INTHEBLACK June 2025 - Magazine - Page 33
Jairo Bernal CPA has worked
in challenging environments in
multiple mining operations
across the globe.
Being prepared for a takeover
is essential in the mining sector,
which is known for its volatility.
Bernal believes that
transparency can help reduce
negative outcomes in teams
when major change is occurring.
LEADERS AND INNOVATORS
A groundbreaking
career
Jairo Bernal CPA has headed up the finance function of multiple
international mining companies — and enjoyed his fair share of risk
along the way.
Words Megan Breen
Photography Philip Gostelow
PADDLING A TINY CANOE DOWN
the river deep in a Sumatran jungle
to escape illegal miners is one of the more
unusual situations Jairo Bernal CPA has
found himself in during a career spanning
four continents, two decades and several
mining operations.
As former head of finance and company
secretary at Chilean lithium mining
company SQM, Bernal is adept
at managing complex financial operations
and navigating the challenges of
cross-border business, from exploration
to construction and operation of
multi-billion-dollar investments.
“The resources and mining sector is
unlike any other industry,” he says. “You’re
constantly dealing with uncertainties, ranging
from permitting and licensing
to evolving government and sustainability
regulations and requirements. In addition
to that, there are operational and cultural
differences to navigate.”
One such example is when Bernal
was in Indonesia in 2014 to spearhead
the financial operations for an ASX-listed
gold miner. While he knew the area had
some risks attached to it, Bernal says
he hadn’t anticipated the challenge
of navigating a treacherous river to get
away from imminent danger.
“I was there to deal with budgets
and systems’ implementations — I certainly
wasn’t expecting to have to get in a canoe
to escape from illegal miners who were
threatening to set the camp on fire,”
he says. “That was definitely not part
of the job description.”
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