We’re thrilled to bring you a candid conversation with ZimiMeka — co-founder and CEO of Ausenco, one of the world’s top mining engineering firms.
From the soaring highs to unbearable lows, Zimi sharesstories of building mines in explosive-laden corners of Laos, hacking through Tanzanian & Zambian jungles, and navigating the temptations of debt and public markets.
Packed with timeless business lessons, investor insights,and a few cracking tales, we thoroughly enjoyed this is a masterclass.
This interview was recorded on 8 August 2025.
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TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Introduction to the Guest and His Achievements
(02:04) The Commodity Supercycle and Ausenco’s Growth
(08:03) Founding Ausenco and Early Challenges
(12:25) Key Projects and Breakthroughs
(16:38) Navigating Difficult Projects and Locations
(21:13) Ausenco's History and Learnings
(31:56) The Impact of Market Downturns
(32:31) Strategic Shifts in Business Operations
(33:17) Challenges in Project Feasibility and Execution
(34:56) Cost-Effective Project Delivery
(38:17) Balance Sheet Reflections
(39:32) Navigating Financial Challenges and Private Equity Deals
(46:45) Technological Innovations in Mining
(47:52) The Essence of Engineering
(51:30) Overrated or Underrated
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PARTNERS
Thank you to the mining services businesses that make thiscontent possible:
· Axis Mineral Services – Crushingservices for all requirements in mining, milling & civil applications | jason.orourke@axisminerals.com.au
· Sandvik Ground Support – The only ground supportyou’ll ever need
· Cross Boundary Energy– Independent power producer for the global mining industry | tim.taylor@crossboundary.com +61 466 184 943
· Focus by Marketech – All your mining news and market needs in one powerful platform | 10-day free trial
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