#132 - Graham Kerr (South32): Building a Mining Career Without a Mining Degree

In this episode of Sweat Capital, we sit down with Graham Kerr, CEO of South32, for a rare, career-focused look at leadership, capital allocation, and what it actually takes to succeed in mining. Graham’s path defies the stereotype. He didn’t study mining engineering — instead, he began with business, finance, and information systems before joining BHP as a graduate. By going all-in on learning, pushing beyond head-office finance roles, and taking on operational responsibility early, he progressed from analyst to CFO to CEO. We unpack his time at BHP, including what working inside one of the world’s largest resource companies taught him about capital allocation, scale, and optionality. Graham shares how moving into site-based and operational roles reshaped his leadership style — and why leaving the “safe path” at key moments proved critical to long-term growth. A major focus of the conversation is the BHP–South32 demerger and what it takes to build a company from day one. Graham reflects on creating culture from scratch, leading assets others didn’t want, making hard portfolio decisions, and why discipline — not size — defined South32’s strategy over the next decade. If you’re interested in leadership, mining, or how real careers are built inside complex organisations, this episode is a masterclass in learning fast, owning responsibility, and playing the long game. ***This episode was recorded on 14 January 2026 at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For more information, visit futuremineralsforum.com Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn. We'll see you in the next one, Keep playing the long game.