Mineral Mining Services specialises in providing comprehensive and tailored solutions that unlock value and drive long-term results. We speak to CEO, Robert Ryan, to find out about the company’s single-minded approach and dedication to creating exceptional results.
TRUSTED TO EXCEL
Mineral Mining Services (MMS) delivers full turnkey contract mining services to established and start-up mines in Western Australia (WA).
The company’s contract mining services handle every facet of client operations – from machinery and equipment provision, to load and haul services and professional support on-site.
“Our solutions scale up or down to meet the unique needs of your operation, which means you maximise return on your investment (ROI) and increase productivity on the ground,” introduces CEO, Robert Ryan.
With extensive experience in the mining sector, Ryan has a proven track record of leading successful projects and driving business growth. His strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence are instrumental in guiding MMS’s continued success.
“We provide modern fleets and equipment, with skilled operators, load and haul services, drill and blast, 24/7 mechanical assistance, heavy haulage transport, technical services, and other mining services crucial to the smooth operation of a mine,” he adds.
Today, MMS’s people include engineers, heavy mechanical fitters, quarry managers, geologists, surveyors, operators, project managers, and other mining professionals, backed by decades of practical experience across various commodities and mines. Every member of its expert team is committed to doing safe and efficient work that maximises productivity on-site.
SERVING THE REGION
Across WA, MMS is now widely regarded as the region’s leading and most trusted mining partner.
“We pride ourselves on being agile and results-driven. At MMS, we’re not just your average mining contractor. Whilst we provide comprehensive mine services across the Goldfields region, our real strength lies in tailoring specific solutions to our clients’ unique needs,” Ryan confirms.
Utilising its technical services department, the company offers a more holistic approach to project development.
“We often work with companies, that have excellent resources but may lack in-house capabilities to bring them into production. We can fast-track those projects from ounces in the ground to money in the bank,” he explains.
This involves everything from initial project development, through approvals, drilling, and comprehensive technical evaluation, to deliver the desired result.
“Our client base is quite diverse, but we particularly excel at supporting those who need that all-encompassing service to get their projects off the ground and into production,” he elaborates.
“We pride ourselves on being agile and results-driven”
Robert Ryan, CEO, Mineral Mining Services
PEOPLE ARE THE PRIORITY
At MMS, the company believes an operation is only as good as the people who drive it.
“This is why we are committed to supporting our employees with ongoing safety training and opportunities to upskill. Making sure our staff achieve a healthy work and life balance is critical to our culture,” details Ryan.
“Our people are the heart of our operation, and we are proud of the excellent work they do every day,” he enthuses.
MMS aims to ensure it offers everyone a pathway to continue growing in their career. In this way, the company continually invests in its people’s overall development, ensuring they grow alongside the business itself.
“The ‘can-do’ attitude, safety-first approach, and efficiency our team portrays every day are the real drivers behind MMS’s rapid growth and continued success. It’s really rewarding to see that attitude every day,” Ryan tells us passionately.
“It’s about empowering our team to make decisions, take initiative, and work collaboratively towards our common goals.”
“Our people are the heart of our operation, and we are proud of the excellent work they do every day”
Robert Ryan, CEO, Mineral Mining Services
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS
Crucial to the smooth navigation of its operations, MMS’s supply chain is indeed proudly relationship-based, and long-standing relationships, both locally and internationally, are absolutely critical to the company’s ongoing success.
“In this industry, trust and reliability are paramount. Maintaining strong relationships with our suppliers ensures we have access to the best equipment, materials, and support, allowing us to consistently deliver on our commitments to our clients,” Ryan claims.
Locally, these relationships are vital for supporting the communities in which MMS operates and ensuring a responsive and efficient supply of everyday necessities.
“Internationally, they give us access to specialised equipment and technologies that might not be available domestically,” he follows up.
Furthermore, for MMS, it’s about building partnerships that ensure seamless operations, competitive pricing, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing project needs.
“We make sure we maintain a direct line of communication with our key stakeholders and involve them in our business.”
DIVERSIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Having grown exponentially in recent years, MMS’s key priorities for the future are clear.
“Over the next four months to two years, we’re focused on two main areas – firstly, continuing to build our pipeline of clients across the Goldfields region, ensuring we remain their trusted partner,” Ryan lays out.
“Secondly, and significantly, we expect to start building a portfolio of projects that we can own and operate ourselves, often through JVs,”
he adds.
By diversifying into owning and operating its own projects and entering into strategic JVs, MMS is embarking on a tactical journey that it believes will deliver exceptional returns, over and above what is generally seen from a pure mining services business.
As such, the company sees increased opportunities to develop projects with favourable resources that may not have the capabilities to enter production.
“Moving forwards, our goal is to leverage our substantial expertise, whether as a contractor or through collaborative JVs, to fast-track towards development and create lasting value for all stakeholders,” Ryan finishes earnestly.
Q&A WITH ROBERT RYAN, CEO, MINERAL MINING SERVICES
Since you were appointed CEO in November 2024, how have you navigated the role?
Robert Ryan, CEO: “It’s been a busy and incredibly rewarding period. My focus has been on driving the company forwards, not just in the mining contracting space, but also in developing our own gold mining projects in the Kalgoorlie region.
“A key initiative has been reinforcing our commitment to developing a pipeline of projects that we can own and operate. This extends to a significant push towards strategic joint venture (JV) partnerships.
“We bring not only operational excellence but also the financial acumen to help get projects off the ground. Our expertise in structuring and managing these JVs allows for effective cost recovery and the potential for significant shared profits.
“We’re actively building this pipeline, aiming to secure exceptional returns beyond what you’d typically see from a mining services business. For example, our collaboration with Black Cat at the East Kal Project is a prime illustration, demonstrating our ability to align interests, contribute valuable resources, and work collaboratively towards mutual success.
“We’ve also continued to refine our client-focused approach, ensuring we consistently deliver tailored solutions that add real value.”
How has Australia’s mining industry evolved over the course of your career?
“Well, it’s been quite a ride over the past 20 years. Growing up in WA, mining has always been at the forefront of our industry. When I moved to Kalgoorlie in my early twenties and spent 18 years there, I really immersed myself in gold mining across the region, seeing firsthand how mining can truly change lives.
“The industry has certainly matured a lot. We’ve seen a huge shift towards an increased focus on safety, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, which are all fantastic developments.
“Technology has also played a massive role, with automation and data analytics becoming increasingly vital for efficiency and decision-making.
“Recently, we’ve encountered a few challenges. Labour shortages and inflationary pressures have been persistent, requiring us to be more innovative in how we attract and retain talent, and how we manage our costs.
“However, these challenges also present opportunities. They push us to refine our processes, leverage technology even more, and build stronger, more resilient supply chains. The demand for critical minerals is also a huge opportunity for Australia, positioning us strongly for the future.”
