Molycop provides opportunities for staff to expand their mining sector skills with its global learning program. We spoke with the recipient of one such opportunity – Gideon Saputra – to find out his experience of a secondment in Australia.
Key Facts
- Gideon Supatra, an instrumentation engineer from Indonesia, has completed a three-month secondment to Molycop’s Western Australia operations.
- Gideon gained hands-on experience with the Digital Services business and visited five sites across Australia where he witnessed Molycop’s technology in action.
- Molycop is committed to developing the next generation of mining professionals.
He is currently completing a three-month secondment in Australia, where he gained hands-on experience with Molycop’s Digital Services business and worked directly with Molycop’s team of skilled engineers and experts.
Molycop is proud to be in a position to nurture talent and expand the horizons of our global workforce. With operations across continents, Molycop is in a unique position to provide opportunities for employees such as Gideon to grow, learn and lead in the mining industry.
We sat down with Gideon to reflect on his time at Molycop, the importance of cross-border collaboration, and his vision for Molycop’s future in Asia.
Tell us about your background before you joined Molycop
I had already spent about 5.5 years working in various engineering roles. I started my career in instrumentation and control system engineering and later moved into positions such as automation commissioning supervisor and integrated control and safety system engineer. This background gave me a strong foundation in technical processes, but I was eager to explore more, especially in the mining industry.Molycop is a well-established multinational company with a comprehensive approach to mining solutions, from technology to grinding media and chemicals. The chance to work with Molycop not only meant I could expand my technical expertise, it also offered me an exciting opportunity for international exposure. I was particularly drawn to the idea of being able to specialise in mining and process technologies and contribute to such a respected name in the industry.
How has the experience of secondment in Australia helped you grow?
It’s been incredibly valuable. Since I arrived here, I’ve been involved in classroom training, where I’ve learned about key gold process technologies, from milling to flotation and leaching. But the real turning point for me has been the site visits. Over 2.5 months, I visited five sites across Australia, where I had the chance to interact directly with customers and see Molycop’s technology in action. These hands-on experiences have been crucial for understanding our products' real-world applications.Molycop’s global knowledge exchange is truly remarkable. What I’ve learned in Australia will directly benefit my work in Indonesia, especially since the mining landscape is so diverse. From copper mining to gold and nickel, my experiences in Australia have deepened my technical understanding, enabling me to serve our customers better when I return.
Learning directly from experienced engineers in such a supportive environment has greatly improved my confidence and capabilities. It’s been incredibly valuable to move beyond my instrumentation background and understand the full mining process.
What’s been the most important lesson you’ve learned during your secondment?
The understanding that mining operations can vary greatly, even within the same company or technology type. Each site has its unique challenges – different processes, equipment configurations and customer expectations. Adapting and troubleshooting quickly is crucial in our line of work. One of the most rewarding parts of my role has been solving problems on the ground. Being able to diagnose issues, make recommendations, and then see the impact of those solutions is incredibly satisfying.Another key takeaway has been the importance of customer communication. When issues arise, it's not just about fixing the problem; it's about communicating clearly with the customer, offering them solutions, and building their trust in our brand. Molycop does this exceptionally well, and it's why so many customers choose to partner with us.
Every mining operation is different. It’s important to know your equipment inside out, but just as important to communicate clearly and build customer trust.
How do you see your role evolving in the future?
I see my role expanding as a technical expert and someone who can help bridge the gap between Molycop’s global technologies and the local needs of customers in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The potential for growth in the region is immense, and I’m excited to be part of that journey. After my secondment in Australia, I feel more prepared than ever to engage with customers and drive the adoption of Molycop’s solutions in the region.I also plan to build a stronger Digital Services presence in Southeast Asia. We’ve seen great success with this in Australia, and I’m eager to bring that knowledge back to Indonesia.
I’m proud to be part of Molycop’s future in Asia. The skills and experience I’ve gained here will be the foundation for growing our technology business across the region.
What advice do you have for prospective employees or recent graduates looking to join Molycop and build a career in the mining industry?
For anyone looking to enter the mining industry, stay curious and keep learning. The industry constantly evolves and Molycop is at the forefront of that change. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a cutting-edge technology, a new process, or a different way of working with customers. Molycop offers incredible opportunities to grow your career – whether starting in a technical role or moving into a managerial position.From my experience here, I’ve learned that Molycop values employees who are willing to take initiative, collaborate across borders and help solve real-world challenges. If you’re passionate about making an impact and working in a global, supportive environment, Molycop is the place to be.
Molycop offers career opportunities that span continents, fostering innovation and providing a chance to solve some of the most exciting challenges in the industry today. If you’re a graduate or employee looking to make a meaningful impact in the mining industry, contact Molycop to find out more about our range of training programs and career opportunities.
