From Medical Instrumentation to Mining: Aymone Schendel's Unique Career Journey
Thu Feb 05 2026
In this episode, we chat with Aymone Schendel, a connector, community builder, and one of the most influential voices shaping the future of mining networks in the UK and beyond.
She is an inspiration behind The Oxford Mining Club, a global network designed to connect students, professionals, and leaders around thoughtful discussion, innovation, and responsible development in the sector. She also plays a key role in Women in Mining UK, an organisation dedicated to advancing gender diversity, visibility, and leadership across the industry. She is also behind MinSouth, a fast-growing initiative focused on connecting mining professionals and investors with opportunities across the Global South.
What sets her apart is her ability to bring people together across disciplines, generations, and geographies to create spaces where ideas, opportunities, and leadership can thrive. She has focused her career on building platforms that strengthen collaboration and inclusivity in mining, and we’ll explore what inspired her to build these communities and the impacts they’ve had. What achievements she’s most proud of, and the lessons she’s learned along the way, including the advice she would give her younger self starting out in this career.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Individuals from non-technical backgrounds can successfully enter the mining industry, as demonstrated by Aymone’s journey from medical instrumentation to mining through various roles.
Building impactful networks is crucial in the mining industry. Quality connections and active listening are emphasised as key components of effective networking.
Organisations like the Oxford Mining Club and Women in Mining UK focus on creating inclusive spaces for professionals to connect, share ideas, and foster collaboration
New entrants to the mining field are encouraged to seize opportunities, engage with industry professionals, and not shy away from networking events, as these can lead to valuable relationships and career advancements.
BEST MOMENTS
"I'm proof that anyone can work in the industry, even if you do not have a technical background. Don't let anyone tell you you can't work in mining."
"Networking with impact requires focusing on quality connections, not quantity. Create spaces of value. It's your time. It's their time. It's precious."
"If the opportunity is presented to you to work in the mining industry, don't dismiss it. Get all the facts, get out there, network, talk to people."
"We strive to make the industry as rewarding and fulfilling a place to start and grow a career, especially now, creating safe spaces for women to come together."
GUEST RESOURCES
The Oxford Mining Club: Website: http://www.oxfordminingclub.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oxford-mining-club-limited/?viewAsMember=true
Women in Mining UK: Website: https://www.womeninmining.org.uk/LinkedIn: Women In Mining UK (WIM UK)
MinSouthWebsite: https://minsouth.org.uk/LinkedIn: MinSouth
Aymone Schendel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aymone-schendel-48202a3/
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail: rob@mining-international.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/
X: https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast
Web: http://www.mining-international.org
CONTACT METHOD
rob@mining-international.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/
Podcast Description
Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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In this episode, we chat with Aymone Schendel, a connector, community builder, and one of the most influential voices shaping the future of mining networks in the UK and beyond. She is an inspiration behind The Oxford Mining Club, a global network designed to connect students, professionals, and leaders around thoughtful discussion, innovation, and responsible development in the sector. She also plays a key role in Women in Mining UK, an organisation dedicated to advancing gender diversity, visibility, and leadership across the industry. She is also behind MinSouth, a fast-growing initiative focused on connecting mining professionals and investors with opportunities across the Global South. What sets her apart is her ability to bring people together across disciplines, generations, and geographies to create spaces where ideas, opportunities, and leadership can thrive. She has focused her career on building platforms that strengthen collaboration and inclusivity in mining, and we’ll explore what inspired her to build these communities and the impacts they’ve had. What achievements she’s most proud of, and the lessons she’s learned along the way, including the advice she would give her younger self starting out in this career. KEY TAKEAWAYS Individuals from non-technical backgrounds can successfully enter the mining industry, as demonstrated by Aymone’s journey from medical instrumentation to mining through various roles. Building impactful networks is crucial in the mining industry. Quality connections and active listening are emphasised as key components of effective networking. Organisations like the Oxford Mining Club and Women in Mining UK focus on creating inclusive spaces for professionals to connect, share ideas, and foster collaboration New entrants to the mining field are encouraged to seize opportunities, engage with industry professionals, and not shy away from networking events, as these can lead to valuable relationships and career advancements. BEST MOMENTS "I'm proof that anyone can work in the industry, even if you do not have a technical background. Don't let anyone tell you you can't work in mining." "Networking with impact requires focusing on quality connections, not quantity. Create spaces of value. It's your time. It's their time. It's precious." "If the opportunity is presented to you to work in the mining industry, don't dismiss it. Get all the facts, get out there, network, talk to people." "We strive to make the industry as rewarding and fulfilling a place to start and grow a career, especially now, creating safe spaces for women to come together." GUEST RESOURCES The Oxford Mining Club: Website: http://www.oxfordminingclub.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oxford-mining-club-limited/?viewAsMember=true Women in Mining UK: Website: https://www.womeninmining.org.uk/LinkedIn: Women In Mining UK (WIM UK) MinSouthWebsite: https://minsouth.org.uk/LinkedIn: MinSouth Aymone Schendel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aymone-schendel-48202a3/ VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail: rob@mining-international.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X: https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast Web: http://www.mining-international.org CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/