OZ Minerals recognises that its people are crucial to the company’s success. Through all stages of the economic cycle, we must continue to develop the capability of our people, as well as enhance our ability to attract, retain and engage employees. During 2008, OZ Minerals’ employees made a significant contribution to the business during challenging circumstances.

The merger of Oxiana and Zinifex required that two workforces and different cultures to join and create a new way of working together using legacy systems and processes across the business. An employee communications program which was initiated following the announcement of the merger, aimed to keep employees up to date on the merger process and business changes. Group Office employees were offered change management workshops in the early stages of the process and all employees were supported by the company’s Employee Assistance Program as required.

Following this period, in late 2008, the global economy and commodity prices contracted sharply forcing the company to cut capital and operating expenditure and defer a number of exploration and development projects. Unfortunately, this resulted in the removal of 1,212 employees and contractors from the business. Outplacement services and employee assistance programs were provided to employees and contractors affected by this, and the initial merger of the two businesses.

In addition, the company implemented a whole-of-business review designed to trim costs from the 2009 budget and ensure that all operations and offices were operating as efficiently and effectively as possible in a tougher economic environment. A large component of this program was engagement with employees who alone, through workshops and other sessions, identified in excess of A$370 million in savings across the business.