AMS offers contract surface mining and exploration drilling services to the mining industry throughout West Africa.
AMS offers a full complement of contract mining services for open-cut mining throughout Africa. We specialize in running large critical mass mining contracting fleets in difficult and challenging environments. We have one of the longest running and largest fleets on the continent.
Gabrielle Iwanow
President, Contract Mining
As a leader, Gabrielle has become known for progressive change and growth. Working at OZ Minerals, she developed pathways to double the size of the Prominent Hill copper-gold mine, growing it into one of the largest underground hard rock operations in Australia. Prior to joining Perenti, Gabrielle was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASX-300 listed nickel producer, Mincor Resources, where she led the response to the on-market A$760m takeover of the company by Wyloo Metals. In 2020, she was recognised with the Telstra Businesswomen’s Award for Medium & Large Business in South Australia and included as one of the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining. Gabrielle is passionate about developing innovative and inclusive workplaces that evolve industry thinking. She is fluent in Spanish (and English) having lived and studied in Argentina. Gabrielle is an avid supporter of the arts and charity.
Mick Radi
Vice President, Australia
Mick holds a Bachelor of Mining Engineering degree with over 19 years’ experience in hard rock underground mining in Australia, Egypt, India and Bulgaria. Mick has previously worked within Barminco as Project Manager, Operations Manager, General Manager Operations and General Manager Growth. He holds a WA Shift Supervisors Certificate and First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate Competency.
Blair Sessions
Vice President, Operational Performance
Blair holds a Bachelor of Mining Engineering degree with over 23 years’ experience in the mining industry, principally in hard rock underground mining in Australia, Africa and Asia. Blair has previously worked within Barminco as Project Manager, Operations Manager and General Manager. Most recently Blair’s role was the Chief Operating Officer of African Underground Mining Services, the Joint Venture Company between Barminco and Ausdrill, prior to the company’s consolidation. He holds a WA Shift Supervisors Certificate and First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate Competency.
Roy Coates
Vice President, Africa
Roy holds a Bachelor of Mining Engineering degree from the Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter) and an MBA from Curtin Graduate School of Business. He has more than 25 years’ of mining industry experience working in both surface and underground mining operations in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Roy is also a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and an Associate of the Camborne School of Mines. He was appointed Chief Operating Officer for Ausdrill in December 2018, having previously held the position of Executive General Manager with Ausdrill since July 2015.
Darren Batchler
Vice President, Health, Safety and Environment
Darren Holds a Graduate Diploma in Occupational Hazard Management and is a highly experienced HSE professional and executive with over 25 years’ experience in the health, safety and environment field working domestically and internationally with both mining companies and mining services providers. Darren previously held the role of Group Manager, Health, Safety and Environment at Perenti. Darren has also held a number of senior safety and risk management roles at Newcrest, Macmahon, and BHP.
Julia Davidson
Vice President, Human Resources
Julia holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Throughout Julia’s career she has led diverse teams across Asia and Australia working for global telecommunications, professional services and mining organisations. Julia has experience in all aspects of Human Resources including Business Partnership, Reward (including Executive Remuneration, Equity and Board), Employee Relations, Leadership Development and Human Resources Transformation. She was appointed to the role of Vice President Human Resources for Contract Mining in November 2023, having previously held the position of Vice President Human Resources for Perenti. Julia’s passion is to create high performing teams, with a focus on creating safe and respectful workplaces.
Jim Gawith
Vice President, Growth and Emerging Markets
Jim holds a Bachelor of Mining Engineering and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team with over 25 years of industry experience. His experience in strategic planning, business development and client relationship management will help shape the future of underground mining and expand our presence in new markets. Jim is re-joining Barminco having previously led the business development and technical services division. Most recently, he held the role of Chief Executive Officer at Pit N Portal Mining Services.
Mike Ellis
Vice President, Finance
Michael holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Accounting and Finance with over 15 years’ experience in the media and mining services industries in Australia. Michael was previously the General Manager Finance and Company Secretary at Seven West Media and Trustee of the Channel 7 Telethon Trust. Michael has also held senior roles at the West Australian Newspaper Group and is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Craig Earnshaw
Vice President, Legal and Commercial
Craig holds a Bachelor degrees in Law and Commerce with over 12 years legal, commercial and company secretarial experience in private practice and the resources and construction industries. Craig was previously the Corporate Counsel at RCR Tomlinson Limited. Craig is also a Member of the Law Society of Western Australia, the Australian Corporate Lawyers Association and the Australian Mining and Petroleum Law Association and holds a Graduate Diploma in Corporate Governance.
