People

Our Team

Led by Laureate Professor Kevin Galvin our Centre taps into the skills and expertise of some of Australia – and the world’s — most eminent scientists, engineers and researchers representing diverse scientific disciplines. Collectively COEMinerals members are developing technologies, inventing world-first scientific techniques and enabling new capabilities for minerals recovery during minerals processing (beneficiation). Members collaborate closely with industry, community and sustainability experts and the Centre’s PhD and early career researchers represent the next generation of research and sector leaders.

Executive Committee

Kevin Galvin

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Annemarie Fawkner

William Skinner

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Chun-Xia Zhao

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San H. Thang

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George Franks

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David Beattie

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Elham Doroodchi

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Chris Aldrich

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Susana Brito e Abreu

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Ellen Moon

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Seher Ata

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Chris Ritchie

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Eirini Goudeli

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Kim Stockham

Chief Investigators

Laureate Professor Kevin Galvin

University of Newcastle

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Professor William Skinner

University of South Australia

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Professor / Centre Co-Deputy Director Chun-Xia Zhao

University of Adelaide

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Professor San H. Thang

Monash University

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Associate Professor Liza Forbes

University of Queensland

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Professor / Centre Co-Deputy Director George Franks

University of Melbourne

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Professor David Beattie

University of South Australia

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Associate Professor Elham Doroodchi

University of Newcastle

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Professor Chris Aldrich

Curtin University

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Dr Susana Brito e Abreu

University of Queensland

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Associate Professor Ellen Moon

Deakin University

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Professor Seher Ata

University of NSW

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Professor Geoffrey Evans

University of Newcastle

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Emeritus Professor Graeme Jameson

University of Newcastle

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Professor Erica Wanless

University of Newcastle

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Professor Grant Webber

University of Newcastle

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Professor Kenneth Williams

University of Newcastle

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Dr Peter Ireland

University of Newcastle

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Associate Professor Mahshid Firouzi

University of Newcastle

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Associate Professor Kym Runge

University of Queensland

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Professor Anh Nguyen

University of Queensland

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Professor Yongjun Peng

University of Queensland

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Professor Mohsen Yahyaei

University of Queensland

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Associate Professor Anthony Stickland

University of Melbourne

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Professor Marta Krasowska

University of South Australia

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Dr Chris Ritchie

Monash University

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Professor Alister Page

University of Newcastle

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Dr Eirini Goudeli

University of Melbourne

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Dr Christian Antonio

University of Queensland

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Partner Investigators

Professor Steven Armes

The University of Sheffield

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Professor Aaron Noble

Virginia Tech

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Dr Colin MacRae

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Dr Nathan Webster

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Professor Robert H. Davis

University of Colorado Boulder

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Professor Zhenghe Xu

Southern University of Science and Technology

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Associate Investigators

Professor Peter Scales

University of Melbourne

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Professor Karen Hapgood

Swinburne University of Technology

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Dr Liguang Wang

University of Queensland

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Associate Research Professor Max Zanin

University of South Australia

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Dr Graeme Moad

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Dr Ben Muir

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Professor Roe-Hoan Yoon

Virginia Tech

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Professor Jan Miller

The University of Utah

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Professor Jan Cilliers

Imperial College London

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Dr Kathyrn Hadler

Imperial College London

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Professor Stephen Neethling

Imperial College London

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Dr Pablo Brito Parada

Imperial College London

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Professor David Weitz

Harvard University

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Dr Ghislain Bournival

University of NSW

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Dr Negin Amini

Deakin University

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Dr Richmond Asamoah

University of South Australia

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Associate Professor Boris Albijanic

Curtin University

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Professor Nigel Cook

University of Adelaide

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Associate Professor Anton Blencowe

University of South Australia

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Dr Daniela Laskovski

University of Newcastle

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Research Associates

Dr Guangze (Daniel) Yang

University of Adelaide

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Dr Marko Hilden

University of Queensland

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Dr Shane Usher

University of Melbourne

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Dr Tina Hsia

Monash University

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Dr Bellson Awatey

University of Queensland

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Dr Unzile Yenial Arslan

University of Queensland

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Dr Simon Iveson

University of Newcastle

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Dr Farhana Diba

University of Queensland

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Research Assistant Lizette Verster

University of Queensland

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Dr Ngoc Nguyen

University of Queensland

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Dr Tuan Nguyen

University of Queensland

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Dr George Abaka-Wood

University of South Australia

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Dr Yang (Jessica) Li

University of Adelaide

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Dr Sajid Hassan

University of Melbourne

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Dr Xiu Liu

Curtin University

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Dr Aleksej (Alex) Lavrinec

University of Newcastle

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Dr Joseph (Yeo Cheon) Kim

University of NSW

Dr Shankar (Raj) Devkota

University of Adelaide

Dr Dion Weatherley

University of Queensland

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Dr Emmanell Baawuah

Curtin University

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Dr Lucia Dzinza

University of Queensland

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Ms Hayla Miceli

University of Queensland

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Dr Wei (Will) Ng

University of Melbourne

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Dr Piotr Pawliszak

University of South Australia

Dr Sirjana Adhikari

Deakin University

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Dr Juan Jose Gonzalez

University of Queensland

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Dr Malgorzata (Gosia) Hermanowska-Young

University of South Australia

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Dr Pouria Amani

University of Newcastle

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Dr Meri Ayurini

Monash University

Dr Yanting Gao

Monash University

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Dr Qi Shao

University of Queensland

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Dr Lauren Bradney

University of Newcastle

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Dr Elif Ergun Donohoe

University of Newcastle

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PhD Students

Mr Bernard Agbenuvor

Curtin University

Program 1, Development of a geometallurgical coarse gangue rejection indicator for gold ores

Mr Danesh Perera

Monash University

Program 3, Hydrophobic Modification of Mineral Particles Based on Cardanol Derivatives and Its RAFT copolymers

Mr Jiarui Chen

University of Queensland

Program 1, Flotation of Minerals in Reflux Flotation Cell

Miss Meolla Yvon

University of Newcastle

Program 1, Ultrafine recovery of base and precious metals using nano-scale permeable films of oil

Miss Jackquline Eardley

University of Melbourne

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Program 1, Selective flocculation of hematite and silica for fine particle flotation

Mr Yuxuan Luo

University of Melbourne

Program 2, Thesis Title: Dewatering of Small Hydrophobic Flocs

Miss Candice Brill

University of Queensland

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Program 2, Thesis Title: Investigation of direct reagent addition to bubble surfaces via the gas phase on hydrophobic particle recovery

Miss Anran (Annabelle) Niu

University of Queensland

Masters Student Program 1, Thesis Title: Correlation of surface chemical heterogeneity at the micron scale with hydrophobicity and particle-bubble interaction forces

Mr Syamsundar Menon Murali Mohan

University of Newcastle

Program 1, Influence of Turbulence on Coarse Particle Detachment from Particle-laden Bubbles in Froth Flotation

Miss Sonia Khandaker

University of Newcastle

Program 1, The adsorption of RAFT polymeric collector for selective flotation of specific minerals

Mr Lequan Zeng

University of Melbourne

Program 1 & 2, Aggregation and Breakage Dynamics of Fine Particle Aggregates under Shear by CFD-DEM Simulation

Ms Thao Thi Phuong Nguyen

University of Queensland

Program 1, Macroscopic and microscopic studies of froth drainage, stability, and water recovery in froth flotation

Mr Sayed Janishar Anzoom

University of NSW

Program 1, Interaction of bubble‐particle clusters with a froth zone in coarse particle flotation

Ms Weththige (Samadhi) Fernando

Monash University

Program 3, The design and synthesis of bio-inspired multifunctional collectors

Mr Joshua Starrett

University of Newcastle

Program 1, Size Classification in Early Gangue Rejection

Mr Brady Wright

University of Newcastle

Program 1, The Adhesion kinetics of Fine/Ultrafine Particles within the Downcomer of a Reflux Flotation Cell

Mr Noyan Palabiyik

University of Newcastle

Program 1, Determination of Umf in Fluidised Bed Flotation

Mr Quang Dao

University of Queensland

Program 1, X‑ray Computed Tomography in Density and Surface Exposure Analysis of Coal and Mineral

Ms Regina Medeiros

University of Melbourne

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Program 2, Thesis Title: Improving the recovery of valuable fine copper minerals using commercial and novel polymers

Mr Yunzhou Qian

University of Melbourne

Program 2, Computational simulation of particle agglomeration

Mr Yuxi Liu

Monash University

Program 3, Responsive molecular materials as dynamic adsorbents for reverse flotation technology

Ms Linda Ayedzi

University of South Australia

Program 1, Fast Flotation of Fine Particles

Ms Rupinder (Roop) Kaur

University of South Australia

Program 3, Development of bio-polymer collectors and depressants for selective mineral flotation

Mr Abdullaziz (Zak) Zakari

University of Newcastle

Program 1, Hydrodynamics of flow régime transition in a reflux flotation cell

Miss Margaret Ekua Amosah

University of Newcastle

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Program1, Ultrafine Gravity Separation using Inclined Channels Subjected to Different G Forces including Standard Gravity

Mr Matthias Orchard

University of Adelaide

Program 3, Development of novel bioflocculants for clay particle flocculation

Mr Azeez Aregbe

University of Melbourne

Program 2, Improving flotation recovery by application of oils to enhance collection of coarse particles with low surface liberation

Mrs Carolina Carvajal

University of Queensland

Program 1, Investigation on fracture along grain boundaries

Mr Daniel Dodoo

University of Melbourne

Program 1, Characterising and Predicting Talc Floatability in Copper Ore Flotation

Mr Minuk Jung

University of NSW

Program 1, Ultrasonic-assisted flotation to enhance bubble-particle adhesion kinetics of ultrafine particles

Mr Nhat Nguyen

University of Queensland

Program 1, Enhancement of bubble-particle attachment and recovery at coarse particle size and low surface liberation

Ms Alisha Debas

Monash University

RAFT-Derived Hydrophobic Polyampholyte Self Assemblies as Collectors in Froth Flotation

Miss Yang (Sabrina) Yang

University of Adelaide

Program 3, Development of specific metal binding biomolecules for efficient mineral separations

Mr Imtiaz Shah

University of NSW

Program 1, Enhanced bubble-particle adhesion kinetics of ultrafine particles through bubble particle interaction in a shockwave at elevated pressure

Mr Rocky Mensah

University of Newcastle

Program 1, Mining Wastewater Remediation for the Selective Recovery of Valuable Metals

Mr Yuri Fernandes

Deakin University

Development of novel RAFT polymer-based reagents for the selective separations of mineral fines

Mr Alireza (Ali) Allahyari

University of South Australia

Application of synthetic and biopolymers in selective recovery of minerals

Miss Farzane Barzegarsattari

University of South Australia

Wetting, spreading, and adhesion of oils on composite mineral surfaces

Mr Ruilin (Ricky) Zhao

University of Adelaide

A Sustainable Approach for Mineral Processing and Recycling

Ms Naghmeh (Nami) Abavi Torghabeh

University of Newcastle

Electrostatic separation for dry mineral processing

Ms Kathleen Ranay

University of Queensland

Numerical modelling of the influence of stressing mechanisms on preferential and grain boundary breakage

Mr Tareq Moahmmed Al-Shami

University of Melbourne

Objective 2: Modelling aggregate attachment to bubbles

Miss Joy Maniaul

University of Queensland

The effect of High Voltage Pulse treatment of sulphide minerals and other breakage mechanisms on the mineral interfacial properties: surface chemistry, hydrophobicity, and bubble interactions

Mr Mark Drechsler

University of South Australia

Energy and Processing Benefits of a New Dry Comminution Technology

Ms Desire Awuye

University of Newcastle

Investigation of homogenous fluidisation to enhance gravity separation in the reflux classier

Mr Hamidreza Saffarian

University of Newcastle

Interactions of Bubbles and Particles in Multiphase Flow Systems: Fundamentals and Applications in Material Recovery from Waste

Mr Angel Abraham Gomez Valezquez

University of Queensland

Experimental Evaluation of a Downcomer in a Laboratory Scale Jameson Cell

Mr Philip Adu

University of South Australia

Mineralogical and Surface Chemical Factors Influencing the Flotation Recovery of Fine Mineral Particles

Ms Shiva Chahardahmasoumi

University of Newcastle

Ultrafine flotation using a Reflux Flotation Cell

Mr Karlo Leandro Baladad

University of Queensland

Preconcentration using High Voltage Pulse Selective Breakage to promote coarse particle flotation

Mr Sylvester Williams Elikem Aziblame

University of Newcastle

Dependence of Flotation rate constant on Particle Composition

Mr Luke Holt

University of Melbourne

Improving coarse composite particle recovery using novel emulsions

Mr Dung Nguyen

University of Queensland

Application of X‑ray CT scanning in describing partition curves of separators, particle properties and separability

Miss Harshika Imanjiali Kankanam Ralalage

University of Newcastle

Ultrafine Recovery of Fine Particles using Nano-scale Permeable Films of Oil

Thomas (Tom) Tildsley

University of Newcastle

A New Pathway for Preparing Iron Ore for Downstream Processing

Danni Luo

University of Melbourne

Morteza Namvar

Monash University

Professional and Technical

Centre Chief Operations Officer Annemarie Fawkner

University of Newcastle

Annemarie has extensive experience in the areas of senior management, administration, strategic, implementation, compliance, quality systems and training. Prior to the COO role she was the Hub Manager for the ITRH, ARC Research Hub for Advanced Technologies for Australian Iron Ore. She has over 11 years’ experience working with National Government and State regulatory bodies and has worked within the Education, Mining, Transport & Logistics and Hospitality Industries. Over her career she has written, implemented, monitored and maintained compliance and quality systems; as well as created within these industries effective learning programs from operational to work, health and safety.

Research Assistant Dr Joshua (Josh) Brown

University of Newcastle

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Melbourne Node Manager Michelle de Silva

University of Melbourne

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Technician Raul Cavalida

University of Melbourne

Research Assistant Dr Joshua Sutherland

University of Newcastle

UQ Node Admin Officer Ms Andrea Gray

University of Queensland

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UQ Node Business Manager Sherrie Palmer

University of Queensland

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Media & Communications Officer Kim Stockham

University of Newcastle

Kim is an internationally awarded Communications leader who has led organisational, agency and government communications in Australia and Asia Pacific (APAC) spanning technology, education and travel/tourism sectors. Kim works in close coordination with Centre team members to create Communication strategy, plans, messaging and content supporting Centre priorities, prioritising social media channels and news/sector media outlets. Further, her role spans development of communications content associated with the Centre’s conferences, annual report, government relations and industry outreach. Kim is a member of the Centre’s Executive Committee as well as the ‘Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ (GEDI) team.

Research Assistant Dr Raju Chowdhury

University of Newcastle

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Research Assistant Miss Kitty Tang

University of Newcastle

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Research Assistant Ms Erin Wallace

University of Newcastle

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Workshop Craftsperson / Assistant Mr Andy Grover

University of Newcastle

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Dr Janeshka Goonewardena

Deakin University

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Advisory Board

Professor Simon Biggs FTSE FREng (Advisory Board - Chair)

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Professor Simon Biggs is Vice Chancellor and President of James Cook University Australia. His research interests are broadly within the field of particle and colloid engineering. He is the author of more than 200 refereed papers in international journals, as well as more than 20 patents. His work has received more than 7000 citations. Prior to taking on senior leadership roles, he led a number of large, multi-year research consortia in the UK.

Professor Richard A Williams OBE FREng FTSE (Advisory Board Member)

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Professor Richard A Williams is Principal and Vice Chancellor, Heriot-Watt University, and an academic and entrepreneur in on-line measurement and simulation of mineral processes, energy storage and environmental technologies. He is a graduate of Imperial College London and has held posts at the Universities of Manchester (UMIST), Exeter (Camborne School of Mines), and as Pro Vice- Chancellor at the Universities of Leeds and Birmingham. He is a Fellow Academician of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He is an Advisory Board member of the Lloyds Register Foundation, a Non-Executive Board Director of the British Geological Survey, and a Trustee of Entrepreneurial Scotland. He has developed new technology start-ups in radical innovation in on-line rheology, flow imaging, particle modelling and thermal nanomaterials

Professor Jacques Eksteen (Advisory Board Member)

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Professor Jacques Eksteen is a chemical and metallurgical engineer with 30+ years’ experience in industry and academia. He is Chair for Extractive Metallurgy at the WA School of Mines; Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering. He is also the Program Lead for Technology Readiness Level Progression for the Commonwealth Funding Trailblazer program on Critical Minerals and Resources Technologies. He was seconded from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2022 to the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre Ltd (FBICRC) as Research Director and Chief Operating Officer. Subsequently he continued in the role of Chief Scientist.. Jacques holds a PhD in extractive metallurgical engineering and has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers. Jacques also holds the position Chair: Extractive Metallurgy at the Western Australian School of Mines in Curtin University.

Ms Silvia Cristina Alves França (Advisory Board Member)

Silvia Franca is Director of the Mineral Technology Center (CETEM), Brazil. A chemical engineer, she has served as head of the New Mineral Products Development Service, Coordinator of Mineral Processes and internal member of the Center’s Technical-Scientific Council. She has experience in RD&I projects in the mineral processing area, with an emphasis on solid-liquid separation operations, rheology of pulps and mineral tailings, dewatering, reuse of industrial water and application of new methods of disposal of tailings from the mining and metallurgical industry, among others. She has been a member of the United Nations working group on Water in Mining.

Dr Martin Rudolph (Advisory Board Member)

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Dr Martin Rudolph heads the Processing Department at the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF) at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf (HZDR) in Germany. A process and chemical engineer, he was elected Chair of the Mineral Processing Division, and as EU representative of The International Mineral Processing Council (IMPC) — the world’s leading organisation for representatives from science and industry involved in the processing of raw materials — in 2024.

Mr Adrian Beer (Advisory Board Member)

Adrian Beer is Managing Director of the Australian Innovation Exchange (AIX) and the former CEO of METS Ignited, the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Centre for the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector. He has more than 30 years of industrial technology experience, across a wide range of capital-intensive industries. His career has encompassed product strategy, digital transformation, and commercialising innovation; from small-scale start-ups to global corporate roles with two of the world’s largest industry technology organisations. With a background in electrical engineering, Adrian has worked in mining and resources, energy utilities, transportation and defence. He holds an MBA from the University of New England, is a Fellow of AusIMM and serves on numerous advisory boards including the Newcastle Institute of Energy and Resources (NIER) and the AROSE Resources Advisory Board.

Dr Sharna Glover (Advisory Board Member)

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Sharna is the Co-Founder, Director and CEO of Imvelo, and a Non-Executive Director of ASX-listed company Queensland Pacific Metals. She has more than 25 years’ experience in the Resources sector with her career focusing on the intersection of Engineering, Technology and People. Her career has spanned from working in a large global mining and processing house for twenty years to Imvelo.ai, which delivers novel resource engineering models and operational support to the productive embedment of autonomous electrified systems. Previously, Sharna was a Program Director with BHP. She was a key member within business strategy, mergers and acquisitions, business planning, major capital projects, technology commercialisation and Remote Operating Centres. Sharna was awarded the 2021 Technology Woman in Resources Award for Queensland. Sharna holds a first-class double degree in Chemical Engineering and Science, as well as a PhD in Engineering.