Under the leadership of Gerard Bond, company Chief Executive, OceanaGold Corp have set themselves the task of mining gold for a better future. The gold, copper, and silver they produce are essential to the renewable energy and transport sectors, life-saving medical devices and technology which connects communities around the world. The modern era of digitalisation, connectivity and prosperity we find ourselves in would be impossible without the mining industry. But as OceanaGold is proving, there are areas where improvements can still be made.
“Our activities contribute to economic growth and improved health and education outcomes in the regions where we operate,” Gerard tells us, “In fact, we provide direct employment for over 3,700 people and indirect employment for many more.”
A company whose success can be attributed to their attention to staff as much as shareholders, OceanaGold Corp fosters a work atmosphere where a combination of care, respect, integrity, performance and teamwork emboldens them to make changes to their industry. As a growing intermediate gold and copper producer the company is able to maximise the generation of Free Cash Flow from their operations and deliver strong returns through their portfolio of four operating mines: the Haile Gold Mine in the United States of America; Didipio Mine in the Philippines; and the Macraes and Waihi operations in New Zealand.
Founded on the principles of responsible mining and sustainable practices, OceanaGold Corporation has evolved into a prominent player in the global gold mining industry. Originating in New Zealand, the company has grown its operations and influence worldwide, carving out a name not only as a gold producer but also as an organization deeply committed to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
The Roots of OceanaGold
Established in 1989, OceanaGold traces their roots back to New Zealand’s historic mining industry. The founders envisioned a company that would blend traditional mining methods with emerging environmental and social governance (ESG) standards. Initially, OceanaGold focused on projects within New Zealand, primarily the Macraes Goldfield in Otago, which remains a cornerstone of their operations and the largest gold-producing mine in the country.
The founders’ ethos emphasized mining responsibly and sustainably and from the outset, they prioritized protecting New Zealand’s pristine landscapes while delivering economic value. As Gerard says, “This philosophy has guided our expansion into other regions, including the Philippines and the United States and has cemented OceanaGold’s reputation as a leader in sustainable mining. But our most defining feature remains our loyalty to staff.”
A Community of Growth
One of OceanaGold’s defining features is their commitment to their workforce and Gerard emphasises the pride in being to create a safe and empowering workplace, where employees are encouraged to develop their skills and advance their careers. He details how OceanaGold emphasizes robust training programs, career progression opportunities, and a company culture that prioritizes safety and well-being.
“In recent years, we have introduced several mental health and wellness programs aimed at supporting employees and their families,” he says, “This holistic approach to workforce management has not only bolstered staff retention but also strengthened OceanaGold’s reputation as an employer of choice in the mining industry.”
The Benefits Of Strong Leadership
Gerard Bond brings extensive experience in global finance and the resources industry to OceanaGold Corporation. Prior to his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer in April 2022, he served as Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer at Newcrest Mining Limited from January 2012 to January 2022, a period marked by significant operational, financial, and growth transformation. Before joining Newcrest, Gerard spent over 14 years at BHP, a position that provided him with a comprehensive understanding of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, treasury, and human resources across North America, Europe, and Australia.
With experience encompassing gold, copper, nickel, and aluminium, his appointment as the leader of OceanaGold Corp was based on his proven track record of driving performance and delivering on business potential. It also put OceanaGold Corp into a position of benefitting from his understanding of all levels of the business and what it takes to achieve their ultimate goals which are centred around sustainability and responsible mining.
Pioneering Responsibility
As a long-time advocate and leader in responsible mining practices, the company has developed and implemented advanced environmental management systems to reduce their footprint, particularly in terms of water and energy use. Gerard reveals that these efforts align with their “zero-harm” environmental policy, aimed at preventing negative ecological impacts in the areas where they operate. Additionally, the company’s commitment to responsible mining also extends to its community engagement efforts.
“OceanaGold has invested significantly in local communities,” Gerard elaborates, “Where we have created job opportunities, improved infrastructure, and funded education initiatives.”
In the Philippines, for example, their Didipio Mine has become a model for community involvement, providing jobs and supporting local development while maintaining high environmental standards.
Expanding Horizons and Innovation in 2024
As of 2024, OceanaGold is making strides in several key areas. The company has continued to push boundaries in technological innovation, focusing on digitalization and automation to optimize mining efficiency and safety. A highlight of their recent technological initiatives is the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance ore processing and reduce waste, contributing to both cost efficiency and environmental goals.
OceanaGold is also expanding its North American footprint, with new exploration projects in Nevada, USA. These projects signal a strategic move to capitalize on the region’s rich resources while adhering to stringent U.S. environmental standards. The new developments are poised to boost the company’s output, further strengthening its position in the gold mining industry.
In alignment with global climate goals, OceanaGold continues to invest in renewable energy projects to power their operations. At their Macraes site in New Zealand, for instance, the company has recently completed the construction of a large-scale solar farm designed to meet a substantial portion of the mine’s electricity needs. This initiative is part of OceanaGold’s ambitious target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Sustaining a Legacy of Responsible Mining
While OceanaGold Corp stands as a testament to the mining industry’s potential for positive impact, Gerard is aware that more can and should be done. However, through their forward-thinking approach to environmental management, community development, and employee welfare, the company is set to push these positive developments further than many competitors and have set a benchmark for others to follow. As they expand into new markets and explore innovative technologies, OceanaGold continues to demonstrate that mining can be both profitable and sustainable.
“We are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the mining industry,” says Gerard, “And we continue to embody a bold legacy that prioritizes people, planet, and above all progress.”
