From expat adventures to mining mastery at Golden Grove: Matt Birchley

We chat to Matt Birchley, Technical Services Manager at Golden Grove. ?In this interview, Matt talks about his career path—from his beginnings at Mount Isa to overseeing technical services at Golden Grove.

Q: Can you share a bit about your career journey and what led you to your current role?

A: I studied Mining and Geotechnical Engineering at UQ and began my career as a Graduate Rock Mechanics Engineer at Mount Isa Mines. I eventually worked my way up to Senior Mine Planning Engineer. Later, I accepted a role with African Underground Mining Services (AUMS) in Burkina Faso as a Senior Mining Engineer. While it was an incredible experience, it wasn’t the right fit, so I moved to WA to join Golden Grove as a Senior Production Engineer. Last year, I transitioned into the role of Technical Services Manager, where I’ve found my stride. Q: What do you like about working at Golden Grove?

A. Golden Grove offers challenging mining conditions that push you to come up with innovative solutions. I appreciate the opportunities to develop as a professional and find it deeply satisfying to tackle problems that keep the mine running smoothly. I’m never bored here!

Q: What has been the most rewarding project or achievement you've experienced at the company?

A recent highlight was implementing Deswik MDM, a mining data management system, which required collaboration across technical teams. It has streamlined processes and enabled us to offer hybrid work to our technical staff.

Another memorable project was successfully using Orica’s Webgen wireless detonators for the first time. This technology enabled us to bring a stope forward, mine it more efficiently, and achieve better results than we expected—all within a tight turnaround.

Q: How have you developed your skills since joining the company?

A. Stepping into the Technical Services Manager role has been a major learning curve, particularly in leadership. This role has allowed me to revisit areas like Geotech and Planning, where I can contribute value. It’s been exciting to guide cultural shifts within the Technical Services team, which has further developed my leadership skills.

Q: How does the company support your long-term career goals?

A. 29Metals has been really supportive. Taking on the Technical Services Manager role is a clear indicator of that. My line manager and I regularly discuss my career path, and I’m confident I have opportunities here to develop further and pursue interesting challenges.

Q: What’s one value or aspect of the company culture that resonates with you the most, and why?

A. For me, it’s Excellence. Achieving operational excellence requires a relentless focus on Safety at all levels of the business, including with contractors. It also means constantly seeking efficiencies, adopting new technologies, and challenging how things are done to meet production goals without compromising safety.

Q: What advice would you give to someone new joining 29Metals/Golden Grove?

A. Embrace the challenges! Golden Grove offers unique opportunities to learn and gain experience by thinking outside the box. You’ll develop faster by getting involved in solving problems, often outside of your area of expertise.

Q: What are you most excited about for the future of your career and the company?

A. The growth opportunities at Golden Grove are particular exciting. The deep mining potential of Xantho Extended, Oizon, and – possibly - Cervantes will offer complex technical challenges that will engage multiple teams. Plus,?opening a third mine at Gossan Valley is a thrilling prospect for both the company and the people working here.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’ve been given that’s stuck with you?

A. Everyone has a customer—whether it’s internal or external. Success depends on knowing your customers and delivering what they need. I always use the analogy that even if a shop sells great products, you won’t return if the shopkeeper is rude. The same applies to my role as TSM. Understanding the needs of my various customers—whether it’s operations, my manager, or my team—helps me deliver a better product. And if people want to work with you, your job becomes a lot easier. This is the same for each job role in the Tech Services team and is something the team has heard me talk about a lot.

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