My name is Neil James, and as well as working full time in the mining industry, I am also a doctoral researcher undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Edith Cowan University.

My research focuses on psychosocial safety, leadership, and psychological wellbeing in the mining industry — particularly the lived experience of supervisors and frontline workers operating in complex, high-pressure environments.

This research is supported by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia. Details of their support can be found here.

Professional background

I bring to this research a background that spans:

  • leadership and organisational practice,
  • experience working with and alongside people in mining and related industries, and
  • a long-standing interest in psychology, wellbeing, and human behaviour at work.

This research sits at the intersection of practice and theory. It is informed by academic literature, but grounded in the realities of working life.

I have over 30 years executive management experience with public and private enterprise across NZ, UK, UAE and Australia. I was previously involved in Entrepreneurship education and research at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, where I was the Executive Manager External Relations for the Australian Centre for Entrepreneurship Research, and I also lectured in New Venture Strategy, Venture Capital, New Venture Growth on the QUT MBA program.

Since 2012 I have been working in the Australian Mining Industry which has directly influenced my desire to undertake this research

Why I am doing this research

Despite improvements in physical safety systems, many people working in mining continue to face significant psychosocial challenges.

I am particularly interested in:

  • how people experience leadership and support at work,
  • how supervisors navigate competing demands, and
  • how individual psychological strengths may help people cope when systems are under strain.

This research is motivated by a desire to contribute practical, evidence-based insights that support healthier, safer workplaces.

Academic supervision

This research is conducted under the supervision of experienced academic supervisors at Edith Cowan University.

My supervisory panel consists of:

Full supervisory details and publications arising from this research will be shared as the project progresses.

Research profiles

(Links to be added)

  • ORCID
  • Google Scholar (optional)
  • University profile (optional)

Contact

If you have questions about the research or participation, you are welcome to contact me directly.

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