NEWS

By Othel V. Campos | Manila Standard | July 6, 2024 9:50PM

David Bickerton, Oceanagold Corp. general manager for operations at Didipio Mines in the Philippines, is a highly-skilled and experienced miner.

Despite his vast professional achievements and a mining career of over 20 years, his true passion lies with his family.

“I guess my passion now is my family. I think my family and my friends have always been my passion. I enjoy my outdoor time. I suppose growing up in the open air, in the rural side has developed that interest in what I am doing right now,” he said.

He had a son at a very young age, who is now a mature individual, forming an important part of his life.

His wife and two children, including seven-month-old daughter Eliza, bring immense joy and purpose to his life. Becoming a father at 47 has been a refreshing experience, reminding him of what truly matters.

Bickerton’s upbringing in rural Australia fostered a love for the outdoors. He enjoys activities like fishing and bushwalking and finds solace and peace in nature.

His work with OceanaGold has fueled his passion for travel, allowing him to live and work in diverse locations across the globe, from Australia and New Zealand, Papua New Guinea to the United States and the Philippines.

Leadership role

Bickerton didn’t start his career with a university degree. Instead, he opted for hands-on experience and mentorships, working his way up from the ground.

This practical approach instilled valuable skills that would later serve him well as a leader. His career path has been diverse, encompassing roles in nickel refining, project management and gold and copper mining across various locations.

“I suppose pre-entering into the mining industry, I sort of spent my youth and had some years when I didn’t know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. I made a decision not to go to university. I’ve probably had what some would call a bit of a misfit. I guess things have a way of fitting together what works best for one. My decisions led me here, and I’m totally grateful,”Bickerton said.

His adaptability is evident in his willingness to embrace new challenges. Throughout his career, he has taken on various roles within OceanaGold, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning. He even pursued additional qualifications in project management, showcasing his dedication to professional growth.

Returning to PH

Bickerton’s return to the Didipio project in the Philippines reflects his commitment to shaping the mining industry’s future, particularly in operational focus and project execution.

“There’s definitely a positive momentum building in the Philippines’ mining sector over the past few years. I’m eager to see if this translates into real operations, unlocking the country’s vast potential,” he said, noting a marked improvement in the Philippine mining sector from years of stagnation due to policy constraints.

“However, long-term investments in exploration, design, permitting and development require stability in decision-making. Companies need to know the rules won’t change significantly, ensuring a predictable environment. This stability will be key to truly setting the Philippine mining industry up for a successful future,” he said.

Sustainable future

The mining executive recognizes the importance of stability and consistency in decision-making for the mining industry. He values the positive engagement with local regulators who are objective, proactive and committed to ensuring responsible mining practices.

Bickerton encourages those interested in mining to embrace the opportunities the industry offers. He emphasizes the value of open-mindedness, embracing diversity and working with people from different cultures and backgrounds. He believes that a willingness to learn and grow will lead to a rewarding career in mining.

“It was in my late 20s that I met my first really good mentors who taught me about what it takes to be a good leader. I think that’s one of the things that I enjoy about the industry. If I could be a mentor and help people, especially those who might start off coming into the industry because they are disadvantaged, it would be a huge opportunity for me to help them,” he said.

He aims to leverage his extensive experience to contribute significantly to the development of the mining project and OceanaGold’s overall growth. In his second tour with OceanaGold Philippines, he took on the challenge, not as a temporary stint, but as a lifelong career.

Source: Manila Standard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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