6 February 2015

Whitehaven People – Meet the Team

Whitehaven is growing its local community-based workforce from 600 to over 1,100 people within the next five years. We take great pride that Whitehaven started in the Gunnedah Basin and that we focus on employing a local workforce wherever possible. Over the coming weeks we will introduce some of our growing team. This week it is Ekin Eraydin who is based at our Tarrawonga mine.

Name, age, where you live?

Ekin Eraydin, 28, Gunnedah

Did you grow up in this area?

No, originally from Europe. Lived and worked at Hunter Valley before moving to Gunnedah.

Where do you work and how long have you been there?

Tarrawonga Mine, 9 months

What is your job title?

Senior Production Engineer

How long have you been working in this field for?

7 years

Why did you choose that field? What was the biggest influence behind this decision?

Great passion for working through the challenges of multi-disciplinary problems.

Have you always worked in the mining industry?

Yes

What sort of things do you do on a day-to-day basis?

Mine design and schedule of multi seam open cut operation of cast, dozer push and excavator/trucks. Focus on reconciliation and continuous improvement.

What do you love about your current role?

I really enjoy ever changing face of the business. There is always something to improve on, love to challenge the status quo.

What are the challenges of the role?

The role requires continuous focus on a day to day basis whilst achieving mid to long term targets.

Do you enjoy working in the mining industry?

Feeling lucky to be working with great people with outstanding focus on safety and production.

What has been your biggest career achievement?

Sustainably performing at all aspects of my roles.

What are your career goals?

Pursue various roles across the business to gain experience, and build basis to be able to step into management roles.

And more randomly…..

 Outside of work, what are your hobbies and interests during your free time?

My partner and I love travelling this beautiful country. She is a pilot and we are planning weekend trips at the moment.

We started a new rock band with two colleagues from Tarrawonga, are planning to have our first gig in the next months.

What’s your favourite all time song and why?

All Along the Watch Tower – Bob Dylan. Song was successfully covered at my favourite TV show “Battlestar Galactica” by Bear McCready.

What would be your ideal holiday?

Travel and seeing long distance family and friends.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?

Kemal Dervis – Former UNDP president.

What is your most prized possession?

My passport and my TD30KV Electronic Drum kit.

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