Katie Kloentrup

What does a typical week look like for you, and what keeps you most energized?

A typical week consists of checking in on active projects, visiting operations to look for opportunities, and keeping eyes and ears open for new technology. If a viable solution is identified, a business case is developed for a trial or pilot. What keeps me energized is the opportunity to work with something new and to explore each site's unique challenges.

What aspects of automation and digital technology in the mining industry do you find particularly compelling? When did you realize this was more than just a job, that it was something you were truly passionate about? And what does passion, one of our Carmeuse behaviors, mean for you?

I think it's incredible to see how far mining technology has advanced over the last decade, and I feel fortunate to work for a company that values innovation enough to invest in a dedicated digital mining team. What excites me most are the disruptive technologies that challenge traditional ways of working, such as electric autonomous trains, manufacturer-agnostic autonomy solutions, and self-adjusting underground tunneling drills.

I realized this was more than just a job when I began seeing the real impact these technologies could have on safety, productivity, and the daily lives of our employees. Helping turn innovative ideas into practical solutions that make operations better is something I'm genuinely passionate about.

To me, passion means bringing enthusiasm, ownership, and curiosity to your work every day. It's continuously looking for opportunities to learn, improve, and challenge the status quo while helping others succeed along the way. That's what motivates me and keeps me excited about the future of mining.
 

What does it mean for a company like Carmeuse to be at the forefront of autonomous technology in its industry?

For Carmeuse, it means embracing innovation to make our operations safer, more efficient and more sustainable. By evaluating and implementing advanced systems such as autonomous equipment, digital fleet management and data-driven decision tools, we are helping shape the future of our industry. Most importantly, these technologies support our people, enhance safety and enable smarter operational decisions, ensuring Carmeuse remains a leader in innovation for years to come.

Where do you see autonomous and digital technology taking the mining and quarrying industry over the next decade?

I believe we will see greater adoption of autonomous equipment, real-time fleet optimization, predictive maintenance and AI-powered decision support. Rather than replacing people, these technologies will empower the workforce by removing them from high-risk tasks and providing better information for faster, more informed decisions. The most successful operations will be 
those that effectively combine skilled people, connected equipment and actionable data to drive continuous improvement and sustainable growth.

What is a side of you that people who only know you professionally might be surprised to discover?

I'm a creative and active person. I love travelling, playing volleyball, painting, reading and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. I enjoy experiences that challenge me to learn something new, whether that is exploring a different culture, picking up a new book, or trying a recipe I've never made before. Recently, I've also entered one of the most exciting chapters of my life: becoming a mom. Motherhood has been an incredible adventure and has given me a whole new perspective on balance, resilience, and what it means to grow through change.