Mine to Market November-December 2012 - Mount Isa Mines

Tamara Ostarjas’s Story
“The nature of my role requires balancing multiple tasks at any
given time, the biggest challenge is to remain organised and
focussed and to maintain a good work, life and study balance.
Originally from Brisbane, I
completed my first year of
primary school in Papua New
Guinea before returning to
Australia and settling in Dandenong for a
few years. After that our family embarked
on a trip around Australia for 12 months
and I was home schooled. We then moved
to Cairns where I remained until I relocated
to Mount Isa with my husband and children
in 2007.
I have worked for Xstrata for five years,
briefly as a document controller and
administration assistant with Xstrata Zinc,
before moving to Xstrata Copper as a
member of the three-year, Copper Smelter
Rebrick Project. My responsibilities ranged
from pulling together technical documents
and developing work packs to liaising with
Copper Smelter maintenance personnel to
organise and coordinate contractors.
This role was challenging and provided
a steep learning curve which included
an education in interpreting technical
drawings, developing documentation
for varying plant and gaining an
understanding of copper smelter
mechanical equipment.
On completion of the project I joined
the Emissions Project for a period of six
months as Project Controls Assistant
to assist with cost control, budget
development, contractor liaisons and
ensuring alignment in Xstrata Project
Management Standards and Procedures.
I then continued on to my current role
as the Electrical Maintenance Planner for
the Copper Smelter in November 2010
and am currently in the final stage of
completing a postgraduate certificate in
maintenance management through Central
Queensland University.
The thing I like the most about working
at Xstrata is the positive and supportive
environment that allows our people to
grow to their potential. Xstrata provides
assistance to those who choose to upskill
and progress within the company.
The business has a strong culture that
encourages us to support our peers
whilst working toward a common goal.
I also like how active Xstrata is in the
local community, providing support to
community events and local business.
I would say the highlight of my career
has been working at the Copper Smelter.
During the Rebrick Project, the learning
curve was steep, the attitude of the team
positive and the mentoring I received
was exceptional.
26 mine to market