With sustainability at the heart of every decision it makes, Silverstone is committed to providing flexible and innovative solutions to safeguard the future of Australia’s mining and construction industries. Kenny Keogh, Managing Director, reflects on the company’s holistic management approach and the importance of cultivating a safe and innovative workplace.
STEERED BY SUSTAINABILITY
A long-standing contributor to the nation’s economy, Australia’s mining sector continues to shore up GDP, exports, and employment as it navigates a fascinating crossroads.
On the one hand, it is witnessing strong demand persist across key commodities, particularly those tied to the energy transition.
At the same time, the sector faces challenges around cost competitiveness – particularly when it comes to emerging players – which have pushed Australian operators to adapt, improve, and focus on long-term value rather than short-term gain.
“What excites me most are the shifts we’re seeing around sustainability and innovation,” introduces Kenny Keogh, Managing Director of Silverstone, which was established to provide the Australian resources and construction industries with a flexible and innovative approach to energy.
“There’s now a serious push towards decarbonisation – not just talking about it but embedding it into operational decisions,” he adds.
As a result, companies integrating electrification, renewables, and closed-loop systems, Keogh predicts, are going to lead the way.
From a workforce perspective, the industry has witnessed a strong movement towards culture, safety, and continued professional development – areas in which Silverstone is investing heavily.
“We believe companies that look after their people and embrace smart technology are the ones that will endure,” he observes.
“In short, the sector is evolving fast, and those willing to embrace change, lead with purpose, and think long-term will shape the next decade of mining across the region.”
RAISING THE STANDARD
As a proudly Western Australian business providing integrated services to the mining, construction, and energy sectors, Silverstone has a growing footprint in the Pilbara and Goldfields regions and is actively expanding to the East Coast and broader Asia Pacific markets.
The company’s core capabilities span labour hire, project delivery, and structural mechanical piping and dewatering works, alongside ancillary services such as plant hire, recruitment, and site services.
“What sets us apart is our ability to deliver end-to-end support, from workforce solutions to execution on site, whilst maintaining a sharp focus on safety, reliability, and culture,” Keogh insights.
Supporting a wide range of Tier 1 clients, including BHP, Rio Tinto, Roy Hill, and all major gold companies in the region, Silverstone boasts a growing workforce of over 450 personnel.
“At its core, Silverstone is about building partnerships with clients, people, and the communities we work in. We’re not just here to do the job – we’re here to raise the standard,” he prides.
Differentiating the company from the competition is its culture and people, having built a business that prioritises relationships, reliability, and accountability.
“This is something that our clients can feel on the ground, not just something they see on a slide deck,” Keogh explains.
Another key difference is how Silverstone supports its workforce, investing heavily in training, safety, and well-being.
“We know that if we look after our people, they’ll look after the job. That mindset is reflected in how we attract and retain first-rate employees in a tight market, and it’s why we continue to grow through repeat business and word-of-mouth.”
A CONNECTED SUPPLY CHAIN
More than a mere labour provider or contractor, Silverstone is a genuine delivery partner.
“This means we take ownership, are proactive, and always aim to be part of the solution. We move quickly, remain hands-on, and operate with honesty, even when the conversations are tough,” Keogh outlines.
As such, the company has built a deep level of trust with a number of Tier 1 clients over the years.
With a smooth supply chain being a critical part of Silverstone’s ability to deliver consistently and at a high standard, it relies on strong, reliable partnerships to support its operations across multiple sites and projects.
“Whether it’s plant, materials, logistics, or specialist services, we don’t treat our suppliers as transactional – we see them as an extension of our business,” he tells us.
This means Silverstone maintains open communication with those facilitating its supply chain, aligning on expectations from day one.
The company works hard to build relationships with suppliers who share its values around safety, accountability, and performance.
“This means when challenges arise – as they inevitably do in this industry – having mutual trust keeps things moving forwards,” Keogh asserts.
Silverstone also views its supply chain partners as strategic collaborators in innovation, whether trialling new equipment, improving lead times, or creating more agile procurement models.
“We want suppliers that are willing to grow with us,” he states.
Ultimately, Silverstone knows that it is only as strong as the partners it works with, which is why the company puts just as much effort into cultivating mutually beneficial supplier relationships as it does with its clients and workforce.
“It’s all connected and key to our success,” Keogh adds.
“We take ownership, are proactive, and always aim to be part of the solution. We move quickly, remain hands-on, and operate with honesty, even when the conversations are tough”
Kenny Keogh, Managing Director, Silverstone
PROLIFIC PROJECTS
Over the past year, Silverstone’s teams have been working on a range of dewatering projects across the mining industry.
From large-scale water management solutions to specialised dewatering programmes, the company has supported clients in keeping their operations running efficiently, safely, and sustainably.
In keeping with its understanding of the importance of staff, Silverstone recognises how none of this would have been possible without the dedication, expertise, and hard work of its workforce, which collectively dedicated over 200,000 on-site hours to the projects.
The company also recently completed work in Pilbara on the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of a two megavolt-amperes power station.
The project’s safe, timely, and on-budget completion is a testament to the company’s ability to provide sustainable energy solutions alongside top-tier reliability.
“At the end of the day, Silverstone’s edge is simple – we care, act fast, and get the job done properly,” Keogh states.
As a vertically integrated energy business that serves as a one-stop shop from initiation to completion, Silverstone has managed various turnkey projects for a vast range of clients.
Notable examples include an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in collaboration with Pilbara Minerals, a dewatering project in collaboration with BHP, and the relocation of potable water boreholes at the South Jimblebar deposit.
“At the end of the day, Silverstone’s edge is simple – we care, act fast, and get the job done properly”
Kenny Keogh, Managing Director, Silverstone
FUTURE FOCUS
Looking ahead, Silverstone’s priorities for the next 12 months centre around sustainable growth, diversification, and building a resilient, values-driven business.
“We’re focusing on deepening our footprint in the mining and construction sectors, particularly through long-term partnerships with all our clients,” Keogh insights.
As such, the company is actively exploring opportunities to drive enhanced efficiency within the business, and a key goal for Silverstone is to strengthen its ability to self-perform across all five of its divisions – people solutions, construction, energy, maintenance, and surveying.
In doing so, the company seeks to acquire greater control of the delivery chain and offer a more complete solution to its clients.
“We’re also investing in systems, safety, and leadership development to ensure that as we grow, we don’t lose the culture and quality that set us apart,” he continues.
Concerning its workforce, the company is targeting growth whilst maintaining high staff retention, which means continuing to back its people, developing talent internally, and building a workplace people are proud to be part of.
“Ultimately, it’s about scaling the right way, staying agile, backing our relationships, and delivering consistently – that’s what will keep driving Silverstone forwards,” Keogh confidently concludes.
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