Case study

CMOC North Parkes

About CMOC North Parkes Mines

CMOC North Parkes Mines, a major underground copper and gold operation in central New South Wales, partnered with Ringo to undertake a comprehensive safety culture survey. The goal was to benchmark current perceptions, generate authentic dialogue across the workforce and equip leaders with actionable insights that drive lasting change.

The challenge

Despite a mature safety management system, CMOC North Parkes Mines recognised a need to understand better the underlying attitudes, beliefs, and practices influencing safety behaviours. Traditional people pulse surveys had provided data but lacked the depth and engagement needed to support cultural evolution.

CMOC North Parkes Mines leadership sought a different approach that respected the workforce’s voice, offered practical leadership insights, and supported the organisation’s journey toward resilience, adaptability, and shared responsibility.

The solution

CMOC North Parkes Mines implemented Ringo’s 10-part Safety Culture Programme across operational and support functions. Key features of the approach included:

Co-facilitated sessions with operational leaders and safety coaches, ensuring credibility and relatability.
A blended approach of face-to-face workshops and digital tools to ensure full site coverage, including night shift and contract partners.
Discussion breaks after each module to unpack results, gather contextual insights, and co-design improvements.

The leadership team was visible throughout, framing the “why”, listening deeply, and modelling the curiosity and openness the programme aims to embed.

Our approach

Frontline Engagement: Participation was structured around shift patterns to maximise access and encourage open discussion, particularly in high-risk operational areas.
Leader-led Messaging: Senior and mid-level leaders launched and closed the programme, reinforcing alignment between strategy and daily work.
Integrated Feedback Loops: Every module was followed by a focused debrief to turn data into dialogue and surface the stories behind the scores.
Whole-of-site Coverage: A deliberate effort was made to include contractors, new starters, and non-operational staff to build a complete cultural picture.

The results

Achieved high participation across permanent and contract workforces, including maintenance, production, and technical services.
Critical enablers and barriers to safe work that had previously gone unspoken, particularly around workload pressure, procedural drift, and the voice of safety, surfaced.
Delivered a final report with strategic recommendations aligned with CMOC North Parkes Mines values and tactical actions tailored to each work group.
Provided practical insights into leader impact, trust levels, and team cohesion.

The impact

The safety culture survey at CMOC North Parkes Mines became more than a data collection exercise; it was a catalyst for conversations, a mirror for leadership, and a platform for prioritised action. Leaders now have a clearer insight into where to focus, and teams feel heard, respected, and part of the journey.