At SME MineXchange 2026, Amber co-chaired a session titled “Reclaiming the Past: Strategies for Managing Abandoned Mine Lands”. When more than 6,000 mining professionals gathered, the industry’s momentum was unmistakable. Yet in her session, a different story unfolded, one centered on legacy, responsibility and the scale of work still ahead.

The scale of the challenge came into sharp focus
The tone across the session was clear: despite decades of progress, abandoned mine lands (AMLs) across the U.S. remain a vast challenge. Presenters showcased characterization studies across watersheds in states like Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma that showed ongoing impacts from historic lead and zinc mining. Others discussed uranium mine waste assessments, underscoring both environmental risk and the complex regulatory pathways associated with radioactive materials.

The consensus was consistent. Thousands of abandoned sites remain, and clarity on how to remediate them is limited.

Remining waste is becoming a major area of interest
An emerging theme was the growing momentum around examining historic mine waste for critical and rare earth minerals. As demand rises for metals essential to clean energy and technology supply chains, several presenters focused on:

• Assessing waste piles for rare earths
• Evaluating lead zinc districts for byproduct value
• Exploring whether uranium bearing waste could be reprocessed

The idea of remining the past is gaining traction as teams consider whether environmental remediation and mineral recovery can be aligned.

However, the discussion also addressed the practical barriers. Many AML sites are too small for a modern processing plant to be viable. Presenters also emphasized a key caution: disturbing an abandoned waste pile can transfer legal liability to the party that touches it.

The opportunity is real. The risks are too.

The audience kept coming back to one question: who pays?
Funding dominated the presentations and the Q&A. Because most abandoned mines lack a responsible party, remediation relies on inconsistent or limited funding sources. Audience questions repeatedly circled back to:

• Where will funding for reclamation come from?
• How can small sites justify investment?
• What role can re‑mining play in closing the financial gap?

Presenters described the patchwork that currently exists: some state AML programs, occasional federal support, and in rare cases private landowners willing to assume liability. Good Samaritan protections help but are not perfect. Political, financial and regulatory uncertainty was a recurring theme.

New tools are reshaping how teams understand old problems
While many technologies were familiar to the room, one area felt like a clear step forward: remote sensing and advanced investigation techniques. Presenters highlighted:

• Drone based surveys for mapping dangerous or inaccessible terrain
• LiDAR imaging to identify subsidence zones and historic features
• Tracer studies that tracked contaminants from elevated mine workings to downstream watercourses, pinpointing where passive treatment should occur

These tools are transforming site characterisation by improving precision, safety and the clarity of remediation strategies.

Safety closures continue to evolve
One presentation showcased the use of high tensile, flexible wire mesh (such as systems produced by Geobrugg) to close shafts in remote, hard to access areas. These barriers aren’t designed to prevent intentional trespassing, but they significantly reduce the risk of accidental falls, especially during winter recreation when snow can obscure open shafts.

It’s becoming a practical, scalable tool in the AML safety toolkit.

The session reaffirmed long‑standing realities and the value of community
For practitioners with decades of experience, the session largely reinforced trends that have shaped AML work for years: complex liability, funding uncertainties and the slow regulatory progress. Most of the ideas discussed are ones we’ve been talking about for 25 to 30 years.

But the value of the session wasn’t novelty, it was connection. Abandoned mine work is a tight‑knit field, and sessions like this give practitioners space to compare notes, share lessons learned and challenge assumptions. That collaboration remains one of MineXchange’s greatest strengths.

Beyond the session: An industry gearing up for growth
Outside the AML conversation, MineXchange 2026 presented an industry that is both buoyant and evolving. Keynotes stressed the strategic importance of streamlining permitting, which can take a decade or more. Federal recognition of copper and other materials as critical minerals was highlighted as a potential lever to accelerate certain approvals.

With metal prices at historic highs, mining in the U.S. is seeing renewed investment and optimism.

Looking ahead
The session underscored a truth that continues to define AML work: the legacy of historic mining still shapes modern landscapes and addressing it will require both technical innovation and policy clarity. But it also highlighted the opportunities emerging at the intersection of remediation, technology and mineral recovery.

As the industry continues to rise, the past does not need to be a burden. With the right strategies, and the funding and regulatory support to match, it can become a platform for progress.

The post Understanding the scale and complexity of abandoned mine lands appeared first on Blog.

Looking back on your career and time at ArchTam, what’s one moment or experience that really affirmed your purpose or values — something that made you stop and think, ‘this is why I do what I do’?

I can’t pinpoint one defining moment but rather reflect on the journey — where my career has taken me and the incredible people I’ve worked alongside. I’m inspired by connecting with others, clearing the path to help them succeed and solving problems to support collective progress.  

I’ve enjoyed a career where I’ve grown personally and professionally, made possible by supportive workplaces and my parents, who’ve helped me balance work and family life.

I’ve been involved in encouraging and inspiring the next generation. The real “this is why I do what I do” moments come when students tell me they’re inspired to pursue engineering or mining after we connect at industry events. What drives me is helping others see the many career opportunities this sector offers — and empowering them to choose their own path.

Tell us about your career journey.

I studied Mining Engineering and Commerce in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia in the mid-nineties, a wild, fun time with a strong sense of family. We all moved there straight from high school, living and studying in the heart of the mining world. Most holidays were spent gaining experience on sites across the Goldfields.

After graduating, I spent five years in operations at WMC Mt Keith nickel mine in the Northern Goldfields, then up to Hamersley Irons Yandi mine in the Pilbara.

When I had my first child, I returned to Perth and transitioned to consulting. It was the right move — exciting projects, the ability to be home every night and opportunities to travel overseas, including to Russia and Colombia!

My move to ArchTam and infrastructure consulting was driven by a desire to broaden my   experience and skills. After 25 years in it, I wanted to stay connected to the mining sector, while broadening my perspective by working in a space that supports it in new ways. ArchTam’s commitment to delivering a better world really resonated with my personal values.

Tell us about yourself outside of work.

I’m a mother of two vivacious and dynamic teenagers! They are my world, and I’ve loved witnessing them find their way in the world.

Outside of family, I’m passionate about volunteering, particularly when it comes to educating and inspiring high school students about the wide-ranging career opportunities in the resources sector. There’s an awareness gap between the hundreds of roles available, and how essential mining is to our everyday lives.

For over a decade, I’ve been involved with the not-for-profit Get Into Resources, serving as Chair since 2021. Our committee runs events that help students connect with the industry. I also volunteer with the National Association of Women in Operations. We’re focused on achieving gender balance at all levels of operations. We create opportunities for our members to learn, share insights and build connections across organisations, all with a shared vision of inclusive, diverse workplaces.

How do you see your role evolving in the next few years, especially with how the industry is changing?

I envisage in my role at ArchTam that I’ll continue to provide support to the teammates around me, in step with the changing needs of our industry.  While our client base and projects may shift toward different commodities or expanding portfolios, the basic core skills like technical expertise, collaboration and strategic insight will remain essential.  

Our Resources + Industry team plays a critical role in supporting clients across the full project lifecycle, from concept studies through to detailed design.

There is huge potential for growth in renewable energy and decarbonisation. Western Australia is on the cusp of major transformation, and we’ll need resilient, sustainable infrastructure to support that, from power and water to transport, defence, schools and hospitals. I’m excited to contribute to solutions that will serve communities and industries for decades to come.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave — in your team, in the work you deliver or in the culture you help shape?

I hope to leave a legacy of fostering a team culture where people feel a genuine sense of belonging, connection and support. To me, a high-performing team is one that communicates openly, shares knowledge, builds each other up, tackles challenges together and celebrates the wins.

At the core, we’re all human and our need to belong is a fundamental psychological motivator.

The post Resourcing the future: Meet Jade Singleton appeared first on Blog.

Colin Rossetti is a seasoned engineering leader with over thirty-three years of experience across the mining and industrial sectors. He joined ArchTam nearly 23 years ago as a senior electrical engineer and served in multiple technical roles gaining practical experience in power electronic systems, safety systems, shaft haulage systems, and rail traction power engineering before stepping into leadership roles. In his current role overseeing resources and industrial teams, Colin drives strategic business initiatives, provides project governance and mentors future leaders. In his spare time, Colin can be found bushwalking or volunteering at his local Repair Cafe where everyday items are fixed and put back into good use.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

When I joined the industry in the early 1990s in North West Queensland, the choices for me were clear. I could follow in my family’s footsteps and be a sugar cane farmer, or study at university to pursue a professional career. Mining was a well-understood industry where I grew up, so I had a strong understanding of its value, how it supported communities and contributed to the economy. That broader impact, along with the interesting technical challenges, really solidified my interest in engineering as a career.

I was fortunate to get my start as a graduate and student intern at Mount Isa Mines in North West Queensland. I was working in research and development supporting automation projects for underground equipment — essentially making large underground loaders semi-autonomous or remote-controlled. It sounded really cool, and it was great fun for a couple of years before I moved on to different roles in operations and maintenance in the underground mines.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

There have been a lot of great projects over the years, but the one that always stands out to me is the George Fisher Mine Expansion project, which I worked on between 2011–2012. I was the project manager for the underground mine expansion in North West Queensland, and what made it so memorable was the fantastic client team, a successful engineering delivery, and it also aligned with my niche interest in shaft haulage systems.

In my role, I led our teams in delivering the engineering design for the underground expansion, covering all the key fixed plant components — materials handling, dewatering, ventilation, communications, power, water, and the shaft haulage system itself. This included a 1,000-meter-deep haulage shaft, a new head frame, winder, and full integration of all the equipment and service facilities. It was a great example of our team’s expertise in ANZ, showcasing our strengths and capabilities in this specialized area.

The client was well-informed and set our teams up for success and that made all the difference. The project went so well that after completion the client’s project manager and I co-wrote a technical paper about the design and implementation of the shaft system. We had the privilege of presenting our paper together at an international conference in Sweden in 2015. It was a unique experience and something I’m still proud of. I’ve stayed in close contact with that project manager, even as he’s moved on to different organizations, which speaks to how well we worked together.

Another thing that made this project special was its location. George Fisher Mine is only about 20 kilometers from Mount Isa, where I started my career. So, when we were going through project reviews and risk assessments, I found myself sitting across from people I had worked with since the beginning of my career. That was hilarious — and really rewarding. We had open discussions, sorted through concerns smoothly, and built something that has been a successful piece of infrastructure for that operation ever since.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

I’d look at this in two different ways.

First, there’s the direct impact on mining operations — helping them become more profitable, more efficient, and more sustainable. That, in turn, benefits the surrounding communities. Take Mount Isa Mines, for example. Like many mining companies, they’re major supporters of regional initiatives, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). When I was living in Mount Isa, I attended a few fundraising functions for the RFDS, and it was clear just how much of their funding came from the mining industry. It makes sense — providing emergency medical services to remote mining operations is a key part of the Flying Doctor’s mission. By supporting these mining companies and ensuring their long-term viability, we’re also enabling them to continue their philanthropy, which is a big deal for the communities that rely on these services.

The second aspect is the minerals themselves. The George Fisher Mine, for instance, is a zinc operation, and this commodity, and others like copper, are becoming increasingly important — especially for the energy transition. Many of our projects in recent years have been centered around these critical minerals. Our clients see a bright future in mining them, but the challenge is that these resources are getting harder to access. The higher-grade and accessible deposits have largely been mined, so companies now must scale up their operations while dealing with lower ore grades.

That’s where our work comes in. Across projects like George Fisher and beyond, we’ve focused on improving outcomes in reliability, safety, efficiency, and overall operational performance. The goal is to help mining companies extract these essential resources in a way that’s both economically and environmentally sustainable. It’s a continuous effort, and that project was just one step in that broader journey.

Share a piece of career advice.

I always say be the first to volunteer for something. If someone asks for help with a task, especially if it’s a bit challenging or outside your comfort zone, step up. Even if you don’t feel fully ready, just go for it. You’ll learn a lot, and in many cases, you’ll become a trailblazer in that area, gaining experience that others might miss. Plus, your employer and colleagues will take notice!

I’ve almost always said yes to opportunities that have come my way, and it’s served me well. I’d encourage early professionals to do the same — don’t be afraid of the outcome. Especially early in your career, the stakes of trying something new aren’t as high as you might think. Even if things don’t go perfectly, the experience itself is valuable. The more challenges you take on, the more you’ll grow.

So my advice? Say yes. Be positive, take on the challenge. You never know where it might lead, and that’s half the fun.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Colin Rossetti appeared first on Blog.