Name:

Richard Waller

Title:

Business Development Manager at Bechtel Mining & Metals

Years in Industry:

18

Years in SME:

15

Social Media Sharing Options:

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Richard Waller, Project Manager at Bechtel Mining & Metals, shares how saying "yes" to every opportunity helped him build an 18-year career in the mining industry. From his roots in metallurgy at Colorado School of Mines to leading global projects today, Richard reflects on the value of early field experience, cross-company collaboration, and community involvement through SME.

In this video, you'll hear:
How Richard transitioned from graduate school into mining
Why fieldwork shaped his long-term career trajectory
The biggest challenges and most unexpected rewards he's encountered
Advice for young professionals: raise your hand and get involved
The role SME has played in helping him think beyond his own company to support the entire industry

Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow in mining, Richard’s story offers encouragement, perspective, and tangible next steps.
 

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