Overview

Australia is one of the most minerally abundant nations in the world, and the extraction of ores, metals, and minerals from the ground to export makes up a large part of our economy. Whilst a chemical engineering degree can be an excellent preparation for a career in the mining sector, the syllabus and institution haven't been geared towards this and so it has remained outside of the mainstream. Our panel speakers are excellent examples of what can be achieved in mining and will speak about their experiences in their chosen specialisations, namely bauxite, coal and lithium. This evening will give you a chance to learn from our speakers as well as to meet, interact, and network with them.

Speakers

Heidi McNichol, Process Engineer, Bechtel

Heidi is our bauxite specialist and has been working for Bechtel since her graduation from UQ in 2009. With some diverse early career experience in both coal and LNG, her last four years have been spent on Rio Tinto's Amrun project, which will solidify Australia's position as the world's top bauxite producer. Having been heavilly involved in the design phase, Heidi was mobilsed to far-north Queensland, where she spent much of 2018 helping to prepare the plant for its first shipment. Now a Chartered Engineer, Heidi is an excellent example of what can be achieved, and will share her learnings.

Dane Nielsen, Manager CHPP and SSE, BHP

Dane has built his career working at coal mines in the remotest areas of Queensland. A graduate of UQ, he spent his initial years with Peabody Energy, where he rose to the position of production supervisor at the Copabella mine. He then joined BHP in 2016, seeing the opportunity to help commission their state-of-the-art integrated remote operations centre (IROC) in the heart of Brisbane's CBD. With an MBA under his belt, he is on the career fast-track, and is now a site executive and manager of the Red Mountain Coal Handing and Preparation Plant (CHPP). Dane will share the secrets of his early career success.

Greg Sheehan, Global Lithium Director, Hatch

Greg is a principal consultant at Hatch, where he has built, and now directs, their global Lithium business. Having achieved his bachelor's degree at UNSW and his PhD at UQ, his early years were spent commercialising lab ideas at metal processing sites, which later led to him being the professor of extractive metallurgy at UQ. Now with almost 40 years of experience, and with lithium battery technology set to power the electric-vehicle revolution,  Greg is helping his clients to build new plants to meet the industry's rapid expansion. As a world-leading expert, Greg will provide valuable insight to anyone hoping to break the sector.

Time

18:00—20:30

Cost

Students: Free
Members: $12.00
Non-members: $17.00