Directors

Clint Zahmel - Managing Director

  • General business management

  • Executive with extensive domestic and international experience in the mining, infrastructure and transport industries.

Chris Hanson - Director

  • Geology and geotechnical.

  • Career background in mining technical services, mine feasibility studies, geotechnical, geology/exploration, and safety, health and risk management.

  • Chris has completed a Certificate in Tailings Management through the AUSIMM, and has a broad understanding of all aspects of tailings reclamation and rehabilitation management.

Gerald van Niekerk - Director

  • Extraction and processing.

  • Engineering product developer and innovator.

Key Personnel

  • John Rich - Advisory

    In addition to a distinguished career with BHP, John’s industry positions have included:

    • Director of the Energy Users Association of Australia Pty Ltd.

    • Chairman of the Qld Major Gas Users Group.

    • Chairman of the Nth West Qld Gas Users Group.

    • Chair of the BHP Energy Forum Group.

    • Member of the ACARP Greenhouse Gas committee.

    John has also been pivotal as:

    • Lead manager for studies and sale contracts for reprocessed coal rejects and coal tailings.

    • Working with industry and industry bodies to develop combined strategies.

    • Working with research groups in addressing emissions.

    • Negotiating and coordinating with Federal & State Government on Energy issues.

  • Patrick Humphries - Studies

    Patrick has over 20 years' experience in underground coal mining operations, feasibility management and mining research. Patrick has led major project feasibility studies for Adani Mining Australia, BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, Vale and Mount Isa Mines (now Glencore) to identify, develop and deliver high capacity underground coal mines in a timely manner.

    Patrick has a solid background in underground coal production including roles as Longwall Superintendent, Technical Services Superintendent and Ventilation Officer at a number of Queensland mines. He has extensive expertise in the development, implementation and management of Principal Hazard Management Plans for Ventilation, Gas, Mine fires and Spontaneous combustion. Patrick has been a leader in the development and application of innovative inertisation techniques for the prevention of spontaneous combustion in underground coal mines resulting in increased safety and productivity in Queensland coal mines.

  • Kurt Baumgart - Mining

    Kurt has over 33 years’ experience in opencut mining, infrastructure and port operations. Kurt has led and grown businesses for Downer/Roche Mining and MacKellar Group delivering excellent outcomes for partners like Bravus Australia, BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, FMG , Idemitsu, Stanwell, and Middlemount coal through the development of high performing teams to deliver projects in a safe and timely manner.

    Kurt has a strong background in all facets of open cut mining having worked in gold, iron ore, copper, rare earths, lead, zinc and coal operations in both operational and plant roles, from site engineer through to general manager.

    With Kurt’s extensive operational experience and ability to build high performing teams, he has been able to deliver value to stakeholders through understanding their needs and developing alternative strategies to secure work, via innovate mine plans, flexible commercial models, resource sharing, optimisation and being transparent about risk and reward.

  • Walter Keilich - Geo

    Walter is a mining professional with over 20 years’ experience in mining / geotechnical engineering and holds Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (Geotechnical Mining) status. 

    He has experience in open cut and underground operations including operational site support, geotechnical risk management, site investigations, geotechnical design, numerical modelling and project management.

    Walter also holds a PhD in mining / geotechnical engineering from the University of Wollongong in the field of mine subsidence mechanics and longwall mining effects on river valleys.

    Walter’s core skills include:

    Operational site support including geotechnical design reviews, site inspections and secondments.

    Geotechnical model development, including rock mass characterisation and domain modelling.

    Development of Principal Hazard Management Plans and TARPs.

    Independent technical reviews, due diligence and studies.