Founding Director Jane Yelland leads the company and brings more than 25 years of experience as a senior environmental and social performance professional. Jane has held senior roles across major operating mines, greenfield developments, and project approval programs in NSW, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Tasmania, including experience with Newcrest/Newmont, Xstrata, Peel Mining, Northparkes Mines, and environmental consultancy.

 

​In Jane's words

I was raised on a mixed farming property in Central West NSW, where I developed an early appreciation for the land, the environment and the importance of regional communities. That background sparked my interest in earth science and ultimately led me to study Environmental Science at the Australian National University (ANU).

 

My career in the mining industry began somewhat unexpectedly. A family friend who was a geologist encouraged me to seek work experience in mining, and during my first year at university I was fortunate to secure a position as a vacation student at Northparkes Mines in NSW, working under Anna McMullen. That opportunity in late 1994 marked the beginning of what has now been more than 30 years working in the mining industry across environmental and community engagement disciplines.

 

Throughout my career, I have worked across Australia in both residential and FIFO roles, as well as spending three years working within the forestry industry in environmental and community management. These experiences have given me a practical understanding of the challenges faced by projects, communities, regulators and the people responsible for delivering environmental and social outcomes on the ground.

I have worked across all phases of the mining lifecycle — from exploration and project development through approvals, construction and operations — and have also been involved in a broad range of project management activities. This experience has shaped my approach to environmental management and stakeholder engagement: solutions need to be technically sound and responsible, but they also need to be practical and workable.

 

A key focus of my work is helping mining projects coexist successfully with the communities in which they operate. I believe good outcomes are achieved by finding the right balance — respecting the environment and stakeholders, understanding community expectations, meeting regulatory requirements and creating practical solutions that allow projects and their people to operate effectively.

 

One of the greatest benefits of my career has been the people I have met along the way. I have been fortunate to work with many highly experienced and talented people, including mentors and colleagues who have generously shared their knowledge and helped shape both my career and my approach to leadership. Many of the professional relationships developed throughout my career have also become lifelong friendships.

 

Outside of work, I am a mum of three and passionate about health and fitness. I hold a Certificate IV in Fitness and enjoy coaching at a local gym once a week. For me, fitness provides the same things I value professionally — challenge, consistency, connection with people and the opportunity to keep learning and improving.