When asked what he considered to be his hidden talent, Senior Mining Surveyor Tzanis Palioudakis paused.
“I’m a problem solver," he answered. "I think that’s my talent.”
Coming up to his eight-year anniversary with MinRes, Tzanis' work ethic and appetite for problem solving led him to be recognised as a MinRes Marvel - nominated by Mine Improvement Technician, Tim Holtfreter. Tim recognised Tzanis for taking on several roles in recent months, including across out fleet management system, hardware installation and repairs, setting up and maintaining site Wi-Fi, and even stepping into a Mine Supervisor role.
Tim says Tzanis' never-give-up attitude and outstanding work ethic has helped improve productivity, while a recent system project sign off resulted in a 100% functionality – a direct reflection of his hard work and willingness to go above and beyond.
Tzanis’ role sees him managing three surveyors, flying a GPS drone, ensuring all procedures are carried out safely, capturing data for site engineers, and monitoring the stability of pit walls. Among many career highlights was his transfer to Wonmunna, where he managed the end-to-end implemented a high precision GPS system.
Tzanis said he enjoyed leading people and helping other departments, but admitted he was shocked to be nominated as a MinRes Marvel.
“As a leader, I don’t really expect to be recognised,” he said.
“I always make sure I thank my team for their role and all the one percenters they do.”
Tzanis has been in the mine surveying game for 14 years, having started his career in South Australia before taking on contracting work in Kalgoorlie, then commencing with MinRes in 2015 at the Iron Valley iron ore project.
“I had only ever heard good things about MinRes, and when I joined we were relatively small,” he said.
“I feel like I have made the right choice – I can see the vision and we have ticked a lot of boxes, particularly in the past two to three years.”
Despite his successes, Tzanis remains incredibly grounded and thanks his parents for their bravery when migrating from Greece.
“My biggest heroes are my Mum and Dad,” he said.
“They got themselves here from Greece with no money to start a new life.”
A lover of the round ball game, Tzanis played for Floreat Athena National Premier Leagues side and still competes at the amateur level while also spending time in the gym. An avid traveler in his younger days, Tzanis has clocked up 25 countries in his passport but admits the most unforgettable destination was his family’s hometown of Chania in Greece.
He credits the bravery of his parents in starting a new life in Australia for his positive outlook on life.
“My biggest fear is not taking risks," Tzanis said. "If you don’t try, you never know.”
