Founded in 2021, BUMA Australia emerged as a prominent mining contractor through the acquisition of Downer’s Open Cut Mining East business. This acquisition encompassed the transition of personnel, mining services contracts, assets, systems, and intellectual property, ensuring the continuation of a 75-year legacy in Australia.
BUMA Australia offers a comprehensive range of mine services and can customise our offering to meet client requirements. These services include management and operation of open cut mine sites, statutory management, greenfields development and start-up, mine planning, asset management, drill and blast services, operation and maintenance of processing plants, rehabilitation and closure, analysis and costing proposals.
Vision
BUMA Australia's vision is to build a modern mining and rehabilitation company, that drives growth, sustainability and prosperity.
BUMA Australia pursues a relationship-based approach and willingness to work with our clients to ensure the success of our projects. Providing clients with added value to each site and ensuring we provide value to our clients through all stages of mining is a mainstay of our business.
Australian citizen, 57 years old, domiciled in Queensland, Australia.
Colin Gilligan is a seasoned mining engineer with over 30 years of experience in the energy sector across Australia, South Africa, North America, and Asia. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of technical, executive, and directorial roles with prominent companies such as Downer, Mitsui, Thiess, Anglo, and Coalspur Mines. Gilligan has led numerous operations, EPC contracts, mining contracts, and development projects across various commodities, demonstrating his exceptional leadership skills.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mining) with Honors from the University of Witwatersrand, a Higher National Diploma in Coal Mining from Technikon Witwatersrand, and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Engelbert is an accomplished finance executive with over 20 years of experience within prominent global organizations across the industrial and resources services, manufacturing, and construction industries. His experience includes financial and commercial leadership, strategy development and execution, capital management and investor relations. He is a Chartered Management Accountant, Certified Practising Accountant, and a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors.
At BUMA, he oversees finance, commercial, procurement, facilities, and IT operations throughout the business. He brings a wealth of knowledge to BUMA and will play a key role in driving strategic initiatives and ensuring financial excellence.
Melanie is an accomplished lawyer with over 14 years of expertise developed across roles in top-tier Australian law firms and global contractors with a focus on the construction and resources industry.
She has advised owners and contractors throughout the full contract mining life cycle and, more recently, has led strategic projects focusing on business partnerships, acquisitions, and growth.
She uses her deep understanding of the technical, legal, commercial, and operational drivers of contract mining to guide her team and stakeholders to manage risks, make informed decisions and pave the way for BUMA's continued growth.
Australian citizen, 36 years old, domiciled in Queensland, Australia.
Kate Van Kempen is a seasoned People & Culture professional with over 16 years of experience in developing best-for-business solutions for stakeholders. She has successfully led multi-disciplined teams, covering areas such as training and development, talent acquisition, employment relations, data and reporting, community, diversity & inclusion advising, and HR operations. Additionally, she is adept at creating and implementing People & Culture strategies for large business units.
She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business, with a major in Human Resources, from the Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
Australian citizen, 58 years old, domiciled in Queensland, Australia.
Barry Mckeown is a seasoned professional in mining, maintenance, and engineering management, boasting over 30 years of experience in the resources sector in Australia and Africa. His expertise spans various commodities, including copper, gold, platinum, nickel, and coal. Throughout his career, Barry has assumed leadership and operational roles with owner miners, contract miners, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). He has acquired comprehensive experience in all facets of mining, encompassing civil infrastructure, plant and equipment management, and operational management.
He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Witwatersrand (later renamed the University of Johannesburg), an Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Witbank Technical College, and is a Government Certified Electrical Engineer of South African Mines and Work, in addition to being a Qualified High Voltage Electrician.
Johan Ballot has over 28 years of extensive experience in senior roles within the mining industry, having worked across various commodities and jurisdictions. Leveraging his background in leadership and technical roles, he has a strong ability to unite teams towards common goals, ensuring mine safety, cost control, and meeting production requirements. He excels in setting strategic direction and bringing people together to achieve common objectives, leading diverse teams to success.
With expertise in mining operations management, contract management, health and safety, business development and due diligence (M&A), continuous improvement, and building high-performing teams, he creates a collaborative and inclusive work environment. His strategic vision and leadership consistently achieve business objectives, fostering both safety and efficiency in mining operations.
Russell Moon is a passionate Health, Safety, and Training professional with over 18 years of experience in both site-based and corporate leadership roles. He has worked with contractor and owner teams across the resources industry, covering coal, gold, drilling, and completions in Australia. In his current role at BUMA Australia, Russell is responsible for developing and implementing the Health, Safety, and Training strategy, ensuring safety remains the top priority.
Russell and his team believe an educated and engaged workforce is essential to safety and productivity. They focus on developing risk management skills and best safety practices at all levels, ensuring BUMA Australia maintains the highest standards in safety and training.
He holds Postgraduate Degree in Health and Safety from the University of Queensland.