Matthew Sinclair Email & Phone Number

Carnarvon, Western Australia, Australia

DSL’s Lake Macleod operation, part of Rio Tinto’s salt division, is a leading solar salt production site in Western Australia, known for its focus on quality and process innovation. As the Laboratory Team Lead, I directed a key project to address significant challenges with magnesium occlusion, working closely with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and operational efficiency. Following this success, I transitioned to Port Hedland, where I applied my experience to lead initiatives in theoretical modelling and process optimization, building a solid foundation in process chemistry and engineering to drive continuous improvement and innovative solutions.• Laboratory Management: Managing operations, overseeing a team of three, and ensuring timely reporting for shipping and internal analysis.• Process Improvement: Leading initiatives to reduce magnesium occlusion in salt crystals.• Data Monitoring: Tracking data throughout production, identifying and resolving out-of-spec issues.• Process Optimization: Assessing current parameters and conducting research for continuous improvement.• Shipping Analysis: Reviewing results, signing Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) to meet customer timelines.• ISO Compliance: Ensuring laboratory standards align with ISO and preparing for audits.• Wash Plant Quality: Maintaining salt quality in wash plant processes.• Stockpile and Blending Management: Ensuring shipment salt consistently meets specifications.• Crystallizer Management: Planning for crystallizer drain and fill to maintain 88% coverage.• Leadership Development: Attending the Rio Tinto Leadership Excellence Course.• Field Sampling: Refining sampling techniques to ensure accuracy.• Theoretical Modeling: Constructing models according to the mass balance to identify process bottlenecks and guide optimization projects.• Gypsum Quality Control: Overseeing gypsum mining operations to maintain product quality.

Gladstone, Queensland, Australia

Boyne Smelter, owned by Rio Tinto, is an aluminium smelter located in Queensland, Australia. It operates a state-of-the-art facility that produces high-quality aluminium products. • Compliance Management: Participating in audits to ensure laboratory procedures and safe work practices align with NATA and ISO standards.• Data Analysis: Conducting statistical analysis and correlation studies between particle sizes and elemental concentrations in XRF analysis, to optimize analytical accuracy and reliability.• Environmental Testing: Conducting environmental testing of site water samples using various methods such as inline distillation and UV-Vis.• Instrument Operation: Operating and calibrating XRF and XRD instruments for the analysis of carbon anodes used in electrochemical cells.• Instrument Validation: Validating the performance of new instruments in the laboratory, demonstrating knowledge of limits of detection.• Proactively identify and manage project risks and uncertainties, developing and implementing mitigation strategies to minimize potential impacts on project scope, cost, and schedule.• Produce accurate and timely project reports, highlighting key trends, variances, and potential risks, providing valuable insights to support informed decision-making by senior management.• Project Management: Leading project efforts aimed at improving ISE analysis of fluoride in water, including designing experiments and implementing corrective procedures.• Quality Control: Monitoring and operating the laboratory's OES systems to ensure high-quality analytical results for metal production samples.• Sample Analysis: Utilizing ion-selective electrode and quantitative IR techniques to analyse fluoride and oil concentrations in water samples, respectively.• Sample Preparation: Preparing samples for analysis via XRF fusion, and handling both liquid and powder samples.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

This role in an organic chemistry research laboratory encompasses providing key support to Post-Doctoral Research Fellows and was a part time role whilst studying my university degree.Primary duties include the assembly of complex laboratory apparatus, necessitating a keen attention to detail. Conducting multiple step organic synthesis grafting fused aromatic nitroxide species to graphene surfaces in order to synthesise a novel electrode for use in organic based batteries. These experiments required the use of n-butyl lithium which demanded a high level of safety and strict laboratory procedures due to its pyrophoric nature. Further responsibilities include the execution of diverse experiments, utilizing an array of analytical techniques. This enriches a solid understanding of scientific principles and refines hands-on laboratory skills. An essential aspect of this role is maintaining the stringent adherence to laboratory safety protocols, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment. This position provides a unique opportunity to work alongside accomplished researchers, contributing to important scientific endeavours while sharpening crucial laboratory competencies.

Gladstone, Queensland, Australia

During this intensive full-time placement at a Gladstone aluminium smelter, a sophisticated methodology and calibration for XRF and XRD was developed for the analysis of molten bath materials. This invaluable experience significantly honed analytical skills and provided comprehensive insight into the process chemistry of the plant. The opportunity to undertake projects using a multidisciplinary approach was a crucial part of the role, with teamwork being vital to effectively achieve the final project goals. The hands-on industry experience fostered a deeper understanding of operational dynamics, teamwork, and project execution in a real-world context, laying a solid foundation for a promising career in the industry.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Recruit Training, 1st Recruit Training Battalion (1 RTB)• Emphasized resilience and mental fortitude through physically demanding exercises and intensive drills.• Gained competency in teamwork, navigation, leadership, military studies, working under pressure, troubleshooting, and situational awareness.• Successfully completed a rigorous 80-day recruit training course designed to escalate physical and mental challenges progressively.Royal Australian Army (Signals Corps) - Simpson Barracks, VictoriaAdvanced Communication Systems Operator• Attained proficiency in utilizing cutting-edge technology, such as HF/UHF/VHF radio sets, microwave systems, fibre optics, various antennae arrays, and wide-band satellite systems.• Completed a comprehensive six-month training course focused on the principles of communications networks, installation, operation, and maintenance.• Developed in-depth understanding of communication network infrastructure, improving proficiency in establishing and maintaining communication lines.Royal Australian Army (Signals Corps)7 Combat Signals Regiment - Gallipoli Barracks, QueenslandCombat Systems Operator• Ensured the establishment, operation, and maintenance of various antennae arrays.• Led training of soldiers and officers on the latest communications equipment, setup, and Radiotelephone (RATEL) procedures.• Managed the establishment and operation of both strategic and tactical communication networks, enabling accurate command and control activities on the battlefield.• Oversaw the deployment and operation of HF, VHF, fibre optic, microwave, and wide-band satellite systems.• Provided critical communication and unit-level combat service support to the Headquarters 7th Brigade, facilitating effective command and control of assigned forces.