Justin Tupper’s love for the Mardie Salt and Potash Project started long before he worked for BCI Minerals. Over two years ago, he started with 28 Villages, the Mardie Project’s village service provider, as breakfast chef and then village manager.
A desire for change led him to apply for the Process Operator position at BCI Minerals which he’s been doing for nine months and loving it. In his new role, Justin works as part of the Operations team, focusing on the trial ponds and the continued testing and trialling of systems to support operational readiness.
Why did you decide to make the switch from village operations to Process Operator?
“I chose to switch to an operator role because I wanted to be involved in something new and exciting. I liked BCI's approach to mining more than any other project I've worked on before and wanted to be a part of it.”
What do you like about your job at BCI?
“No two days are ever the same! I enjoy the variety of tasks we undertake every day and the strong sense of community that BCI Minerals continually builds.”
Justin meeting Martin Yan (from Yan Can Cook), one of the chefs who inspired him to cook.
Tell us about your time in kitchens, before joining BCI.
“I hold two trades within the food industry: butcher and chef. I stumbled into butchery when I worked as a cleaner at a butcher shop and was offered an apprenticeship after high school. Cooking, on the other hand, had always been a passion of mine, but the opportunity to pursue it professionally came later in my career. I was fortunate to secure an apprenticeship at Crown Perth, where I eventually qualified as a chef. That period of my life remains a source of great pride.”
It sounds like you have a bit of a love for cooking, is that the case?
“I’ve always had an interest in cooking, particularly because of my background in butchery. After my youngest was born, I had the privilege of being a stay-at-home dad while my wife returned to work. When I decided to re-enter the workforce, I took an apprenticeship opportunity that allowed me to care for my son during the day and work in the afternoons and evenings.”
Justin with his son.
Do you get to spend much time in the kitchen now?
“Much of my spare time is spent shuttling my eight-year-old to his soccer commitments, but I still relish the chance to cook for friends and family. Besides that, I enjoy meeting up with loved ones and listening to music in my free time.”
What kind of music do you like?
“I love Country and Western music, particularly anything by Brad Paisley or Luke Combs!”
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“Salt of the Earth” is a fortnightly series where we get to know our dedicated team members.
To see the current opportunities at BCI Minerals, please visit our careers page: https://www.bciminerals.com.au/careers.html