I have developed standardised processes for drill and blast within Rio Tinto Iron Ore and partnered with both internal and external suppliers to develop technology to improve drill and blast within Iron Ore. As Senior Specialist I also conduct regular first party assurance audits to ensure the safe transport, storage and use of explosives.

The primary purpose of this role was managing and leading team of drill and blast engineers and mine surveyors to ensure that operating conditions for the drill and blast, load and haul and ore processing cycle while aligning with productivity and financial business.This was achieved by monitoring blasting performance and optimising the drill pattern designs and the blasthole charge and tie-in designs through the use of specific tools Rio Tinto tools, geological data and site specific operational experience. The Mine Surveyors provide quality surveying services to operational, geotechnical and planning teams by generating spatial data, geological and as-built surveys, production movement volumes and other miscellaneous mining information to the required regulatory and internal standards.

This role was a Perth based secondment to the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Team, part of Rio Tinto Iron Ore, Orebody knowledge and planning department. My role was to lead the Drill and Blast Optimisation project. The objective of this project was unlock value by providing a standardized methodology and technique which enables the drill and blast engineer to optimise drill and blast cost, dig ability and plant throughout. The standardized tool kit provided to drill and blast engineers will enable fragmentation analysis that considerations various ore body properties and blast related inputs. Optimisation leverages off key enablers such as the transition to electronic detonators and more powerful bulk explosives to all Rio Tinto Iron Ore sites. An integral part of optimisation is the promotion of greater feedback into design through the use of Rio Tinto technologies and tracking of project benefits with the Productivity Driving Performance system.

The primary purpose of this role was managing and leading team of drill and blast engineers and mine surveyors to ensure that operating conditions for the drill and blast, load and haul and ore processing cycle while aligning with productivity and financial business.This was achieved by monitoring blasting performance and optimising the drill pattern designs and the blasthole charge and tie-in designs through the use of specific tools Rio Tinto tools, geological data and site specific operational experience. The Mine Surveyors provide quality surveying services to operational, geotechnical and planning teams by generating spatial data, geological and as-built surveys, production movement volumes and other miscellaneous mining information to the required regulatory and internal standards.

Working back to back with the Operations planning superintendent I have enjoyed supervising the Yandicoogina operations planning team of which ten members are my direct reports. My daily tasks are varied within this role from conducting daily preshift meetings, coaching and mentoring engineers on production and safety issues and communicating the mine plan with other department leads. Additional to this I have also been exposed to numerous longer term projects including engaging contractors to clear new pits, construction and management of in pit tailings facilities and surveying of fines stockpile for density analysis. Since being at Yandicoogina I regularly act deputy quarry manager providing me with exposure to ensuring work place safety standards are upheld by engaging in field inspections with both supervisors and operators.

Design drill patterns, charge sheets and pattern wire ups for the fleet of five drill rigs and two bomb trucks. Working at Hope Downs 4 since the commencement of pre-striping operations enabled me to actively develop drill and blast design standards and practices that achieve safe and productive blast results.

This role was a short term assignment with Oyu Tolgoi LLC in the role of Production Engineer. During this contract my primary accountabilities were to identify tasks and projects for the production department that will maintain or improve productivity and cost efficiency. Further to this I assisted in the safe achievement of mine targets and provided technical support to production activities. Additional to these functions was the coaching and mentoring of Mongolian nationals into Rio Tinto cultures and work practises.

Mentor and provide technical support to my direct reports in the Operations Planning Department at Robe Valley. My team is responsible for development of 2 week production and development schedules that deliver the required tonnage of the specified quality within an agreed timeframe. As senior I ensure that my team is promoting a healthy safety culture and working closely with the Technical services department to identify opportunities for improvement. I ensure that gaps between planning parameters and actual production rates are identified and these gaps are addressed.