Meet the experts – hear about Jasmine’s big picture view and passion for mine closure

Jasmine is one of our Senior Environmental Consultants who also manages our South Australian region leading a diverse team of ecologists, approvals and mine closure consultants, GIS analysists and hydrogeologists. Hear how being an approvals expert is all about explaining environmental impact assessment in an effective way, and how she loves making a difference within the mining sector. 

How do you explain what you do for work at dinner parties?

I'm a scientific storyteller. Writing project approvals documentation for our clients is essentially bringing together various science and engineering studies undertaken for a project and combining them together to tell a story that is easy to understand for any reader, from the local community, traditional owners, pastoralists through to the State and Federal regulators who will decide if the project goes ahead based on the results presented.   

What are you most passionate about?

Working with the mining sector to make a positive impact on their environmental impact. The raw materials from mining are integrated within all aspects of our lives, from the phone we use every day, the materials we use to build our homes, to the new technology used to generate renewable energy. Having the opportunity to work with my clients on reducing their environmental impact associated with the full life cycle of a mining project, from construction to closure, is becoming more and more important and I love being a part of that.

What was your favourite holiday?

A husky sledding trip in Northern Sweden – amazing! Also, a trip to the Northern Lights in Iceland. 

Jasmine on holiday in Northern Sweden and learning how to photograph the Northern Lights in Iceland. 

Who's your favourite musician?

Bruce Springsteen. I’ve seen him play a few times in Australia and he puts on such a great show. In particular, I loved the year he included Tom Morello in the E Street Band. I recommend you listen to their version of The Ghost of Tom Joad, Morello’s guitar playing is incredible.

Jasmine with a rescued baby Joey.

What types of projects do you find most interesting in your role? Projects that involve Mine Closure. I think it’s fascinating to assist clients with innovative ways to turn mine sites into a future land use that’s meaningful and useful to the community long-term. There are some very interesting examples from all over the world as to how others are managing this challenge such as pumped hydro schemes, under water hotels, dark matter laboratories and tourist attractions. Establishing a strategy for closure at the start of any mining project can provide enduring opportunities for communities in the future.

Jasmine and the ELA team out in the field. 

What's a fun fact about yourself?

I adopted two ex-racing greyhounds a few years ago, their names are Ginger (race name: The Elaborator) and Macca (race name: McLaren Vale Magic). Greyhounds are truly amazing animals; they enrich our lives every day!  

Share your genius, what is your top tip for clients working on approvals?

Robust and honest communication is the key to success. Whether that’s internally between discipline groups, or externally to community and regulatory stakeholders. 

Before ELA, Jasmine was a volunteer Emergency Response Team member. 

How do you make a difference in your role with ELA? I lead a talented and hardworking team in Adelaide, we work all over South Australia and interstate. I’m very focussed on delivering positive solutions and outcomes to our clients who come from a variety of sectors including mining, oil and gas, government, infrastructure and renewables. I believe that I make a difference everyday by leading by example in being a client focused consultant, fostering an inclusive team culture and empowering my team to live our company values of ‘listen first’, ‘be courageous’, ‘share your genius’ and ‘feed the culture’. I feel by doing so it allow us to make a difference in all the work we do for all our clients and the environment.

Nice to get to know you better Jasmine! 

Got a project that needs approvals expertise? Contact:

Jasmine Richards
Senior Environmental Consultant
Adelaide, SA
Mobile 0421 796 052
Email Jasmine.Richards@ecoaus.com.au