October 2008

Employee profile - Peter Kent

Hail Creek Mine senior business analyst Peter Kent leads a double life. When he’s not working, he’s travelling the world racing as a competitive triathlete.

Returning recently after representing Australia at the 2008 Triathlon World Championships in Canada, Peter fits in up to 20 hours of training per week when he’s leading up to an event.

Peter doesn’t just see the countryside through his sport. In the past 12 years working for Rio Tinto he has also spent time working on most of our projects.

“In my previous life as a geologist I worked on exploration at Hail Creek and Clermont mines, and also spent time on site at Blair Athol, Tarong, Bengalla and now at Hail Creek Mine,” Peter said.

“After competing in Canada recently I’ve taken the past three months off from training, however the break’s over as I am now focused on qualifying for the World Triathlon Championships which will be held on the Gold Coast next year.”

No doubt Peter enjoyed his time off, as he is usually up before 5am every day to fit in two hours of training before starting work, with up to two more hours after work – a commitment that would be daunting for most of us.

“I’ve competed in triathlons on and off since I was 16, and have been fortunate to represent Australia on three occasions; in the duathlon (run-ride-run) in Switzerland in 2003, and in the Triathlon World Championships in Germany last year and in Canada this year,” Peter said.

Peter is looking forward to qualifying for next year’s competition on the Gold Coast as it is his favourite racing venue due to the safe fast roads and great weather.

On the spot

What does your job entail? I’m responsible for a variety of commercial functions at Hail Creek Mine including business planning and forecasting, capital expenditure proposals, cost reporting and business reporting.

What do you do for fun? I’m pretty much an outdoors person and love mountain biking, kicking a footy around the park and spending time at the beach.

Do you have any other interests or hobbies? I enjoy playing guitar but unfortunately have very little time to devote to practising, so consequently I’m not very good.  I also love having a few drinks with friends but often have to cut back on this due to the negative effect it has on my training.

Tell us one interesting thing about you your colleagues don’t know. I love world wrestling entertainment (WWE)– it’s the best entertainment on television and I can’t get enough of it

What movie/cartoon character are you most like and why? This is something I’ve never considered – so I did an online quiz that said I was most like Pepe le Pew (without the smell). I’m not sure what to make of that one.

Make sure you read our other employee profile about Kestrel Mine’s John Gronbek.