly, or without merit – with seven weeks to go, Will is second overall for fundraising for London Marathon, the biggest single-day charity event in the world where an estimated 40,000 people raising money. When he reaches his revised fundraising goal in the end (granted, double where we are now), we have no doubt he'll be right at the top. So far so good. Thank you again! But we need more!  Perhaps this update can persuade you to part with some cash... https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WillCoetzer Will's training has been going well and considering progress, he revised his target time to 2h48!  See Strava (Will Coetzer) and Will's Instagram for detailed/hilarious updates if you are interested in following it. Couple of highlights over the last eight weeks:

• February should be nearly 300km ran for the month
• Will had an interview yesterday in London with the National Autistic Society – we’ll publish it on social media once we receive it.
• Last Sunday Will won a Parkrun in Cape Town, South Africa  (1,000 runners – a top 20 global ParkRun). He ran 5km in 17m48sec (3m.31s pace/km). Considering he had to run another 7km afterwards as part of his training, at a similar pace, we're sure he can break 17mins for 5 km. Challenge accepted!
• Every Sunday, Will's “long slow distance” run has been increasing by 6km - currently at 36km (5 mins/km) - Jelly legs come to mind….
• About three weeks ago we decided to raise the fundraising goal to £40k. If we achieve this, we’re likely to be the top “solo” – i.e. one person fundraising not a team – fundraiser for the entire London Marathon (40k+ people). Quite remarkable! As it stands, Will is leading the solo charge, and second overall.. check out: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/fundraising/marathon-leaderboard
• Unbelievably, we’re just about to hit £20k raised...
• Oh, also, Maurten, the energy gel/drinks company sponsoring Kipchoge (the first man in history to run a marathon under 2 hours sponsored some gels! Maybe I can get Kipchoge to interview me after the race haha.. you don’t ask, you don’t get!!  I’ll settle for a photo.

Sub 3-hour London Marathon! Support Will @ Stratum in raising £40,000 for the National Autistic Society

2020 LONDON MARATHON For those who haven’t caught my recent social media updates, I'll be running the London Marathon in April for The National Autistic Society… so we need your money ?!  My goal is to run the marathon sub-3 hours (4.15 min/km average), and raise £40k (plus Stratum matching up to £5k). WHY? My son was diagnosed on the Autism spectrum at the age of two (he’s turning five this year), so it’s a cause that deeply resonates with me since I’ve had a front-row seat to see the benefits of early intervention/support. My goal is to raise awareness, with the vision to help move society to full inclusion of autistic people, and people of all disability. After all, 1/59 people are on the autism spectrum, and with early diagnosis and the appropriate investment, a significant percentage of the autism population lead fully inclusive independent lives. Without (ideally early) diagnosis and subsequent investment, well, it’s a rather different story. Here’s my fundraising page for more info: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WillCoetzer I deeply appreciate any contribution. PS - Check out/keep up with my brutal training schedule on STRAVA: Will Coetzer or follow my Instagram page - @willjc11. Sincerely, Will Will Coetzer Managing Partner STRATUM  ADVISORY I CONSULTING I EXEC SEARCH t:     +44 (0) 203 627 3272 a:    85 Great Portland Str (1^st Floor), London. W1W 7LT, UK w     www.stratum-international.com e:    [email protected] PS – Support me in my question to run the 2020 London Marathon For the National Autistic Society. Sub 3 hours / £15,000 target! Please donate to this cause:         https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WillCoetzer

We’ve finally relented….

Seven years, four months and nineteen days…  We have a Corporate Brochure! But why only now? During the last seven or so years we’ve taken great pride in “marketing” ourselves through our proactive candidate-management model and delivering successfully across the world (our country-count is above 50!). A big thank you to all our customers for working with us for so long! We are also deeply passionate about our Thought Leadership publications, be it our original research, market and salary reports or topical surveys; downloaded tens of thousands of times over the years. While we believe that successful delivery is the best form of advertising (more than 2/3 of our clients are repeat clients, and many of them we’ve worked with for 5+ years - a big thank you again), as we grow, we recognise that it’s simply impossible to articulate our specialism to everybody around the world. So what's prompted us to publish a Corporate Brochure? On a few occasions recently, we’ve spoken to prospective clients that perceives Stratum as either a pure-play Mining Executive Search firm (i.e. headquarter-based recruitment) and others thought we only operate at Site/in the field (i.e. Mining Operations, Project Development or Exploration). That made us wonder if anyone else has this perception, because we do both, of course. In fact, 90% of our Search mandates fall within these two areas (the rest being downstream industries). For this reason, we wanted to design a simple recognisable Organisation Chart to (visually) articulate the role families we specialise in. Please see the result below.  Let us know your thoughts! DOWNLOAD NOW: Stratum's 2019 Corporate Introduction.

Stratum in the Headlines

  With the sector press regularly covering Stratum's research, we've brought together some of the best. Over the last few years, Stratum International has regularly appeared in the mining sector media, often on the back of our exclusive research reports which have explored areas such as such as interviews with some of the great leaders in the sector, senior-level turnover in mining, the use of assessments in mining recruitment and FIFO rosters. We thought it was about time we brought some of these articles together in one place. So we've created a new page on our website, Stratum in the Press, where we'll provide links to some of the best. With articles appearing in Mining Magazine, Mining Journal, Coal News, AusIMM Journal, Northern Miner and more, it's a rich seam of bite-sized summaries of our research and thinking. And if you want the full story, you can download our reports in full from our Research Pages here.  

CLICK HERE TO VISIT STRATUM IN THE PRESS

Why do we do mining research?

Stratum in the Press

Stratum International is frequently asked to contribute articles and comment in the sector press. Here is a selection of the articles to which we have contributed.    Mining Magazine: Miners Wanted  "For those working on remote sites, work-life balance is a key factor," confirms Will Coetzer, Managing Partner of Stratum International... Referring to Stratum's FIFO: A Global Perspective report, Coetzer adds: "97% of our respondents told us they were concerned about the impact FIFO had on their family life." Mining Magazine - Miners Wanted Article. PDF   Mining Magazine: Waiting to Explode "A new report from Stratum International has suggested that the mining industry is facing what it calls a ‘ticking time bomb’, due to its failure to implement strategies to attract and retain younger professionals. The population of mining professionals." Waiting to Explode PDF   Mining Magazine: FIFO - Time for a Rethink  "According to a new research report, half of senior mining professionals working fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) shifts believe that the industry needs a major rethink on the design of rosters and the related benefits." FIFO - Time for a Rethink PDF     The AUSImm Bulletin: Leadership Lessons from the Mining Greats by Will Coetzer "Many of the leaders I spoke to had family connections with mining, some going back more than one generation, and most confessed to a childhood interest in the great outdoors, leading to the study of geology at university. But it was the decisions they made after joining the industry that secured their long-term success. I’ve identified seven themes that were mentioned by all or most of the interviewees." AUSIMM Bulletin - On the Shoulders of Giants PDF     Mining Journal: FQM establishes online university to develop future leaders "According to a survey by Stratum of more than 900 mining professionals, less than 24% of mining companies have programs in place that recognize the value of leadership development and provide career pathways for leadership roles. FQM is one of the mining companies that are actively pursuing such progressive corporate initiatives." FQM establishes online university to develop future leaders _ MINING.com   Mining Journal: Mining's Demographic Time Bomb "The mining industry faces a “ticking time bomb” because of its failure to take measures to retain or attract younger professionals at a time when the workforce is ageing, according to Stratum, the global recruitment agency." Mining's demographic 'time bomb' article - PDF   Mining Journal: Ups and Downs of FIFO "Stratum International's survey of nearly 600 industry people across the globe highlights general acceptance of the prevailing fly-in-fly-out culture with its high rewards but often punishing schedules. But it also points to the fact that 'half of all the people we surveyed believe FIFO systems need a major rethink if they are to be sustainable'."  FIFO Ups and Downs PDF     Northern Miner: A 10-minute Resume Checklist by Jane Banks

Media enquiries

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International Recognition for Jane Banks

Firmatek, the industry leader in stockpile measurement and inventory control for the mining industry, has included Stratum’s emerging markets specialist, Jane Banks, in its list of the most influential people in mining recruitment. The list, Mining Industry Recruiters: 20 Professionals that Companies and Job Seekers Should Know, includes corporate recruiters and search specialists based in North America. Jane is highlighted for her specialist work with mining executives. “With five years’ experience as an entrepreneur and 18 years’ experience in executive recruitment,” says the report “Jane Banks is an excellent contact for any mining and metals executives looking for a new opportunity.” “It all came as a pleasant surprise as I knew nothing about it until I received an email telling me the list had been published and I was in it!” says Jane. “But it is always great to be recognised for our expertise in mining executive search.” I’d certainly echo those words and add that the recognition is well deserved. Jane consistently gets positive feedback from clients and candidates, including this from Stephen Tobin of First Quantum Minerals. "I’ve worked with Jane for over 15 years and, in my experience, she is without peer in the capacity to search, network and deliver. She builds trust, understands your business and approaches her task with professionalism and integrity. Jane also supported me in my career change and she was as attentive and helpful to me as a candidate as she was when I was her client." We’re very proud to have her on the Stratum team. Congratulations Jane. Will Coetzer, Managing Partner and Founder, Stratum International