Nathan Mitchell – Chief Executive Officer
People often talk about having an industry in their blood, so close are they to the essence of the business. In Nathan Mitchell's case - as Group Managing Director of Mitchell Drilling Corporation - there is no other way to describe his lifelong involvement with the drilling and resource exploration industry.
As the second generation to oversee the growth and prosperity of the drilling and associated service companies associated with Mitchell Drilling Corporation, he has a working history on the rigs that is only eclipsed by the phenomenal growth he has achieved since taking over in the boardroom in 2002.
Nathan has firmly committed the company to an entrepreneurial, global strategy to help exploit the world's vast, untapped coal bed methane gas deposits that he believes hold a key to the sustained delivery of energy to consumers in the future, whilst also promising environmentally enhanced outcomes.
These progressive views are always underpinned by his personal philosophy of "reputation ahead of profits".
He promotes to the world his company's unique directional drilling technologies and 360° project perspective through an integrated suite of completion and planning services the company now offers under his stewardship, always maintaining the belief in a sustainable energy future via CBM.
Gary Salter BSc (Hons. Geology) – General Manager Business Support
Gary began work at Mitchell Drilling in May 2007 after a long career as an Exploration and Mining Geologist that started in 1978 (29 years). He has strong demonstrated hands on experience with all facets of exploration and has been linked to project Exploration Management and drilling supervision within many projects. Gary has specifically worked in exploration in iron ore, coal and precious metals and has developed a wide professional network.
As part of the BHPB resource group Gary was involved specifically with the exploration and mine development of Bayswater No3 mine and Mt Arthur Coal Mine, located in the Hunter Valley, NSW. Immediately prior to joining Mitchell's, Gary was Australian Regional Leader Mine Operations and Mine Planning and involved in Business Excellence within the BHPB mining network
Gary has broad experience in the development of team safety culture. The ongoing development of best practice into the company will further support improved efficiencies commensurate with the planned business growth.
As General Manager Business Support, Gary is responsible for effective human resource management, occupational health and workplace safety policies, standards, practices and services. As a member of the Executive Management Team, the General Manager Business Support represents the Company to clients, industry and business and is accountable for contributing to growth, viability and sustainability of the Company. The position facilitates business plans, strategic directions, marketing and image with the CEO and Executive Management Team.
Bill Fisher – Vice President International Operations
Bill joined Mitchell Drilling in 2008 after 30 years managing international drilling and related businesses in foreign postings.
He has spent the last twenty years as General Manager for well known international drilling companies operating in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines, China and the emerging CIS states.
He has also previously held General Management positions in Atlas Copco and Evans Deakin Industries where he was responsible for manufacturing and marketing of mining and drilling equipment.
He brings to Mitchell Drilling a unique and deep knowledge of the international drilling, drill and blast and explosives industries along with an unparallel knowledge of the various drilling disciplines including coring, RC, air, rotary relative to the mining, geothermal, oil and gas, CBM and minerals exploration markets.
He also adds proven leadership and management capability in a wide scope of activities including finance and administration; sales and marketing; field drilling operations; safety and risk management; environmental and statutory compliance; contract development and administration; workshops and human resources.
David Cotton MBA, Dip Bus (Acc), CA – Chief Financial Officer
David is a Chartered Accountant, turnaround specialist and is skilled at increasing shareholder value. Most recently he has been involved in a capital raising for an Indonesian Hydro power facility and raising capital for emerging growth corporations.
David was formally Chief Executive Officer of Precision Eyewear Pty Ltd, turning around the company and smoothing the way for a successful trade sale to OPSM.
David has excellent hands-on business experience across many industries. His career has included over twenty years in Industry and Chartered Accounting. He is also experienced in the IT sector having spent a number of years in this area. David is Chairman of the Western Corridor Mentoring for Growth and has mentored many companies with a wide variety of challenges.
David has experience across a wide range of industries including the following retail, information technology and finance.
Peter Sallans B.Ec. – Executive Manager Commercial & Risk
Peter has a strong industry experience in resources, construction, and general industry as both a manager and as a respected senior industry consultant. He has been with Mitchell Drilling for three years, and during that time worked as Health, Safety and Environment Manager, Human Resources Manager, and Oil and Gas Operations Manager.
Peter holds a degree in economics and is a Certified Practicing Member of the Safety Institute of Australia and a Member of the Risk Management Institute of Australia. He was previously a Commissioner on the South Australian Occupational Health and Safety Commission and has been a member of a number of international and national technical committees drafting legislation, regulations, codes and standards. He has also been a member of various drilling industry committees developing drilling competency standards, Wellsite permit systems, and underpinning well control training materials.
As Executive Manager Commercial and Risk, Peter is responsible for building the business of Mitchell Drilling. In developing new projects and sustaining existing operations he places emphasis on effective risk management, professional performance, and working with our clients to achieve cost-effective, safe, efficient, successful outcomes for each project.
Gary Belford MBA, BBus, Grad Dip Tpt, Grad Dip Mgt, psc. – Manager Operations Support
Gary has recently joined Mitchell Drilling as the Supply and Logistics Manager. Gary brings 20 years experience in logistics across a number of industries, including mining. His breath of experience in time-sensitive support and highly technical operations in geographically remote locations means that he has necessary capabilities to support multi-site drilling operations throughout Australia.
Nigel White – General Counsel
Nigel began work in March 2007. His contract is for 3 days per week while Mitchell Drilling establishes the need for further in-house legal resources.
Nigel has over 10 years experience as an in-house lawyer and more recently, general counsel. He was admitted in Queensland in 1991 and completed his Articles at Allens Arthur Robertson (formerly Feez Ruthning). Nigel has held senior in-house legal positions with a number of prominent finance and asset management companies, most recently as General Counsel with Fidelity in Hong Kong.
He has significant experience in generalist in-house legal matters, including contractual drafting and negotiation, finance related matters, company secretarial and equity investment issues, including IPO's.
Phil Spence – Operations Manager Australia
Phil joined Mitchell Drilling as the Muswellbrook Supervisor in 2003 and was quickly recognized for his high potential. Phil Spence began his current role as Operations Manager (Australia) in May 2006. Phil brings 14 years drilling experience to the operations role and a strong supervisory background. Phil's technical knowledge and management skills gave him the basis to effectively manage operations of over thirty mineral rigs in Australia.
Wayne McAlear – Operations Manager Oil & Gas
Wayne started his career as a drilling offsider and has worked with various drilling companies as a driller, supervisor, toolpusher and manager.
He has over 30 years hands on experience in the drilling industry around the world and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Mitchell Drilling Oil & Gas division
Since commencing his career with Mitchell Drilling in May 2003 as a toolpusher, Wayne has delivered a high calibre and productive operation on all rigs he has been associated with and is widely recognized for his professionalism.
Wayne quickly progressed from toolpusher to field superintendent and shortly after Rig 152 was assembled, was moved to be Project Manager on Rig 152 and began coordinating the commissioning of the rig.
Recently promoted to this role, he is successfully overseeing the operation of the Australian Oil & Gas rigs.
Wayne’s practical experience, technical knowledge, management skills and aspirations for the Oil & Gas rigs provides him with the necessary capabilities to successfully manage the rigs, inspire his crews and deliver for our clients.
Peter Murray – Chief Technical Officer
Peter Murray has 26 years in the drilling industry where he has progressed from Seismic Drilling as a Driller, through to Senior Management today.
His extensive experience covers most aspects of coal and coal bed methane, covering exploration through to large diameter and horizontal in-seam drilling techniques. Experience has been gained with a hands on approach both in Australia and internationally, most recently establishing Mitchell Drilling in India.
Peter has been with Mitchell Drilling for 20 years and has played a significant role helping the company move into the future. He has spent the past couple of years establishing operations in India for Mitchell Drilling. He now uses this experience as a roving Operations Manager internationally as needed.
Ralph Tinetti – Maintenance Manager
Ralph started his career with Mitchell Drilling Contractor over a decade ago as a Contract Mechanic – his superior application to his work and 'can do' approach quickly saw him recognised as one of our stars of the future.
This quality saw Ralph promoted to Maintenance Manager three years ago where he has continued to pass onto his maintenance colleagues, his expertise and more importantly his commitment to the company credo of excellence in all things we do.
Originally qualifying as a marine engineer, Ralph provides high calibre and efficient servicing standards and improvements to the company's extensive fleet of rigs and support equipment. His brief includes working closely with rig manufacturer's to ensure the scope of supply and tailoring of the rig and equipment for a range of application suits the needs of our global clients.
His new role of Technical Development Manager sees his years of experience coming together into the ideal role to ensure we offer "best fit" equipment for our clients and their needs.
Chris Cass – Workshop Supervisor
Chris Cass joined Mitchell Drilling in 2005 as Workshop Supervisor. Chris brought strong management potential and a technical background. Chris began his career as a Workshop Assistant, then moved on to Tank Technician and prior to working at Mitchell Drilling as a Leading Hand for many years.
Recently Chris Cass has been promoted to Maintenance Manager (Acting) overseeing the Maintenance Department and is accountable for ensuring operations are supported by reliable and cost efficient maintenance and workshop support.
