Category: Personal

AIG Medal Recipient: 2021

Sep 22, 2021 by Andrew Waltho

I’m extremely pleased and quite humbled to have been named as the AIG Medal recipient for 2021.

AIG Medal for 2021

The award recognises outstanding service to the Australian Institute of Geoscientists by an Institute member and is the highest award granted by the Institute.

I value my membership of the Institute which is, I think, a dynamic and responsive body representing geoscientists in all fields of the profession throughout Australia and, increasingly, internationally.

Congratulations to Sam Lees for being named as the recipient of the award for 2020.

My Career – Next Steps

Sep 18, 2021 by Andrew Waltho

Thanks to everyone who has been in touch over the past few weeks.  

I took advantage of a redundancy to leave Rio Tinto Exploration at the end of May, 2021 after almost 15 years with the company (this time around). I also spent 10 years with Rio Tinto companies earlier in my career.

My first priority was to use the opportunity this created to take a break and spend some time with my family, while giving thought to the next phase of my career.  

I’m particularly keen to build on my extensive experience in multiple commodities, deposit styles and types of project in ways that add value and, in doing so, deliver interesting and challenging engagements that deliver positive results. I’ve also used the opportunity to undertake further study by completing the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ highly regarded Company Directors Course. The course provided valuable insights into the development of commercial and not-for-profit entities, and ways to make them more responsive and effective through improved governance.

In the past few years I have been really excited to be involved in exploration and development of battery metals projects, recognising commodities for which new demand will be driven by emerging technologies and seeking out opportunities in these fields. I’ve also developed a passion for sustainable development principles which will be in integral part of the future for resources and mining industries, from the earliest stages of exploration, throughout mine development and operations, through to mine closure. These principles can be applied in ways that will help to make us better explorers, developers and operators, to the benefit of all stakeholders and the perception of mining professions in our broader community.

In pursuing my future goals, I’ve established a consulting practice that I’m keen to develop, but I am also open to employment opportunities.

I am also continuing my work with the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, or which I’ve been a director for more than 20 years. I’m committed to continued professional development and helping others to recognise its value and benefits to their career. The Institute is at an exciting point in its development. I plan to step down as a director to make room for change, but would like to remain involved through committee work.