2026年的演講者
Speaker Biographies
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Keith Barnard, PhD, Group Leader, Hydrometallurgy, CSIRO Molecular Science
Dr. Keith Barnard is a Senior Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Mineral Resources, with over 30 years of hydrometallurgical research experience. A Research Group Leader for 13 years, he has led teams across various mineral processing activities including base and precious metals, lithium, graphite, gold and alumina. Keith has consistently focused research towards delivering commercially relevant outcomes, including CSIRO’s engagement with BHP Nickel West, directly leading to Australia’s first battery-grade nickel sulphate facility. He also spearheaded strategic partnerships with Tivan Ltd., Panasonic Energy Corporation, and others to advance critical minerals processing and battery precursor production aligned with national priorities and future industry needs.
Silvia Black, PhD, Senior Program Manager, Amira Global
Dr. Silvia Black holds qualifications in Applied Chemistry and a PhD in Extractive Metallurgy, with over 35 years of expertise across mining, food, water, education, racing, forensic, and environmental sciences. She has published in leading international journals and presented research worldwide. As Senior Program Manager at Amira Global, Silvia leads strategic and collaborative initiatives, managing a global portfolio of Research and Innovation projects that advance long-term sustainability in the minerals industry. She currently leads the development of Amira Global’s Sustainability Framework, including its new Lithium Program. Silvia is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM) and Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (FRACI).
Robert Blythman, Exploration Manager, Cobra Resources plc
Robert has about 20 years’ experience as an exploration geologist, focused on South Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory. He has both mining and exploration experience in orogenic style gold projects and his experience covers a range of commodities including gold, copper, uranium and rare earths. Robert is responsible for delivering Cobra’s field programmes safely and successfully while ensuring the best possible outcome for all stakeholders.
Paul Breuer, PhD, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Mineral Resources
Dr Paul Breuer has over 25 years experience in gold hydrometallurgy research, development and process optimisation, including: • Thiosulphate leaching processes for gold recovery. • Cyanidation of copper-gold ores and concentrates and the impact of sulfide minerals. • Cyanide analysis, deportment and speciation. • Cyanide destruction and recycle processes. Paul has been with CSIRO for over 20 years leading research into the extraction of gold and other precious metals from ores. He was a member of the Australian government’s working group on cyanide management and contributed to the Cyanide Management handbook published in 2008. In addition to the development of the thiosulfate process, he has also supported the commercialisation of this technology with Clean Mining.
Joon Sung Choi, Senior Researcher, Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology, South Korea
No bio available.
Damian Connelly, Principal Consulting Engineer, METS Engineering
Damian is a Principal Consulting Engineer managing a multidisciplinary engineering team with extensive experience in the gold, copper, lead, zinc, uranium, nickel, lithium, vanadium and iron ore industries with particular emphasis on gold. Experience has been gained in plant operations feasibility studies, detailed design, construction and commissioning, and all unit operations. He is an internationally recognised specialist in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy having worked in North and South America, South East Asia, Africa and Europe and is highly sought after as an International Expert. The last +30 years working as a Principal Consulting Engineer on many resource projects and for mining, banking and engineering companies has provided a broad range of experience. Damian is a Registered Expert Witness and has been engaged on many cases. He is the author of over 220 technical papers on mineral processing, hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy
Alessandra Costa Barreto, Project Manager, Environmental Management, INB Industrias Nucleares do Brasil SA
No bio available.
Xianwen Dai, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO Mineral Resources
Xianwen Dai, a Principal Research Scientist within the Processing Program of CSIRO Mineral Resources, is an inventor of the Sustainable Gold Cyanidation Technology. Working with CSIRO since 2006, he has over 20 years experience in both fundamental research and industrial focussed gold hydrometallurgy. He has also made significant contribution to the development and establishment of CSIRO's leading research capabilities in thiosulfate leaching and recovery of gold technology as an alternative to cyanidation. He has published 3 PCT international patents as lead inventor and over 50 research papers. He has co-supervised several PhD and undergraduate student projects.
Thien Dinh, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO
Thien X. Dinh received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Ritsumeikan University, Japan. Following his doctoral studies, he has focused on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling for industry, with expertise in multiphase flows, combustion-induced shock waves-including explosions and detonations in gaseous and condensed media-and turbomachinery. Currently, as a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO, he specializes in CFD modelling of flow processes in mineral processing. His research interests include metallurgical flows, multiphase flows, and non-Newtonian fluid dynamics applied to mineral processing technologies.
David Dreisinger, PhD, Professor, Materials Engineering, University of British Columbia
David has Bachelor and Ph.D. degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from Queen's University (Canada) and since 1984 has worked at the University of British Columbia as Professor and Chair of the Industrial Research Chair in Hydrometallurgy. David is a co-founder of Atlas Materials and serves as CEO and CTO. David’s current work focuses on materials processing for decarbonization of battery materials production. David has received a number of professional awards including the Sherritt Hydrometallurgy Award (METSOC), the EPD Science Award (TMS), the Wadsworth Award (TMS) and the INCO Medal (CIM). David is a Fellow of CIM, Engineers Canada and the Canadian Academy of Engineering. He was recently inducted into the US Academy of Engineering as an International Member.
Michael Dry, PhD, Owner, Arithmetek, Canada
BSc Chemical Engineering , University of Cape Town, South Africa PhD (Eng) University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa Past Chair, Hydrometallurgy Section of MetSoc, Canada Extraordinary associate professor, North West University, South Africa. Mike has 40+ years’ experience in R&D, primarily in the application of hydrometallurgy to the extraction of metals. Since 2003 he has been operating as Arithmetek Inc., offering process and cost modelling services to the industry at large.
Tobias Elwert, PhD, CTO, cylib GmbH
Dr. Tobias Elwert serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at cylib GmbH, a leading European battery recycling company, since May 2025. Working in lithium-ion battery recycling since 2009 in academia and industry, he brings extensive expertise in hydrometallurgy and mechanical processing from previous leadership roles at Aurubis AG, BASF SE, Duesenfeld GmbH, Clausthal University of Technology and Quingdao University covering R&D, technology, business and strategy. At cylib, Dr. Elwert oversees technological development and industrial-scale implementation.
Kevin Galvin, PhD, Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals, Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, University of Newcastle
Kevin Galvin is the inventor of the Reflux Classifier used in gravity separation of fine mineral particles. With over 240 installations around the world, the technology has been used to beneficiate iron ore, mineral sands, potash, chromite, lithium, tantalum, cassiterite and other base metal oxides. New innovative systems are emerging including the Reflux Flotation Cell, Graviton, GradePRO, and a novel agglomeration technology. Kevin Galvin is a Laureate Professor at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and previous recipient of numerous awards including the Ian Wark Medal, ATSE Clunies Ross Award, and Antoine Gaudin Award in mineral processing. He is Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals.
Suné Grobbelaar, PhD, Director, Dynamet
Dr Suné Grobbelaar is a Process and Software Engineering Consultant at Dynamet Insights, specialising in the development of digital models for complex process systems. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Stellenbosch University, where her doctoral research focused on dynamic modelling of direct copper electrowinning operations. Since completing her PhD, she has worked on applying advanced modelling and data-driven methods to better understand, simulate, and optimise industrial processes. At Dynamet Insights, a specialist modelling and process analytics company, she contributes to the development of hybrid digital models that combine first-principles physics with data science to represent real process behaviour, support design and optimisation, and reduce development risk. Her work spans mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and related sectors, helping translate complex process behaviour into practical insight and informed decision-making.
Corin Holmes, General Manager, Jenike & Johanson
Corin Holmes is the General Manager for Jenike & Johanson Pty Ltd. He obtained his Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Greenwich, UK. Moving to Perth in 2012, he helped establish Jenike & Johanson’s Australian subsidiary becoming General Manager in 2022. During his career Corin has worked on a many projects designing hoppers and feeders, transfer chutes, stockpiles, and Train Load Out bins, helping ensure reliable flow in many industries. Improving or creating a design validated by the underpinning FLOW science of is one of the best parts of his job. The reward comes with the knowledge that the effort involved help to prevent or solve very real problems while providing clients with peace of mind. Corin has authored and presented numerous technical papers and presents public and in-house training courses.
Alex Holtzapple, President, Metsim International, LLC
Alex has 20 years experience in process simulation with METSIM®, focusing on, but not limited to, hydrometallurgical operations. During that time he has worked on projects for precious and base metals, salts, PGMs, and REEs. Roles in each project have varied, but the overall objectives have not: increase production through simulation; aka dig deeper into the process and search for meaning.
Wolfgang Keller, Vice President & Head of R&D, EKATO RMT GmbH, Germany
Wolfgang KELLER is a Senior Process Engineer and Head of R&D at EKATO Ruehr- und Mischtechnik. He has more than 25 years of experience in the field of chemical and mechanical process engineering. From 1996 to 2000, he worked at LONZA as a Production and R&D Engineer in a polymer plant. In 2000, he joined EKATO’s R&D department, where he has focused on various applications, including polymers and mineral processing. He holds a Master’s degree (Dipl.-Ing.) in Process Engineering from the Technical University of Karlsruhe, Germany. Wolfgang Keller is the author of numerous papers on industrial mixing technology and holds several patents. Memberships: - EFCE (European Federation of Chemical Engineering): board member of the ‘Working Party in Mixing’ - VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure)
Katerina Kryst, PhD, Senior Vice President, Technology, Summit Nanotech
Katerina Kryst is part of the technical leadership team at Summit Nanotech, where she leads efforts to advance and deploy the company’s proprietary direct lithium extraction (DLE) process. Her work spans the full technology lifecycle, from laboratory research through process development and field demonstration, ensuring that innovation translates effectively into scalable, commercial solutions. Before joining Summit Nanotech, Katerina led the development of metal recovery and solution purification technologies at Eco-Tec Inc., using proprietary short bed ion exchange systems for the energy, mining, and water sectors. She began her career in the resource industry with Cameco, working on uranium processing and environmental research. A licensed chemical engineer, Katerina brings over 20 years of experience in industrial process innovation and scale-up of sustainable technologies.
Samantha Langley, Head, Sustainability, Vulcan Energy Resources
For over 20 years, Samantha Langley has worked in the mining industry, with a career spanning site-based environmental and sustainability management, operational compliance and reporting, climate change action planning and decarbonisation project delivery across complex mining and mineral processing value chains. With Ms Langley’s leadership, passion and experience delivering world-leading projects that advance sustainability, Vulcan will reach new heights as we progress towards delivering our integrated sustainable lithium and geothermal renewable energy project.
Esme is a Chartered Professional Engineer and Ph.D. holder in Chemical Engineering with over a decade of practical experience spanning Mining, Chemicals, and Resources sectors. She has contributed to both brownfield and greenfield developments for major global clients including BHP Iron Ore, BHP Nickel West, Alcoa Australia, Newcrest Mining, FMG, POSCO, and ICL (Spain). Her expertise lies in hydrometallurgical process development across commodities such as lithium (hard rock and brine), uranium, nickel, natural graphite, high purity alumina, vanadium, and iron ore. Esme has successfully led and delivered technically complex projects at all phases-from concept through FEED to detailed engineering-across large-scale mineral processing facilities, pilot and demonstration plants, and ore handling systems. She has also worked on EPC/EPCM projects at the basic and detailed engineering stages. More specifically, Esme is highly proficient in flowsheet development and simulation tools including SysCAD, Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, OLI Studio, PHREEQC, METSIM, JKSimMet, ion exchange, and materials handling.
Craig Lennon, CEO, Nickel 28 Capital Corp
Mr. Lennon was appointed as Head of Asia Pacific of Nickel 28 Capital Corp (TSXV: NKL) in 2019 and CEO in January 2025. Mr. Lennon is a highly experienced corporate and finance executive, having served as the Managing Director (from 2016 to 2019) and Chief Financial Officer (from 2007 to 2016) of ASX-listed Highlands Pacific Limited. Prior to Highlands Pacific, Mr. Lennon worked for KPMG for five years in Australia, gaining experience in industries including manufacturing, construction, retail, hospitality and mining, and also worked in the United Kingdom for two years in the manufacturing industry. Mr. Lennon has vast experience working internationally with funding partners and corporate transactions including joint ventures, mergers & acquisitions, capital raisings and debt funding. Mr. Lennon is a Chartered Accountant (Australia) and member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia, has a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance with the Governance Institute of Australia, and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance with FINSIA and is a member of the Australian Institute of Directors.
Murdoch Mackenzie, PhD, Consultant Metallurgist, Australia
Education: University of Otago New Zealand, University of New South Wales. Experience: BHP Central Research, Senior Lecturer, University of NSW, Technical Director, Trochem South Africa, Regional Manager, Henkel Asia Pacific. Private hydrometallurgical consultant specialising in solvent extraction of copper, nickel, uranium, and rare earths.
Chris Madin, Manager, JordProxa
Chris is a chemical engineer, working as the Sales Manager for JordProxa. Chris has been working in mining, mineral processing and water industries for over 25 years. He has lived and worked in Australia, Canada, and the USA. He has experience working with Veolia, Andritz, Alfa Laval, and at JordProxa he is focused on process plants for battery minerals, biproduct salts and ZLD. Chris is pleased to be involved in the energy transition to batteries and renewable energy. It is good for the planet and interesting as a chemical engineer!
Leslie Miller, Senior Application Engineer, OLI Systems, United States
Leslie Miller is a Senior Application Engineer at OLI Systems, leading applications in critical materials and water treatment. She explores advanced modeling and optimization tools to solve chemistry-related operational challenges in industry. With 17 years of experience in water and wastewater treatment for the Oil & Gas and Maritime sectors, Leslie has a strong focus on novel technology development and scale-up. Since joining OLI Systems in 2021, Leslie has applied her expertise to emerging fields such as Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), Rare Earth Extraction, and battery recycling. She leverages advanced chemistry modeling and simulation techniques to drive innovation in these areas. Leslie holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Bucknell University, USA and has previous experience with ExxonMobil Research and Engineering; Naval Surface Warfare Center, United States Navy
Rob Mock, Director Research & Development, NOVA Hydromet
Rob is one of the founders of NOVA Hydromet, a company specializing in severe service applications for pressure hydrometallurgy worldwide, and currently serves as its director of research and development. Using an interdisciplinary approach based on first principles, Rob has helped resolve multi-million-dollar production issues at some of the world’s largest autoclave production sites and pioneered industry best practices in letdown analysis and design. He is passionate about solving complex problems, often using mathematical models that draw on various sciences and his experience in control theory from the aerospace and instrumentation industries. Rob has authored multiple patents, previously worked at Memorex, Textron, and Caldera Engineering, and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University.
Glenton Moses, Group Advisor: Climate Change, PLS
Glenton is an experienced climate strategist with nearly 20 years’ experience in environmental and climate science across government, consulting and the mining and resources sector in both Australia and around the world. He specialises in climate strategy design, carbon management, decarbonisation planning, energy efficiency and climate risk management. As the Group Advisor, Glenton leads the climate change portfolio for PLS, collaborating across the company to champion climate action and drive meaningful, long-term decarbonisation efforts.
Andrew Napier, General Manager, entX
I am an experienced Minerals Engineer, specialising in complex processes and project development. I have a passion for driving technologies and projects forward to achieve both positive and optimised outcomes. Having held engineering and leadership roles in the design, construction and commissioning of major greenfield and brownfield processing facilities, in my current role as GM Technology Development for Livium, I provide technical support for the commercialisation of innovative technologies to produce Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) cathode active material and Lithium Chemicals from lower grade hard rock sources.
Aleks Nikoloski, PhD, Professor, Centre for Water & Energy & Waste, Murdoch University
Professor Aleks Nikoloski, with a PhD in Metallurgical Engineering from Murdoch University, has 28 years of experience in teaching, research, and as a process engineer in extractive metallurgy. He works with industry to develop new technologies for minerals and metals production, specialising in applied electrochemistry for hydrometallurgy and energy storage systems. His research focuses on sustainable technologies for treating various minerals and metals. Over the past decade, Professor Nikoloski's research has concentrated on advancing technology for the beneficiation and chemical processing of lithium-containing materials to produce lithium precursor chemicals for batteries. In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, Professor Nikoloski is actively involved in multiple professional organisations and has an extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals. He has also disseminated his findings at numerous international conferences, solidifying his standing as a leading expert in his field. His contributions to extractive metallurgy have been recognised with various awards and honours. Committed to mentoring future engineers and scientists, Professor Nikoloski fosters a collaborative and innovative research environment. He supervises PhD and master's students, guiding them through their research projects and assisting them in achieving their academic and professional goals. His work advances the scientific understanding of metallurgical processes and aims to address environmental challenges associated with the mining and metals industries. Through his research, he strives to develop sustainable solutions that minimise the environmental impact of mineral extraction and processing, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Jess Page, Group Technical Manager, Data Analytics, WGA Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec, Australia
Jess Page is WGA’s Group Technical Manager. She is an experienced chartered chemical engineer and mathematician, who leads integrated teams of data scientists and engineers to deliver data driven solutions for complex systems. Jess leads development of process simulations, machine learning and cloud-based solutions, in a range of sectors including minerals exploration, minerals processing, water, managed aquifers, oil and gas, and manufacturing.
Tony Parry, PhD, Senior Consultant, Nexus Bonum, Australia
Tony was initially involved in pyrometallurgical technology development with Mt Isa Mines (developing the IsaSmelt Process), then followed an extensive period in stockbroking and corporate finance as a mining analyst before returning to metallurgical projects. Since 2014 Tony has recognised the potential of emerging sensor-based ore sorting technology and pre-concentration technologies generally in generating significant economic and environmental benefits for mining projects. He established his own consultancy in that area which was subsequently merged with specialist engineering group Nexus Bonum in 2021 to provide full services from test work programs to detailed feasibility studies.
Cameron Perks, PhD, Product Director Lithium, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence
Dr Cameron Perks is Product Director - Lithium at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, where he leads lithium consulting, cost-curve analysis, pricing forecasts, and sustainability. With over a decade of experience in critical-minerals markets, he has advised clients from junior miners to OEMs on strategy and valuation. He previously worked at TZMI and at the Geological Survey of New South Wales, a state government department, and holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering.
Nipen Shah, PhD, Head of Sales, JordProxa
Nipen Shah is Head of Sales at JordProxa. He looks after global sales of crystallisation and evaporation plants. He has over fifteen years of experience in designing and selling modular process plant and equipment to leading global companies. He is a Chemical Engineer and has a PhD from Monash University, Australia.
Steve Sloop, PhD, President, OnTo Technology LLC
Steve Sloop has pioneered comprehensive methods to improve safety and efficiency in recycling lithium-ion batteries and materials. These include deactivation of lithium-ion batteries to eliminate hazards in transportation and storage; electrolyte extraction; electrode harvesting and separation; and cathode-healing™, which is a direct method to reintroduce lithium, structure, and performance to scrap electrodes.
Marie-Alice Small, Group Manager Sustainability, PLS
Marie-Alice is an environmental scientist and sustainability leader with over 16 years’ experience guiding ESG and HSEC for major mining and resources companies across Australia and Central Asia. Recognised for driving measurable ESG improvements, and delivering award-winning reporting. Marie-Alice brings deep expertise in responsible minerals production and sourcing, climate risk and opportunity, and stakeholder engagement, bringing alignment with global standards and creating long-term value for organisations and communities.
Dirk Steinhilber, PhD, Application Technology Manager, LANXESS Deutschland GmbH
In his role as Application Technology Manager with LANXESS, Dirk develops new applications for ion exchange resins in the field of battery metals, waste- and drinking water. Prior to joining LANXESS in 2016 Dirk pursued a Post-Doc at Harvard University, with a main focus on ion exchange resin for pharmaceutical applications. Dirk obtained his PhD in 2013 in polymer chemistry. He is the author of 25 peer reviewed articles and 10 patents. His work was awarded by the Konrad Adenauer and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Alessio Vascon, PhD, Technical Manager, AMG Lithium GmbH
Alessio Vascon, PhD, is a chemical process specialist with experience in extractive metallurgy. He currently serves as Technical Manager at AMG Lithium GmbH, where he leads strategic process development, technology implementation, and resource evaluation for projects involving lithium minerals, brines, and recycling streams. He collaborates internationally on flowsheet design, pilot campaigns, technology assessments, and due diligence for lithium projects worldwide. Dr. Vascon has more than nine years of experience in lithium, spanning both lithium brines and lithium minerals. His brine-related work began in 2017 at ERAMET, where he played a central role in the development, optimization, debottlenecking, and piloting of a direct lithium extraction (DLE) process for the Centenario-Ratones salar in Argentina. His minerals-focused expertise includes spodumene, petalite, zinnwaldite, and low-grade lithium concentrates, with responsibilities covering flowsheet design, bench and pilot testing, technology selection, and process industrialization. Beyond lithium, his technical background covers a broad spectrum of critical materials. He has worked with rare earth elements (REEs) during his doctoral research and with actinides, specifically plutonium, during his research at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency on nuclear waste reprocessing. His earlier roles in the fertilizer and battery-recycling industries further strengthened his expertise in extractive metallurgy. Dr. Vascon holds a PhD in Nuclear Chemistry from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Germany) and MSc/BSc degrees in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Padova (Italy).
James Vaughan, PhD, Associate Professor, Engineering & Architecture & IT, University of Queensland
Associate Professor James Vaughan is the Chemical Engineering Metallurgy Major Lead and Leader of the Hydrometallurgy Research Group. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering at McGill University followed by Master of Applied Science and PhD degrees in Materials Engineering at The University of British Columbia in Canada. Before joining UQ, James gained industrial metallurgical process research and development experience with Glencore, Barrick and BHP. While at UQ, James served as Director of the University of Queensland Rio Tinto Bauxite & Alumina Technology Centre and has been Lead Chief Investigator of Australian Research Council Linkage and Discovery Projects. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and Program lead for the CRC bid "Critical Metals for Critical Industries".
Grant Wellwood, PhD, Principal, Wellwood Associates
An experienced process engineer specialising in the study (trade-off analysis) and innovation of mineral processing flowsheets, especially those associated with complex mineralogy. His career theme has been the challenge to improve both the grade and ultimate recovery of payables from polymetallic ores. In his previous role as the mineral processing principle in Rio Tinto’s Mine of the Future program, he was able to initiate and guide global innovation programs focussed on ore pretreatment, sorting, comminution and flotation. Utilising his innate ability to see signal in noise, he is the holder of over 20 mineral processing related patents in the area, demonstrating his ability to see business value creation opportunities through the lens of deep understanding and process empathy.
Phoebe Whattoff, Country Director Australia, Australia, Minviro Ltd.
Based in Perth, Phoebe leads Minviro’s commercial and business operations across the APAC region, working at the intersection of mining, sustainability, and technology. Phoebe's focus is on enabling mining and downstream supply chain partners to quantify and reduce environmental impacts-ensuring alignment with global ESG standards and customer expectations. At Minviro, Phoebe supports strategic growth across technical LCA delivery, commercial partnerships, and stakeholder engagement-helping clients navigate evolving requirements for responsible sourcing, product carbon footprints, and regulatory compliance. Previously, Phoebe’s technical work has centred around battery raw materials, particularly anode-grade graphite, where Phoebe led the development of Product Category Rules and contributed to the standardisation of life cycle assessment methodologies. Phoebe serves as Co-Chair of the WA Subcommittee for WISER (Women in Sustainable Energy & Resources) Inc., and actively contributes to Women in Mining and AMEC to support emerging professionals and drive positive change across the sector. Named one of the Top 25 ESG Consultants in 2022, Phoebe brings a strategic mindset and collaborative approach to scaling impact and embedding sustainability into core business practices.
Yimeng Xu, Assistant Manager, License Management, JGC Corp
Yimeng Xu is responsible for proprietary process technology management at JGC Corporation, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and has contributed to a wide range of process engineering projects, including hydrometallurgical non-ferrous metal refining (HPAL), biomass power generation, nuclear waste treatment, and ethylene production plants. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and exploring Japanese culture.
Chun-Xia Zhao, PhD, NHMRC Leadership Fellow Deputy Director of ARC Centre of Excellence, School of Chemical Engineering Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide
Professor Chun-Xia Zhao is a Professor and an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Leadership Fellow in the School of Chemical Engineering at University of Adelaide (UoA), the Deputy Director of an Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence. Before she joined UoA, she was a group leader, ARC Future fellow, UQ Amplify Fellow at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland. 8 She leads a research group focused on bioinspired engineering, biomimetic nanomaterials, and biomimetic devices for applications ranging from biomedicine to resource recovery. She has been awarded three national prestigious fellowship (Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship and ARC Future Fellowship, and NHMRC Leadership Fellowship). Prof. Zhao has published more than 170 referred articles and book chapters in international top refereed journals such as Nature Nanotechnology, PNAS, Science Advances, Nature Comm, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, ACS Nano, Small, AM, AFM, and so on. She focuses on innovative, translational research, evidenced by numerous patents and successful technology licenses, and has established strong collaborations with industry partners. She has built extensive collaborations with scientists at top universities such as Harvard University, Brown University, etc. She serves as the Editors, Editorial Board member for several journals.
