Shane Menere is an experienced and accomplished leader in the mining industry, currently serving as the CEO of Far East Gold Ltd. (ASX: FEG), an Australian-listed exploration and mineral mining company. With over 15 years of experience in mining operations and more than 25 years in resources and infrastructure projects across the Asia-Pacific region, Shane has earned a reputation for his visionary leadership, strong work ethic, and deep commitment to sustainable practices.
Shane Menere | CEO | Far East Gold Ltd.
At EliteX, we are proud to have Shane Menere as part of the edition: 10 Elite CEOs in Asia, 2024.
Shane Menere’s career journey began with a profound appreciation for the critical role that natural resources play in shaping global economies and supporting local communities. Throughout his professional life, Shane has taken on diverse roles that have helped him develop expertise in the mining sector. He has worked in multiple countries, including Australia, Hong Kong, the USA, the Caribbean, Indonesia, and Mexico, building an impressive portfolio of cross-cultural communication skills. As the original Founder of Far East Gold, Shane stepped in as CEO and now leads the company’s efforts to explore and develop mineral resources in Australia and Indonesia. The company boasts a portfolio of six advanced copper and gold projects in these two countries, with a focus on resource development through operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. Under Shane’s leadership, Far East Gold is committed to uncovering high-quality mineral assets while maintaining a positive relationship with local communities and stakeholders.
“Challenges are inevitable, but each setback is an opportunity for growth. It’s our resilience and determination that define our success.”
Prior to founding Far East Gold, Shane served as the APAC President Director for a global mining technology, services, and equipment processing company. This additional processing experience working closely with most of the operational mining sites throughout APAC, allowed Shane to stay at the forefront of innovation and technology in the mining industry creating a platform for Far East Gold as an industry leader in exploration technology and ultimately creating a path through to production. Shane’s decision to enter the mining industry was fuelled by his deep-seated belief in the importance of natural resources for economic development and global progress. His early exposure to the mining sector ignited a passion not only for resource extraction but also for creating meaningful and lasting impacts on the communities and environments where mining operations take place. Integrity and transparency have been central to Shane’s leadership philosophy. He believes in leading by example and ensuring that all of his business decisions are made with honesty and ethical considerations. This commitment to transparency has earned him the trust of his team, investors, and stakeholders, all of whom respect his dedication to responsible business practices.
Over his two-decade-long career, Shane has learned that there is always a solution to every challenge, no matter how complex. His determination and problem-solving mindset have been crucial in helping him overcome obstacles and drive the success of Far East Gold. This alignment with the company’s core values has propelled both his personal career and the company’s growth in the competitive mining industry. Shane Menere’s leadership style can be best described as collaborative, transparent, and results-driven. He believes in fostering a culture of trust within his organization by consistently acting with honesty and integrity. By leading with these values, Shane has been able to build strong relationships with his team members, investors, and local communities.
One of the key aspects of Shane’s leadership is his focus on attracting and developing top-tier talent. He believes that the success of a company is rooted in the abilities and dedication of its people. To achieve this, Shane empowers his employees to reach their full potential by giving them opportunities to develop their analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. According to Shane, the most important quality of a successful CEO is the ability to balance vision with execution. While it is essential to have a clear strategic direction, it is equally important to ensure that goals are achieved in a responsible and efficient manner. Shane’s approach to leadership has enabled Far East Gold to grow sustainably while maintaining a strong focus on long-term value creation. Under Shane Menere’s leadership, the mission of Far East Gold is to identify and develop mineral resource projects that create economic value while promoting sustainable development. The company is committed to discovering high-quality mineral assets, particularly in Australia and Indonesia, and transitioning them into production.
Shane has been instrumental in driving the company’s strategy, ensuring that every project aligns with Far East Gold’s long-term goals. He places a strong emphasis on sustainable resource development and believes that the company’s success depends on its ability to balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. Looking ahead, Shane envisions significant growth for Far East Gold over the next five years. His goal is to expand the company’s portfolio of mineral assets while strengthening relationships with local communities and stakeholders. Shane is committed to moving the company’s projects into production, generating economic benefits while fostering positive social impacts, such as job creation and community development. Shane also sees the next five years as a pivotal period for cultivating a diverse and skilled workforce. By attracting and developing top talent, he aims to ensure that Far East Gold is well-equipped to navigate the evolving challenges of the mining industry.
As the CEO of a mining company, Shane Menere has faced numerous challenges. One of the most significant hurdles has been synchronizing the long-term strategy of the company with the short-term expectations of shareholders. Shareholders often seek immediate returns, such as rising stock prices, while the company may require substantial upfront investment to transition projects into the production phase. To address this challenge, Shane prioritizes transparent communication with shareholders. He keeps them informed about the company’s long-term goals and provides regular updates on the progress of strategic initiatives. By building trust through open communication, Shane has been able to align shareholder expectations with the company’s growth strategy, ensuring long-term success.
Shane’s approach to setbacks is rooted in resilience and a desire for continuous improvement. In the mining industry, challenges are inevitable, whether they stem from market fluctuations, operational difficulties, or regulatory changes. Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, Shane sees them as valuable learning opportunities. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and collaboration, Shane encourages his team to share insights and brainstorm creative solutions. This approach strengthens the team’s problem-solving abilities and ensures that setbacks are handled effectively. Shane also maintains transparency with stakeholders, sharing lessons learned and outlining steps for improvement.
Innovation is at the heart of Far East Gold’s success, and Shane Menere is committed to staying ahead of the competition through the use of cutting-edge technologies. The company invests in advanced exploration tools, such as geophysical mapping and data analytics, which enhance the accuracy of mineral discovery and reduce the time and cost associated with traditional exploration methods. Shane also promotes a culture of continuous improvement within the organization. He encourages his team to think creatively and share ideas that can enhance operational efficiency and safety. By fostering innovation, Far East Gold remains competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
Sustainability is a key priority for Shane Menere and Far East Gold. The company is dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact and ensuring that its operations are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner. Far East Gold complies with strict environmental policies related to energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, and reclamation of exploration-affected areas. One of the company’s most significant achievements in sustainability is its voluntary participation in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), making Far East Gold the first Australian junior exploration company to do so. This commitment underscores Shane’s dedication to corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship. Shane believes that the support of local communities is essential to the success of Far East Gold’s operations. To that end, the company has established community engagement programs that address the needs of residents living near its operational areas. These initiatives include the development of Village-Owned Enterprises, participation in religious activities, and cultural heritage surveys.
By maintaining open communication with local communities, Shane ensures that Far East Gold’s activities are conducted with integrity and respect for the people and environments affected by the company’s operations. Shane Menere’s success as a CEO is supported by his disciplined daily habits. He starts each day with a focused morning routine, reviewing his goals and setting clear priorities. This practice helps him stay aligned with the company’s long-term vision and ensures that critical tasks are addressed first. In addition to maintaining a strong work ethic, Shane incorporates physical activity into his daily routine, such as martial arts training. This commitment to physical fitness not only boosts his energy levels but also enhances his mental clarity and focus throughout the day.
“Success is not just about finding resources; it’s about respecting the communities and environments we operate in.”
Four remarkable individuals have profoundly shaped Shane’s journey to becoming an inspirational and resilient leader: his father, Laurie Menere, his martial arts mentors, Errol and Desi Wright, and visionary guide, Malcolm Anderson. Laurie Menere instilled in Shane the core values of integrity, kindness, and accountability from an early age. These principles serve as Shane’s guiding compass as he leads, mentors, and inspires those around him, passing forward the lessons he was taught with unwavering commitment.
From the age of 14, Errol Wright has been a pivotal figure in Shane’s life, training him not only in the physical skills of martial arts but also in the mental discipline and resilience of a modern-day warrior. Errol’s influence has helped Shane cultivate grit, tenacity, and a commanding presence, along with a confidence that has driven him to face and conquer challenges in business with a fearless spirit. Equally important, Desi Wright, Errol’s wife and fellow instructor, has balanced this mentorship with her own unique strength, insight, and compassionate guidance. Desi’s influence helped Shane to see leadership as a balance of strength and empathy, teaching him to remain resilient yet attuned to the needs of his team and stakeholders.
Finally, Malcolm Anderson, founder of Anderson Bushi Kai, has provided ongoing mentorship that challenges Shane to stretch his limits and push for excellence. Malcolm’s visionary outlook has inspired Shane to become a leader who not only commands respect but also nurtures those around him, ensuring that others find success and fulfillment under his guidance. Today, as a result, Shane is a modern-day warrior for his businesses and stakeholders, devoted to securing rewards for those he leads and cultivating a legacy of strength, integrity, and mentorship.
Shane Menere’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and future CEOs is rooted in his personal experiences:
- Have Grit: Success is not a straight line. Be prepared to face challenges, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Cultivate perseverance and remain determined in the face of adversity.
- Prioritize Integrity: Trust is the foundation of any successful business. Always act with honesty and transparency, as your reputation is one of your most valuable assets.
- Foster Strong Relationships: Surround yourself with a diverse team and value their input. Collaboration is key to innovation and success. Listen to your team, engage with stakeholders, and build lasting relationships.
Through these principles, Shane Menere continues to lead Far East Gold on a path of sustainable growth, innovation, long-term success and value creation. His commitment to excellence, integrity, and community engagement ensures that the company remains a leader in the mining industry.