Transforming Production Through Master Data – A Mining Industry Deep Dive
In this episode of our Thought Leadership Series, Rohan Salvi, Associate Director at Verdantis sits down with Susan Morton, Global Material Master Data Governance Lead at Barrick Gold, to explore how one of the world’s largest mining companies is revolutionizing its operations through strategic, data-led initiatives.
With a wealth of experience across major mining organizations, Susan shares firsthand insights into the critical role of master data in driving operational efficiency, reducing risk, and enabling smarter business decisions. From navigating the complexities of large-scale data environments to implementing cutting-edge governance practices, her expertise offers valuable lessons for leaders across industries.
🔹 Master Data as a Strategic Asset
Why MDM is far more than a one-time cleanup—it’s a foundational pillar for operational excellence and sustainable growth.
🔹 Inventory Accuracy & Maintenance Optimization
How Barrick ensures accuracy and efficiency through eBOM mapping and spare parts criticality analysis.
🔹 Leadership for Transformation
Key leadership qualities needed to lead digital transformation and build effective data governance frameworks.
🔹 Stakeholder Engagement
Strategies to align internal stakeholders, streamline governance, and ensure lasting project success.
🔹 Post-Project Prioritization
What insights and process shifts matter most after a successful master data implementation.
🔹 The Future of MDM in Mining
How the mining industry is embracing data-led transformation and the rising influence of AI in MDM.
CDOs, CIOs, and IT Leaders driving digital transformation
MDM and Data Governance professionals
Operations and Maintenance Leaders in asset-intensive industries
Anyone looking to build a solid master data foundation for growth
Susan Morton is a seasoned supply chain and procurement professional with extensive experience in master data governance, currently serving as the Global Material Master Data Governance Lead at Barrick Gold Corporation. With a career spanning over three decades, Susan has held pivotal roles at industry giants like Rio Tinto and Barrick Gold, specializing in material master data management, price file standardization, SAP implementations, and offshore team leadership.
Susan holds advanced diplomas in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and has a rich background that includes entrepreneurial experience in music production. Based in Nevada, she is known for her expertise in streamlining procurement processes and aligning global sourcing strategies through effective data governance.
As Associate Director at Verdantis, Rohan brings a wealth of knowledge in Master Data Management and Data Governance. He leads business development, presales and plays a vital role in process improvement initiatives. As part of Verdantis’ master data quality and governance awareness program, Rohan has hosted several webinars and events, demonstrating AI powered data quality and governance as key tools to improve supply chain efficiencies and procurement procedures. In the past, Rohan has been instrumental in delivering automated MDM solutions for 50+ global clients across industries.
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Oil and Gas organizations face huge unwanted costs in the form of losses, penalties and compensation due to industrial accidents, taking a sizable chunk of their revenues. One of the important reasons for failures and accidents is the breakdown of key industrial infrastructure arising from ineffective management of the material base and inefficiencies in the MRO supply chain that are highly critical for the production and maintenance cycles.
More and more organizations are now looking to establish Master Data Management (MDM) implementations in order to manage their assets through informed decision-making based on reliable data and ensure optimal industrial safety across the enterprise.
About the company:
This US based company is a global leader in providing essential mechanical components for both land and offshore drilling rigs, complete drilling and well servicing rigs, as well as a comprehensive range of tubular inspection, internal coatings, drill string equipment, lifting and handling gear, and downhole drilling tools. It also offers supply chain services through distribution centers strategically located near major drilling and production sites worldwide. With over 800 manufacturing, sales, and service centers globally and annual revenues exceeding $12 billion, the company delivers customer-focused solutions tailored to meet the energy industry’s quality, productivity, and environmental needs.
The company faced significant challenges with their master data.
• Lack of consistency and standards for the master data
• Incorrect, incomplete, unclassified and outdated attribute fields of master
data High volumes of data in multiple languages
• Multiple ERP and other legacy instances across the company
• Poorly structured material descriptions
• Lack of data governance and collaboration across cross-functional divisions and locations
Solution: Material Master Data Harmonization & Ongoing Maintenance
The company implemented Verdantis Material Harmonize to cleanse and enrich its historical material master data. Using AI-powered tools and the Verdantis Content Repository, the solution classified, standardized, and eliminated duplicate materials.
Once the data was harmonized, Verdantis Material Integrity was deployed for ongoing data governance. It ensured continuous data accuracy through real-time validation, AI-driven classification, and duplication prevention, maintaining high data quality across enterprise systems.
Key Actions Taken:
Results Achieved:
By integrating Material Harmonize & Material Integrity, the company achieved a scalable, AI-powered Master Data Management framework, ensuring long-term data consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
