The world's largest mineral processing and geometallurgy research centre has appointed a new Director to guide it through the next stage of strategic development.
Dr Wayne Stange will join the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) within The University of Queensland's Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), transitioning with the existing Director during the second half of 2012. He brings with him 25 years' experience in research and technical roles, as well as in management consulting in the minerals industry.
Dr Stange has held senior roles with Hatch, Accenture, Deloitte and Alcoa, as well as founding and operating his own consultancy Synergistics. He is currently the Managing Director of AMIRA International, a member association of global minerals companies that develops and facilitates minerals research and development, and technology development.
JKMRC has worked closely with AMIRA since 1961 when the AMIRA P9 project was initially conceived, marking a significant event which would shape JKMRC research and AMIRA's collaborative research approach for the next 50 years. JKMRC has been successfully involved with several other AMIRA projects and the appointment of Dr Stange will only strengthen this long-term strategic partnership for the benefit of both organisations.
Dr Stange will be instrumental in ensuring research from JKMRC remains relevant to industry and government, and meets the requirements of its many stakeholders.
Further, he will be pivotal in the development and implementation of SMI's NextMine and NextWorkforce strategic initiatives. These complementary programs will integrate SMI's existing disciplinary excellence to ensure more sustainable and efficient mining operations in the future with appropriately trained personnel.
"I am delighted to welcome Wayne to the Sustainable Minerals Institute - he brings a wealth of industry and technical experience to the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre," SMI Director Professor Chris Moran said.
"Wayne has established a rapport with JKMRC staff and sponsors of the Centre during his term with AMIRA, that positions him and the Centre to continue delivering the world-leading outcomes that everyone has come to expect."
Dr Neville Plint, AMIRA Chairman, added: "Wayne and the Board of AMIRA have set AMIRA on an exciting new course which we will continue to build from. I look forward to updating our stakeholders as we work through a seamless handover process during 2012. We wish Wayne everything of the best in his new role and look forward to building on our strong relationship with SMI."
Dr Stange said: "I look forward to continuing many of the relationships that I have established with AMIRA stakeholders in my new role at JKMRC. It is an esteemed organisation which I feel privileged to lead at a time when the resources industry is facing unprecedented challenge and opportunity."
Dr Stange succeeds Professor Geoff Gault, who has been JKMRC's Director for the last two years. Professor Moran commended Professor Gault's efforts: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Geoff, who has provided insight and leadership to JKMRC during a time of transition for the Centre."
Media: Anna Bednarek with the SMI at (07 3364 4044 or a.bednrek@uq.edu.au) or Katie Legge with the AMIRA (03 8636 9987 or katie.legge@amirainternational.com).
