Melbourne Business School and AusIMM partner to shape the future of mining leadership
Technical expertise has long been the foundation of success in mining. But as operations become more complex, stakeholder expectations increase, and the industry navigates unprecedented change, leadership capability is emerging as an equally critical differentiator.
Recognising this need, AusIMM and Melbourne Business School (MBS) have come together to launch Enterprise Leadership in Mining online mining course, a first-of-its-kind leadership development program designed specifically for mining and resources professionals. Developed in partnership between one of the world's leading professional bodies for the minerals sector and Australia's top-ranked business school, the program aims to help current and emerging leaders build the capabilities required to lead beyond their technical discipline and create broader organisational impact.
Why this partnership matters
The partnership between AusIMM and Melbourne Business School bridges two critical domains: deep industry expertise and world-class leadership education. While AusIMM contributes more than 130 years of industry knowledge, practitioner networks and mining-specific insight, Melbourne Business School brings recognised expertise in leadership, organisational performance and executive education.
Together, we have created a program that addresses a longstanding gap in professional development for the resources sector leadership training that is built specifically around the realities of mining.
Rather than adapting generic business concepts to a mining audience, the program has been designed from the ground up using mining-focused case studies, operational scenarios and leadership challenges that reflect the environments participants work in every day.
From technical expert to enterprise leader
One of the most challenging transitions in a mining professional's career is moving from being a technical specialist to becoming a leader with enterprise-wide responsibility. Success is no longer measured solely by technical problem solving but by the ability to influence people, foster culture, lead change and drive performance through others.
The Enterprise Leadership in Mining program is designed to support that transition.
Across six weeks of structured learning, participants will explore leadership capabilities including enterprise thinking, accountability, culture, talent development, organisational change and high-performance leadership systems. These themes are delivered through a combination of live virtual classrooms, industry applications, peer collaboration and practical workplace challenges.
Importantly, the focus extends beyond individual leadership skills to helping participants understand how leadership influences operational outcomes, organisational culture and long-term business performance.
Who is the program designed for?
The program is purpose-built for professionals who are already leading or preparing to lead at a higher organisational level. This includes:
ü Mining managers and operations leaders
ü Superintendents and senior site personnel
ü Engineering, technical services and HSE professionals moving into leadership roles
ü Emerging executives and high-potential leaders who are looking to broaden their influence and strategic impact
ü Organisational development and HR professionals supporting leadership capability across their organisations
It is equally relevant for leadership and organisational development professionals seeking practical frameworks to strengthen leadership capability within their organisations.
Meet the experts guiding the program
1. James Yorston: Melbourne Business School Program Director, leadership development expert and former mining engineer.
2. Chyonne Kreltszheim: Leadership coach and facilitator specialising in high-performance teams, change leadership and organisational culture.
3. Tom Quinn: Non-Executive Director at Macmahon Holdings, bringing decades of executive and board-level mining leadership experience.
What participants can expect
Delivered 100% online, the program combines flexibility with meaningful engagement an important consideration for professionals balancing site-based responsibilities, FIFO rosters and geographically dispersed teams.
Participants join a global cohort of mining professionals and gain access to practical learning experiences grounded in real-world industry challenges. The program also provides professional development hours and a jointly recognised digital credential upon completion.
Earn a joint digital credential
Upon successful completion of Enterprise Leadership in Mining online course, participants will receive a digital credential jointly recognised by AusIMM and Melbourne Business School, validating their commitment to developing the capabilities required to lead at an enterprise level.
Additional benefits from Melbourne Business School to look for
Why leadership capability is becoming a competitive advantage
As mining organisations face growing expectations around safety, ESG performance, workforce development and operational resilience, leadership capability is increasingly determining which organisations thrive through periods of change and uncertainty.
Building technical capability will always remain essential. However, the leaders who can connect strategy to execution, influence across functions and create high-performing cultures will be the ones shaping the future of the industry.
The Enterprise Leadership in Mining program represents an investment in developing those leaders and providing a pathway for professionals to expand their impact beyond their operation, discipline or site.
Looking ahead
This partnership signals a broader commitment from AusIMM and Melbourne Business School to support the next generation of leaders in the resources sector. It reflects a growing recognition that the future of mining leadership requires both deep industries understanding and the ability to lead people, culture and organisational performance at an enterprise level.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you are preparing for greater leadership responsibility, leading multidisciplinary teams, or looking to strengthen your organisation's leadership pipeline, Enterprise Leadership in Mining offers a practical, industry-specific pathway to build the capabilities required for long-term success.
Develop leadership capability across your organisation
When leaders learn together, they build a shared approach to leading people, driving performance and navigating change. Strengthen leadership capability across your organisation and create greater alignment from the frontline to the executive level.
Enrol 3 or more participants and receive a 10% discount on course fees.
Learn more about the program, explore the curriculum, and secure your place in the inaugural cohort launching in September.