People Spotlight: Meet Colin Rossetti
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a resources and industrial business line leader from our Australia and New Zealand region and providing an insight into their inspiration and work.
Colin Rossetti is a seasoned engineering leader with over thirty-three years of experience across the mining and industrial sectors. He joined AECOM nearly 23 years ago as a senior electrical engineer and served in multiple technical roles gaining practical experience in power electronic systems, safety systems, shaft haulage systems, and rail traction power engineering before stepping into leadership roles. In his current role overseeing resources and industrial teams, Colin drives strategic business initiatives, provides project governance and mentors future leaders. In his spare time, Colin can be found bushwalking or volunteering at his local Repair Cafe where everyday items are fixed and put back into good use.
Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.
When I joined the industry in the early 1990s in North West Queensland, the choices for me were clear. I could follow in my family’s footsteps and be a sugar cane farmer, or study at university to pursue a professional career. Mining was a well-understood industry where I grew up, so I had a strong understanding of its value, how it supported communities and contributed to the economy. That broader impact, along with the interesting technical challenges, really solidified my interest in engineering as a career.
I was fortunate to get my start as a graduate and student intern at Mount Isa Mines in North West Queensland. I was working in research and development supporting automation projects for underground equipment — essentially making large underground loaders semi-autonomous or remote-controlled. It sounded really cool, and it was great fun for a couple of years before I moved on to different roles in operations and maintenance in the underground mines.
Mining was a well-understood industry where I grew up, so I had a strong understanding of its value, how it supported communities and contributed to the economy. That broader impact, along with the interesting technical challenges, really solidified my interest in engineering as a career.
What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
There have been a lot of great projects over the years, but the one that always stands out to me is the George Fisher Mine Expansion project, which I worked on between 2011–2012. I was the project manager for the underground mine expansion in North West Queensland, and what made it so memorable was the fantastic client team, a successful engineering delivery, and it also aligned with my niche interest in shaft haulage systems.
In my role, I led our teams in delivering the engineering design for the underground expansion, covering all the key fixed plant components — materials handling, dewatering, ventilation, communications, power, water, and the shaft haulage system itself. This included a 1,000-meter-deep haulage shaft, a new head frame, winder, and full integration of all the equipment and service facilities. It was a great example of our team’s expertise in ANZ, showcasing our strengths and capabilities in this specialized area.
The client was well-informed and set our teams up for success and that made all the difference. The project went so well that after completion the client’s project manager and I co-wrote a technical paper about the design and implementation of the shaft system. We had the privilege of presenting our paper together at an international conference in Sweden in 2015. It was a unique experience and something I’m still proud of. I’ve stayed in close contact with that project manager, even as he’s moved on to different organizations, which speaks to how well we worked together.
Another thing that made this project special was its location. George Fisher Mine is only about 20 kilometers from Mount Isa, where I started my career. So, when we were going through project reviews and risk assessments, I found myself sitting across from people I had worked with since the beginning of my career. That was hilarious — and really rewarding. We had open discussions, sorted through concerns smoothly, and built something that has been a successful piece of infrastructure for that operation ever since.
I was the project manager for the underground mine expansion in North West Queensland, and what made it so memorable was the fantastic client team, a successful engineering delivery, and it also aligned with my niche interest in shaft haulage systems.
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
I’d look at this in two different ways.
First, there’s the direct impact on mining operations — helping them become more profitable, more efficient, and more sustainable. That, in turn, benefits the surrounding communities. Take Mount Isa Mines, for example. Like many mining companies, they’re major supporters of regional initiatives, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). When I was living in Mount Isa, I attended a few fundraising functions for the RFDS, and it was clear just how much of their funding came from the mining industry. It makes sense — providing emergency medical services to remote mining operations is a key part of the Flying Doctor’s mission. By supporting these mining companies and ensuring their long-term viability, we’re also enabling them to continue their philanthropy, which is a big deal for the communities that rely on these services.
The second aspect is the minerals themselves. The George Fisher Mine, for instance, is a zinc operation, and this commodity, and others like copper, are becoming increasingly important — especially for the energy transition. Many of our projects in recent years have been centered around these critical minerals. Our clients see a bright future in mining them, but the challenge is that these resources are getting harder to access. The higher-grade and accessible deposits have largely been mined, so companies now must scale up their operations while dealing with lower ore grades.
That’s where our work comes in. Across projects like George Fisher and beyond, we’ve focused on improving outcomes in reliability, safety, efficiency, and overall operational performance. The goal is to help mining companies extract these essential resources in a way that’s both economically and environmentally sustainable. It’s a continuous effort, and that project was just one step in that broader journey.
Across projects like George Fisher and beyond, we’ve focused on improving outcomes in reliability, safety, efficiency, and overall operational performance. The goal is to help mining companies extract these essential resources in a way that’s both economically and environmentally sustainable.
Share a piece of career advice.
I always say be the first to volunteer for something. If someone asks for help with a task, especially if it’s a bit challenging or outside your comfort zone, step up. Even if you don’t feel fully ready, just go for it. You’ll learn a lot, and in many cases, you’ll become a trailblazer in that area, gaining experience that others might miss. Plus, your employer and colleagues will take notice!
I’ve almost always said yes to opportunities that have come my way, and it’s served me well. I’d encourage early professionals to do the same — don’t be afraid of the outcome. Especially early in your career, the stakes of trying something new aren’t as high as you might think. Even if things don’t go perfectly, the experience itself is valuable. The more challenges you take on, the more you’ll grow.
So my advice? Say yes. Be positive, take on the challenge. You never know where it might lead, and that’s half the fun.