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We represent a group of senior professionals who jointly have over 750 years of experience in the upstream aluminium industry (bauxite, alumina, smelting and power). Many are world-renowned and the names will speak for themselves.

Follow the links below for a brief résumé of the consultants.

Consultant List

  1. A Michael Barr, Alumina Process Engineer
  2. Alistair G. Beck, Principal Bauxite Consultant
  3. Lynn Blankenship, Senior Chemist
  4. Dr. Neil Bliss, Consulting Geologist
  5. Anton Brooks, Power Station Management
  6. Marjorie Brooks, Health Risk Management
  7. Douglas Burns, International Legal Consultant
  8. Dr. David R. Chinloy, Process Consultant
  9. Bernard L. Cousineau, Gen. Mgmt. Bauxite & Alumina Operations
  10. Puneet Dhanda, Business Development
  11. Paul H. Dixon, Bayer Process Design
  12. David C.W. Donaldson, Shipping Co. Mgmt. & Chartering
  13. B.J. Foster, Alumina Technology & Engineering
  14. Phillip Fournet, Environmental - Aluminum & Chemicals
  15. Brian Gallagher, Supply Chain Management
  16. Richard C. Gayle, ISO Implementation & Technical Mgmt.
  17. Frans Maas Geesteranus, Maintenance Management
  18. Chris Hendriks, Process Design & Operations
  19. Bryan Hiscox, Bayer Process Design
  20. Richard K. Holzwarth, Industrial Process Modelling
  21. Michael Kawczak, Project & Engineering Services
  22. Clermont Le Breton, Human Resources Advisor
  23. Frank McGravie, Smelter Technology & Management
  24. John D. McLean, M&A, Marketing, Management, Strategy 
  25. Dr. W.B. O'Callaghan, Scientist / Technical Consultant
  26. Bryan S. Osborne, Consulting Geologist
  27. Ian W. Porteous, Technology & Operations Management
  28. Brian Sawyer, Strategic Planning &  Operations Mgmt (smelters, alumina & bauxite)
  29. Eduardo Spalding, Management Consultant, Project Director 
  30. Dr. Kwat The, Bayer Process Research Chemist
  31. John Warringer, Power Generation Consultant 

 

Short-Form Resumes

 

A. Michael Barr  - Alumina Process Engineer

Career Profile: Broad international involvement for 31 years in the alumina industry with emphasis on process engineering. Positions include technical specialist, technical manager, process control superintendent, senior process engineer, production superintendent and process engineer. Expertise spans bauxite resources, digestion, clarification, filtration, and precipitation areas of alumina refining.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletAssisted with the startup of Gramercy Double Digest process and new precipitation unit at Kaiser's Gramercy refinery
bulletParticipated in and expansion and quality improvement study for Alpart Precipitation.
bulletCompleted an expansion study for Gramercy Precipitation
bulletTechnical Manager for the Bayer Plant responsible for process control and environmental sections
bulletTechnical Manager of the plant producing active aluminas, specialty calcines, tabular alumina, and pseudo boehmite aluminas.
bulletProcess Control Superintendent for the Bayer Plant, overseeing the process engineers and the control lab.

Employment History:

bullet2003-        Consultant, associate of Aluminpro
bullet2000-2002 Technical Specialist, Kaiser Aluminum Gramercy, LA 
bullet1995-2000 Process Engineering, Kaiser Alumina Technical Services 
bullet1993-1995 Technical Manager, Alpart Alumina Plant, Jamaica W.I.
bullet1989-1993 Senior Process Engineer, Alpart Alumina Plant. 
bullet1987-1989 Technical Manager, Kaiser Specialty Alumina Plant
bullet1983-1987 Senior Process Engineer,Specialty Alumina Plant.
bullet1976-1983 Process Control Superintendent , Gramercy Alumina
bullet1973-1976 Senior Process Engineer, Alpart Alumina Plant
bullet1970-1973 Process Engineer, Kaiser Aluminium Fluoride Plant

Education:

bulletBS Chemical Engineering, University of Texas (1964)
bulletVarious management development courses.

Top of list

Alistair G. Beck  - Principal Bauxite Consultant

Career Profile: With 36 years in the industry, he has wide experience as managing director, operations manager and mine planner of various bauxite operations, including negotiation of: ore sales and key purchases; environmental and operating approvals from government, NGOs and labour unions.  

Major Accomplishments:

bulletDevelopment of a new 2.5 million tonne per year bauxite mine
bulletObtained environmental, operations and mine planning approvals from Government and environmental groups for that mine.
bulletAs Director General, increased CBG bauxite production 15% while reducing costs 30%.
bulletChairman of CBG Commercial Committee responsible for negotiating new terms between Government and consortium members for 20 year bauxite contract extension.
bulletAs Managing Director of Johore Mining, doubled revenues with a 50% cost reduction, while developing new markets and refractory products.

Employment History:

bullet1999-         Consultant
bullet1995-1998  General Manager Operations & External Relations, Alcan South Pacific
bullet1990-1995  Senior Consultant, Alcan Aluminium Ltd. 
bullet1987-1989  Director General, Compagnie des Bauxites de Guineé
bullet1984-1986  Planning Officer, Raw Materials, Alcan 
bullet1977-1983  Managing Director, Johore Mining & Stevedoring 
bullet1973-1976  Senior Project Engineer, Alcan Smelters & Chemicals
bullet1971-1972  Mine & Quarry Supt., Alcan Jamaica
bullet1963-1970  Deputy Manager from Project Engineer, Demerara Bauxite Co., Guyana  

Education:

bulletAMP Graduate School of Business Administration, Harvard
bulletB.Eng. (Civil) Canterbury College, University of New Zealand
bulletEnglish - fluent, French - fair

Top of list

 

Lynn Blankenship  - Senior Chemist

Career Profile: More than 26 years laboratory experience "on the bench" as well as supervising/directing. Over 25 years of experience in the alumina industry with Kaiser Aluminum in Gramercy and Baton Rouge including short term assignments at Alpart - Jamaica, Kaiser Jamaica Bauxite Company (KJBC), Queensland Alumina (QAL) and Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI). Last position held prior to retirement was Senior Development Chemist of Kaiser's Development Laboratory in Gramercy. At one time held the position of QA/QC Laboratory Supervisor at Gramercy. Started alumina career in 1977 and progressed through the ranks from Laboratory Technician to Senior Development Chemist.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletResponsible for analytical portion of Kaiser's "40-year mining plan" which began in 1977. This included training and supervising lab techs in "wet" and instrumental analysis, day-to-day management of project, and data-basing/reporting results.
bulletResponsible for on-site lab testing of "Double Digest" design prior to Gramercy rebuild/restart. This included "mono" and "tri" digest schemes, red mud settling, product quality expectations, wet oxidation, extraction efficiency, etc.
bulletActed as liaison between domestic and foreign laboratories including Alpart, KJBC, QAL and JBI. Also audited laboratories for sampling, analytical method compliance, training and cross-training, as well as scheduled round robin audits.
bulletResponsible for preparation of documentation and training for Gramercy QA/QC Laboratory's ISO 9002 certification in 1994.
bulletResponsible for the development, training and documentation of new methods of analysis employing state-of-the-art instrumentation such as Flame AAS, UV/Vis, Auto-titrators, Carbon Analyzers, Particle Size Analyzers, BET Surface Area Analyzers and Stirred High-temperature/High Pressure Reactors.
bulletWorked on numerous projects over the years to solve production and quality problems. Examples: oxygen injection into liquor stream (wet oxidation), humate removal, liquor purity by control of trace metals, desilication, etc
bulletDeveloped and implemented method to remove color from aluminum sulfate solutions for Kaiser customers.

Employment History:

bullet2003-       Consultant, associate of Aluminpro
bullet1996-2002 Senior Development Chemist, Kaiser, Gramercy 
bullet 1994-1996 QA/QC Laboratory Supervisor - Gramercy
bullet 1986-1994 Development Chemist - Gramercy
bullet1977-1986 Laboratory Technician, Development Lab - Baton Rouge Alumina   

Education:

bulletB.Sc. Industrial Technology, Louisiana State University

Top of list

Dr. Neil Bliss  - Consulting Geologist

Career Profile: Consulting geologist with 40 years of experience, predominantly with bauxite. Familiar with almost every economic bauxite deposit in the world. He has worked closely with research staff on bauxite characterization, and with counterparts in many companies to provide technical advice to major export bauxite mines. He has been responsible for defining exploration programmes.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletIn conjunction with research centres, established programmes to investigate the geology, mineralogy and behaviour of bauxite (particularly in relation to the Bayer process) in what came to be known as bauxite characterization.
bulletAided MRN at Trombetas to establish the validity of changing the exploration method from pitting to auger drilling while ensuring compatibility of results.
bulletKey member of MRN technical committee for 12 years.
bulletKey member of CBG technical committee for many years, including chairman for 4 years and Halco rep more recently. Continually involved for 20 years in this the most complicated bauxite mine in the world: floor definition, grade control, reserve and resource definition with different analytical data populations as exploration and analytical methods changed.
bulletResponsible, in conjunction with Comalco, for defining the technical side of the Ely exploration programme in Cape York. 
bulletHas worked with or visited bauxite deposits in many parts of the world, including Guyana, Ghana, India (east & west coasts), Surinam, China, Vietnam and Russia. 

Employment History:

bullet1997-         Consulting Geologist.
bullet1978-1997  Chief Geologist, Alcan International
bullet1973-1978  Geologist, Alcan International
bullet1969-1973  McGill University
bullet1959-1969  Field, Regional & Economic Geologist, Rhodesia
bullet1956-1959  Cominco, Sullivan Mine B.C., Con Mine N.W.T

Education:

bulletPh.D  Geology, McGill
bulletMSc.  Geology, McGill
bulletMA    (Cantab) 

Top of list

Anton Brooks  - Power Station Management

Career Profile: 45 years experience in engineering, primarily in power
station maintenance, operations and construction. His specialty is as a
trouble shooter investigating major equipment failures and plant shortfall problems. The period with Rolls Royce gave him valuable experience controlling a large global work force and managing a £400 million project budget successfully. He has expertise in fossil fuel supply and electricity contract negotiations.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletResponsible for all aspects and profitability of a 390MW coal
fired power station that supplied electricity to Lynemouth Smelter. Developed a profitable business selling electricity to the local area board. Negotiated electricity purchases for all Alcan UK downstream companies.
bulletAudit leader for the Aughinish, Vaudreuil and QAL Power Stations.
bulletClean Coal technology, pre-feasibility study carried out for TNEI.
bulletOrganized an International Power Station technology conference.
bulletDue diligence of a large UK surplus power plant for Coal Pro.
bulletLead technical consultant for the Élan straw burning Power Station in UK.
bullet Advised a number of companies on electricity supply tariffs.
bullet Management of major projects in Singapore, Indonesia,
India and Pakistan, ranging from conventional steam turbines to combined cycle gas turbines.

Employment History:

bullet1997-       Partner, Brooks Associates. Consulting Engineer to the electricity industry.
bullet1996-1997 Director Power Station construction, Rolls Royce (Parsons) Power Generation Systems Ltd.
bullet 1984-1996 Power Station Director and previous, including Maintenance Manager, Alcan Lynemouth.
bullet 1970-1984 Recruited for the initial commissioning of Lynemouth Power, British Alcan.
bullet1961-1970 Head of Control and Instrumentation Dept. at the 2000 Mw Ferrybridge Power Station, and worked at other power stations, Central Electricity Generating Board. 

Education:

bulletChartered Engineer.
bulletFellow of the Institute of Measurement and Control.
bullet BSc (Hons.) Electronics & Maths, Post HNC control systems, HNC Electrical.

Top of list

Marjorie Brooks  - Health Risk Management

Career Profile: 36 years experience in Health and Environment, initially
with the Military, moving into the public and private sectors, including 21 years experience in high risk, continuous process industries with British and International Companies. Her expertise is in Environmental Health and Safety Management within the Aluminium, Chemical and Energy sectors. Special interest in small business management.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletReport coordinator for QAL Power plant audit and various projects.
bullet Due diligence team for large UK surplus power plant for CoalPro.
bulletProfessional Development Director for AOHNP and member of working group producing a Quality document endorsed by British Department of Health.
bulletDeveloped own consultancy and established a client list inc.; Proctor and Gamble, Synpac Pharmaceuticals, BT, GD Searle, British Alcan.
bulletTeam member of AOHNP working group producing a Quality document endorsed by British Department of Health.
bulletPlanned targets for Health and Safety legislation for specific business at reduced costs.
bulletTransformed Lynemouth's traditional Occupational Health department into proactive service.

Employment History:

bullet1997-       Brooks Associates Partner responsible for, Environmental Health and Safety Management advice to clients.
bullet 1996-2000 AOHNP Professional Development Director 
bullet 1983-1997 Atkinson Brooks Cares. Developed own consultancy service.
bullet 1979-1983 British Alcan, providing Occupational Health to 1150 employees.
bullet 1977-1979 BNA Occupational Health Nursing and seconded to Pharmacia [GB], gaining marketing & advertising experience
bullet 1969-1976 NHS, Newcastle upon Tyne, included positions in the Community, Operating Theatres, A/E Department and finally Clinical Teacher [Surgical].
bullet 1965-1969 Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corp. Student Nurse training in England, Singapore and Germany.

Education:

bulletBSc. (Hons.) Technology and Environment
bulletOccupational Health Nurse Certificate,
bullet Registered Clinical Nurse Tutor, Registered General Nurse.

Top of list

Douglas Burns  - International Legal Consultant

Career Profile: A lawyer with 31 years experience in government and corporate international law, including 25 years in the aluminium industry as counsel to a major bauxite mining consortium associating most of the principal North American and European aluminium producers and operating in sub-Saharan Africa. Also served as Financial Vice President and Treasurer of this consortium. Carried out various international consulting assignments in the developing world.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletNegotiated and drafted consortium agreements, concession agreements, off-take contracts, engineering and supply contracts.
bulletManaged litigation involving the mining venture, including successful arbitrations before the ICC and the LCIA.
bulletNegotiated tax controversies, revenue splits and infrastructure use agreements with the Government of Guinea.
bulletNegotiated financing agreements, including a $US 180 million credit agreement with an international consortium of lenders and a $US 112 million concessional financing with the African Development Bank.
bulletCompleted legal consulting assignments in Francophone Africa under the auspices of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Employment History:

bullet2001-        Associate, Aluminpro
bullet1998-2001 Contract Director, Cohen & Grigsby, P.C., Pittsburgh
bullet1991-1998 Private International Legal Consultant, Pittsburgh
bullet1976-1990 General Counsel, Halco (Mining) Inc., Pittsburgh (Vice President, 1982-1990; Treasurer, 1982-1985)
bullet1974-1976 International Attorney, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Pittsburgh
bullet1970-1974 Deputy Assistant Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State, Washington
bullet1965-1970 Associate Attorney, Barnes, Hickam, Pantzer & Boyd, Indianapolis

Education:

bulletJ.D., Harvard Law School (1965)
bulletDiplôme des Hautes Etudes Européennes, Univ. de Strasbourg (1962)
bulletEnglish/French - fluent;
bulletSpanish - good; Portuguese/German/Russian - fair

Top of list

Colin J. Campbell  - Refinery Operations Improvement & Commissioning

Career Profile: Extensive, hands-on operational experience in alumina 
refineries. Played a leading role in both the start-up of a new refinery and the largest refinery expansion to date. Responsible for the debottlenecking of existing facilities. Achieves a constant high refinery operating-factor through personnel training and the re-engineering of maintenance management practices. Works alongside operators, process engineers and front line supervisors to improve plant reliability and reach production targets.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletConceptual design, detailed engineering, construction project management and commissioning of the Bauxite Grinding, Desilication, Digestion & Lime-Slaking facilities for Worsley's recent $1 billion refinery expansion.
bulletLeadership of the Operations Interface Team responsible for executing all piping, mechanical and electrical tie-ins between existing units and the new units of the Worsley expansion project. This task was executed with no production losses.
bulletParticipation in the commissioning team for the Worsley refinery in 1984. As Production Superintendent of bauxite grinding and digestion, increased the throughput of these facilities by more than 50%.
bulletDevelopment of operator training programs and the improvement of maintenance management procedures.
bulletParticipation in a senior management team that re-engineered the financial management system, integrating refinery capital works, budgeting and cash flow requirements.

Employment History:

bullet2001-       Associate, Aluminpro
bullet1983-2000 Team Leader expansion start-up, Expansion Design Engineer and Production Superintendent, WAPL (Reynolds), Worsley, Australia.
bullet1981-1982 Production Superintendent, Rio Algom, Canada
bullet1979-1980 Production Supervisor, Nabalco (Alusuisse), Gove, Australia
bullet1970-1978 Crushing & Ship-loading Foreman, BHP, Australia

Education:

bulletBA (Honours) The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
bulletProject design, quality management and computer courses
bulletEnglish – fluent, French – was fluent, needs refresher course 
(Prepared to learn new languages as demanded by specific assignments)

Interested in 3-month to 3-year assignments

Top of list

Dr. David R. Chinloy  - Process Consultant

Career Profile: With over twenty years in the bauxite-alumina industry, Dr. David Chinloy has wide experience in plant operations, process control, cost minimization strategies, energy reduction and computer applications. Having spent one-half of his career in research and development and the other half in operations, David has a deep understanding of the Bayer process technology, particularly bauxite extraction, desilication, lime chemistry, heat exchange, solid-liquid separation and impurity removal systems.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletWorsley expansion. Start-up and commissioning of organics removal system.
bulletQAL expansion. Led process engineering conceptual design of red-side. 
bulletKirkvine, Jamaica. Led technical team which successfully debottlenecked the process, resulting in production increases of 3 % / year coupled with 20% manpower reduction.
bulletStart-up of dry mud stacking at Ewarton, Jamaica.
bulletDevelopment of wet mud stacking technology for Kirkvine Works for tailing disposal, including deep thickeners, disposal pumps and lines, pond water return, and water balance.
bulletDevelopment of oxalate removal system from bench through pilot and on to industrial scale.
bulletConceived and demonstrated pressure decantation of digested mud slurries using synthetic flocculants.
bulletCo-author of double digest patent, based on pressure decanter, to minimize bauxite and energy consumption.
bulletAuthor or co-author of 4 US patents.

Employment History:

bullet2001         Associate, Aluminpro
bullet2000         Process Consultant, T & R / Worley Limited, Australia
bullet1999         Process Consultant, Queensland Alumina Ltd., Australia
bullet1996-1999 Refinery Co-Manager Technical, Kirkvine, Jamaica
bullet1993-1996 Senior Scientist, Alcan International Ltd.
bullet1990-1993 Chief Chemist, Alcan Jamaica Company
bullet1984-1990 Process Consultant, Alcan Jamaica Company
bullet1981-1984 Scientist, Alcan International Ltd.
bullet1976-1981 Senior Engineer/Process Engineer, Alcan Jamaica 

Education:

bulletPh. D. - Chemical Engineering, Princeton
bulletM. A.  - Chemical Engineering, Princeton 
bulletB. Sc. (1st Class Honours) - Chemical Engineering, Birmingham

Top of list

Bernard L. Cousineau  - Gen. Mngt. Bauxite & Alumina Operations

Career Profile: Chief Executive Officer / General Manager with a consistent record of major step change improvements . International experience in mining and manufacturing, with strong focus on government and customer relations gained over a 30 year career in the industry.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletDeveloped and led the implementation of a comprehensive Business Plan, resulting in a 20% reduction in labour costs. Major improvements made to key success factors such as safety performance, environmental compliance, product quality and overall production cost.
bulletBrought government leaders, union leaders and heads of industry together to develop and sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the objective of making the bauxite and alumina industry of Jamaica a world class competitor.
bulletRestructured the organization, removing two layers while increasing plant output beyond design capacity (a 70% productivity improvement over 4 years).

Employment History:

bullet2000-        Vice President and Director of Aluminpro
bullet1994-1999  President & Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Jamaica
bullet1993-1994  President & Chief Operating Officer, Alcan Jamaica
bullet1987-1993  Plant Manager, Aughinish Alumina Ltd.
bullet1984-1987  Director of Operations, Vaudreuil Alumina, Alcan
bullet1981-1984  Alumina Plant Superintendant 
bullet1978-1981  Alumina Plant Asst. Superintendant 
bullet1970-1978  Various Engineering positions, Vaudreuil & Jamaica

Education:

bulletHonours B.Sc. Chemical Engineering, Queens University
bulletManagement Development, AMA North America, CEI Geneva, CMD Caribbean.
bulletEnglish/French - fluent.

Top of list

Puneet Dhanda  - Business Development

Career Profile: Broad involvement in the upstream aluminium business, with an emphasis on the Middle East region. Experience is primarily related to business development and includes marketing, trading and business financing. Acquired an in-depth knowledge of alumina and aluminium trade flows in Asia and the Middle East.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletDeveloped a significant role in facilitating trade in the upstream aluminium business of the Middle East region. Activities included alumina and aluminium marketing and trading, Goa Carbon's first export of Calcined petroleum coke to Iran and a large alumina contract between Russia and India.
bulletEstablished a significant position in facilitating trade financing. Activities include Clearing Rupee payment to Goa Carbon for Calcined Petroleum Coke export to Russia and to Nalco for alumina export also to Russia. Also facilitated India's first Escrow Dollar payment to Hindalco for metal exports.
bulletNegotiated and executed first, and subsequently numerous LME Aluminium Option contracts both for Nalco and Hindalco - "Calls" bought in conjunction with fixed price contracts so as to increase premium on the physical leg.
bulletCoordinated and assisted in execution of counter-trade between Government of India (State Trading Corporation Ltd.) and United Technologies U.S.A. against supply of Pratt & Whitney engines supplied with Airbus Industries aircraft to Air India.
bulletProvided for Billiton over a 5-year period the local co-ordination of an extensive business development activity, involving a bauxite mining / alumina refining project in India.

Employment History:

bullet

2002-        Associate, Aluminpro

bullet

1996-        Representative of Hydro Aluminium for Asia and the Middle East.

bullet

1992-        Representative of Greficomex-Eurogrefi S.A., Paris 

bullet

1996-2001 Representative of Billiton Aluminium for India.

bullet

1994-1996 Representative of Billiton Marketing & Trading for India.

bullet

1991-1994 Representative of Trans-World Aluminium for Asia.

bullet

1986-1991 Representative for Exsud Limited, London and Sural C.A., Venezuela for Asia.

 

Education:

bullet

Bachelor of Commerce, University of Delhi.

bullet

Various Metal Hedging and management development courses.

bullet

English/Hindi- fluent

 

Top of list

Paul H. Dixon Bayer Process Design

Career Profile: Paul has over 30 years experience in the alumina business, having worked with Alcan Group companies in Jamaica, Ireland, Australia and Canada until his retirement in December 2001. His expertise is in Bayer process technology. He has particular experience in the selection of technology and the choice of equipment to bring about optimization of the process plant. He also has much experience reviewing the options for brownfield and greenfield project opportunities.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletLed in-depth review of Alcan's Canadian alumina business to identify options for bauxite sourcing, process technologies and production tonnage.
bulletLed technology selection and process engineering for brownfield projects of alumina refineries in Brazil, India, Jamaica and USA.
bullet Responsible for selection of process technologies and preparation of process engineering documentation for the detailed feasibility study phase of the greenfield UTKAL project, India and thereafter supported UTKAL in the review of the scope of all parts of the project in order to freeze same prior to project approval.
bulletResponsible for selection of process technologies for the DFR phase of the Weipa Alumina Plant, for the preparation of process engineering documentation, estimation of operating costs and plans for training and start-up of the plant.
bulletAt Aughinish Alumina was responsible for process development, capital expenditure planning, project engineering, laboratory, safety and environmental groups and the establishment of an occupational health programme.

Employment History:

bullet2003- Consultant, associate of Aluminpro
bullet2001-2002 Senior alumina consultant, Alcan International Ltd.
bullet1999-2001 Process Engineering Manager, Co-operation agreement between Alcan International Ltd. & SNC-Lavalin Inc., Montreal
bullet1992-1999 Senior alumina consultant, Alcan International Ltd.
bullet1990-1992 Process Engineering Manager, Weipa Alumina Project, Australia
bullet1981-1990 Technical Manager from process consultant, Aughinish Alumina Ltd., Ireland
bullet1978-1981 Process consultant, Alcan International Ltd.
bullet1968-1978 Process consultant from process engineer, Alcan Jamaica Company
bullet1962-1968 Process engineer, B.P. Chemicals Ltd., Scotland

Education:

bulletB.Sc. Chemical Engineering, King's College, University of Durham

Top of list

David C.W. Donaldson  - Shipping Co. Management & Chartering

Career Profile: As a former president of Alcan Shipping Services, he brings a wealth of ocean transport experience gained over 40 years, from Senior Officer to Chartering Manager to overall responsibility for Alcan's ice-fleet.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletResponsible for freight management of 8 to 10 million tonnes of raw materials, including bauxite, alumina, caustic soda, petroleum coke, pitch and fluorspar.
bulletResponsible for management of a $75 million ocean freight budget.
bulletResponsible for a fleet of ice-strengthened vessels and outsourcing of ship management.
bulletResponsible for port safety audits worldwide. 
bulletProvided expertise on all Alcan port studies worldwide.
bulletRepresented Alcan on the shipping committees of major consortia: QAL, Aughinish, CBG and MRN.

Employment History:

bullet2000-         Consultant
bullet1990-1999  President, Alcan Shipping Services Ltd.
bullet1978-1990  Chartering Manager & Broker, Alcan Shipping Services 
bullet1973-1978  Project Manager & Leader, Alcan Shipping Services
bullet1970-1973  Research Assistant, Alcan Shipping Services
bullet1960-1970  Cadet to Senior Officer, Saguenay Shipping Ltd.

Education:

bulletVarious management and computer courses.
bulletFirst Class Certificate, HMS Conway, MN training College, Wales.
bulletBritish Chief Officer's Certificate, foreign going vessels, all tonnages

Top of list

B.J. Foster - Alumina Technology & Engineering

Career Profile: Mr. Foster has 40 years industrial experience with proven ability in the management of production, technical and engineering units. BJ has over 30 years experience in the alumina industry with Kaiser Aluminum in Gramercy and Alpart, most recently as VP and GM Engineering and Technology before becoming a consultant in late 2002. He started his alumina career in 1971 and assumed many management and technical roles, including operations manager, technical manager, process development manager and engineering manager. Since 1986 he had overall Engineering and Technical responsibility for the Bauxite and Alumina group of Kaiser worldwide and added responsibility for smelters to this in 2001.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletResponsible for engineering management of large chemical projects throughout Kaiser system.
bulletResponsible for technology and for management of R&D activities of Kaiser alumina & chemicals.
bulletResponsible for technical advice and support to all Kaiser alumina and bauxite facilities: Gramercy, QAL, Alpart and Kaiser Jamaica Bauxite Company.
bulletWith members of his team, designed the replacement unit for the Gramercy refinery with total responsibility for its technology and its start-up. This is a state-of-the-art double-digestion unit capable of processing a variety of bauxites.
bulletActed as chief "trouble-shooter" for the bauxite and alumina plants on technical and operational issues. Recently he assumed temporary responsibility for operation of Alpart and returned it to 100% of capacity following a period when it dropped to 75%.

Employment History:

bullet2003-        Consultant, associate of Aluminpro
bullet2001-2002 VP & GM, Engineering & Technology, Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical, Global Commodities Business Unit
bullet1996-2001 VP & GM, Engineering & Technology, Kaiser Alumina Technical Services
bullet1992-1995  Director Process Management, Alpart, Jamaica
bullet1971-1992  Operations Manager, Plant Engineering Manager and numerous technical, engineering & management roles, Gramercy Alumina Plant, Kaiser
bullet1962-1971 Chemist and laboratory roles at 3 chemical companies. 

Education:

bulletB.Sc. Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State U. (1971)

Top of list

Phillip Fournet - Environmental - Aluminum & Chemical

Career Profile: Mr. Fournet has extensive experience in bauxite refining operations, and design and operation of several chemical plants. Positions included production manager in bauxite refining operations and plant manager of chemicals plants. As a corporate environmental manager, represented Kaiser in commenting on and negotiating Federal Guidelines for NPDES permitting for all of it's point source categories, including aluminum, chemical and agricultural chemical. Provided corporate environmental oversight for all of Kaiser's domestic manufacturing facilities. Represented Kaiser's interests on PRP groups for a number of superfund sites and supported legal efforts in recovery of insurance funds for environmental remediation projects.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletParticipated in the successful recovery from insurers of funds expended in remediation of environmentally impaired sites.
bulletParticipated on Kaiser's behalf with PRP groups conducting remediation of a number of Superfund sites.
bulletSupervised significant manufacturing areas in two major bauxite refinery startups.
bulletManaged design, startup and operation of several chemical plants
bulletNegotiated NPDES guidelines, consent agreements and permits with federal and state agencies.
bulletConducted a number of studies relating to the storing and disposition of spent potliners and bauxite residue.

Employment History:

bullet2003-         Consultant, associate of Aluminpro
bullet1991 -        Consultant, Environmental Affairs 
bullet1974 - 1990 Environmental Manager, Kaiser Corporate Environmental Affairs 
bullet1955 - 1973 Operations and Plant Manager, Alumina and Chemicals, Kaiser Aluminum, Gramercy LA
bullet1952 - 1954 Operating Supervisor, Allied Chemical and Dye Corp
bullet1947 - 1951 Process Engineer, Cities Service Refining Corp 

Education:

bullet BS Chemistry, University of Southwest Louisiana, 1944
bulletBS Chemical Engineering, University of Southwest Louisiana,1946
bulletContinuing ed. studies in Environmental Law and Management
bulletEnglish - fluent, French/Italian - fair

Top of list

Brian Gallagher  - Supply Chain Management

Career Profile: Supply Chain Management.  MBA and engineer with 20 years experience in the aluminium industry and 7 years in the computer and financial industries. His most recent 10 years were devoted to international logistics and commercial activities for bauxite and alumina, with expanding responsibility for the purchase, swapping and hedging of key commodity inputs to production including fuel oil and caustic soda. His computer systems background includes a wide variety of design, programming & implementation using management decision making software, with particular emphasis on financial forecasting, production costing and logistics planning.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletPlanned and coordinated the international movements of 9 million tonnes of materials in a global multi-plant environment. Designed a simulation model to control logistics of bauxite and alumina at mines, refineries and smelters.
bulletRepresentative on the commercial and/or shipping committees of JV consortia: MRN, CBG and Aughinish. 
bulletDeveloped financial models to evaluate refinery cutbacks. Designed alumina competitive cost and conversion cost models.
bulletDeveloped  tax and financial consolidation models and sensitivity models to interpret them.
bulletDeveloped a product cost and plant utilization model for a multi-plant, multi-product operation. 

Employment History:

bullet2000-         Consultant, Secretary-Treasurer of Aluminpro
bullet1995-1999  Commercial & Logistics Manager, Alcan Raw Materials
bullet1989-1999  Logistics Manager, Alcan Raw Materials Group
bullet1987-1989  Financial Analyst, Alcan Raw Materials Group 
bullet1980-1987  Planner, Financial Forecasting, Alcan Aluminium Ltd.
bullet1978-1980  Systems Marketing Engineer, Control Data Corporation
bullet1975-1977  Senior Business Systems Analyst, Montreal Trust
bullet1972-1975  Industrial Engineer, Bank of Montreal 

Education:

bulletMBA     Concordia University, Montreal
bulletB. Eng. (Mechanical), Sir George Williams University, Montreal
bulletEnglish - fluent, French - good

Top of list

Richard C. Gayle  - ISO Implementation & Technical Management

Career Profile: Chemical Engineer with over 27 years of experience in the bauxite & alumina industry in Jamaica, Canada and Brazil. Over the past 12 years he has held Senior Operations and Technical Management positions and has spearheaded the successful introduction of many initiatives. Specific strengths are excellent knowledge of the Bayer Process and the ISO 9002 & ISO 14001 systems, and leading teams to accomplish organizational objectives. 

Major Accomplishments:

bulletSuccessfully led team to ISO 14001 accreditation for the first company in Jamaica to achieve it.
bulletLed the team which achieved and maintained ISO 9002 accreditation in the Alcan Jamaica laboratories.
bulletSuccessfully implemented a 'behaviour-based' safety system at the Ewarton Works that led to a radical reduction in lost-time injuries.
bulletGuided Ewarton in the re-start of idle capacity and return to full production.
bulletProcess audits (India, Brazil) and environmental audits (Guinea).
bulletOwner's management for an engineering alliance.
bulletLed the Kirkvine refinery to numerous Production records.

Employment History:

bullet2000-           Senior Consultant, Alcan Jamaica Company.
bullet1995-1999     Director of Technology and Information Services,
bullet                    Alcan Jamaica.
bullet1993-1994    Business Strategy Consultant, Alcan Raw Materials
bullet                   Group, Montreal.
bullet1989-1992    Works Manager, Alcan Jamaica, Ewarton.
bullet1987-1988    Alumina Plant Technical Development Manager,
bullet                   Alcan Brazil, Saramenha.
bullet1981-1986    Production Manager, Alcan Jamaica, Kirkvine.
bullet1973-1980    Process Control and Project Engineer, Kirkvine
bullet                   Jamaica  and Vaudreuil, Quebec (2yrs).

Education:

bulletBASc. Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto.
bulletEnglish - fluent, French - good, Portuguese - good

Top of list

Frans Maas Geesteranus  - Maintenance Management

Career Profile: Maintenance manager with 27 years of hands-on 
experience in industrial maintenance management for bauxite mining, 
ore treatment, hydro-metallurgical plants and oil and gas production. 
Positions include maintenance manager and project engineer. As 
independent consultant successfully improved the maintenance 
management of a variety of industrial plants.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletParticipated in the planning and coordination of a major (US$ 50 M) maintenance/revamp shutdown of a large oil refinery.
bulletSet up and managed the planning and cost control system for a US$500 M ore residue treatment plant.
bulletManaged mechanical maintenance and controlled the maintenance 
and engineering budget (US$ 30 M) for a large hydro-metallurgical 
zinc plant. Introduced maintenance engineering at this plant.
bulletSet up a maintenance department, implementing management 
systems and procedures, training programs and personnel recruitment for a large bauxite mine, an ore beneficiation plant and a food processing plant.
bulletManaged the reconstruction of an ore beneficiation plant. Installed a new flotation and filter process for retreating the plant's tailings. 

Employment History:

bullet2001 - Associate, Aluminpro, The Netherlands
bullet1998 – Independent Maintenance Management consultant
bullet1996 – 1998 Project engineer, Kvaerner Process (Netherlands)
bullet1987 – 1996 Mechanical maintenance and project engineering, 
manager, Budelco zinc smelter, Netherlands
bullet1985 – 1987 Platform engineer (offshore), Shell, Aberdeen, UK
bullet1981 – 1985 Maintenance engineer, Worsley bauxite mine, Australia
bullet1979 – 1981 Chief engineer, ore beneficiation plant, UK
bullet1974 – 1979 Manager central workshop and project engineer, bauxite mine, Suriname

Education:

bulletM.Sc Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Delft.
bulletVarious Shell courses in general and maintenance management
bulletEnglish - fluent, German - fluent , French - fair. 

Top of list

Chris Hendriks  - Process Design & Operations

Career Profile: Broad involvement in the aluminium industry, in operations, technical and division engineering at corporate level. Positions include production manager, senior process engineer, and chief process engineer on major alumina plant rebuild. Expertise spans alumina refining and bauxite mining.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletChief Process Designer on rebuild of major alumina refinery
bulletDeveloped single stream process for major alumina refinery
bulletImprovements and extensions to alumina refinery technology
bulletSeveral conceptual designs for green-field refineries, major refinery expansions and technology upgrade projects
bulletParticipation in several major refinery start-ups.

Employment History:

bullet2002-        Consultant, associate of Aluminpro
bullet1999-2002 Chief Process Design Engineer, Gramercy Rebuild, Kaiser Aluminum.
bullet1992-1999 Division level process engineering and development support for Kaiser Aluminum.
bullet1975-1992 Various positions in Division engineering and development, including process design for Alpart restart and expansion, Kaiser Aluminum.
bullet1970-1975 Production Manager, Alumina Partners, Jamaica
bullet1968-1970 Senior Process engineer, operating supt., Alpart
bullet1966-1968 Technical Sales Adviser, Shell International.
bullet1960-1966 Process Engineer, Texaco, Inc. 

Education:

bulletHigher B.Sc. Chemistry/Physics, London University (Ext).
bulletDip. Chem. Tech., London University (Ext)
bulletVarious technical, financial and management development courses  

Top of list

Bryan Hiscox  - Bayer Process Design

Career Profile: Bryan has 47 years experience in the operation, maintenance, development, design, procurement, construction and start-up of chemical and metallurgical process plants. Bryan is well-known in the alumina industry for the conceptual design of integrated Bayer process plants for optimum cost and efficiency, with special emphasis on liquor purification and precipitation technology. He has been a key player in the design, start-up and debottlenecking of the world's most modern greenfield refineries, such as Alunorte, San Ciprian and Aughinish. Also, he has been a significant player in the conceptual design of the proposed greenfield projects of Utkal in India, Boke in Guinea and Weipa in Australia.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletConceptual and basic engineering of the 800 kt/y greenfield alumina refineries at San Ciprian and Aughinish. Also start-up.
bulletTechnical advisor for the capacity increase from 800 to 1100 kt/y at the San Ciprian refinery. This capacity increased was achieved by improved operating practices and involved no capital expenditure.
bulletTechnical advisor for the debottlenecking of the Aughinsh refinery from 800 kt/y to 1550 kt/y at minor capital expenditure.
bulletWas lead designer for the 800 kt/y greenfield Alunorte alumina refinery in Brazil and participated in the start-up.
bulletTechnical advisor for the capacity increase from 800 to 1550 kt/y at the Alunorte refinery. This increase was achieved by improved operating practices and involved minor capital expenditure.
bulletParticipated in the start-up of the 200 kt/y alumina refinery at Ewarton in Jamaica. Lead engineer for de-bottlenecking to 275 kt/y and then to 400 kt/y. Design engineer for expansion to 550 kt/y
bulletManaged the solid-liquid calciner project, a joint development project between Alcan, Aughinish and San Ciprian refineries, and calciner producer FL Smidth.
bulletHolds patents relating to alumina hydrate precipitation, purification of Bayer liquor and solid-liquid calcination technology.
bulletDesign and commissioning experience in a broad range of concentration circuits, incorporating of environmental controls
bulletTechnical sales to Gove, Alumina de Grece and Hydro Aluminium.

Employment History:

bullet2000-        Director of Aluminpro
bullet1996-1999 Principal Scientist, Alcan International
bullet1974-1996 Senior Engineer, Alcan International
bullet1957-1973 Technical Manager from Process Engineer, Alcan Jamaica
bullet1953-1957 Project Engineer, Commercial Solvents Inc.

Education:

bulletMBA  University of Geneva
bulletB.Sc. University of Birmingham
bulletEnglish - fluent, French - good

Top of list

Richard K. Holzwarth  - Industrial Process Modelling

Career Profile: As a Masters in Chemical Engineering and a specialist in computer modelling of processes, he has over 40 years of experience, including 30 years in the aluminium industry with particular emphasis on the Bayer process. Richard is a pioneer in the application of computer modelling to the chemical process industry. He has championed modular flow-sheeting systems for 40 years and has developed models for petrochemical and fertilizer plants as well as alumina refineries. Starting with mainframe computers in the 60's through PC's and more recently the Internet, he developed a flexible Bayer process model to provide a steady state heat and mass balance. Richard is now working on a dynamic simulation model which can be linked directly to the alumina process.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletDeveloped a generalized steady-state Bayer Process simulation. For 20 years, versions of this model were used by an aluminium company to simulate any proposed change to its refineries. 
bulletDevelopment of unsteady-state operational models for aluminium casting plants.
bulletDevelopment of online & offline Bayer plant statistics collecting and reporting programs.
bulletComputer system support for the engineering staffs of 2 alumina plants.
bulletAs Senior Technical Specialist, provided leadership in development of technical computer applications worldwide.
bulletPaper: Chinloy, D.R. and Holzwarth, R.H., "Steady State Simulation of the Bayer Process", Light Metals 1984, pp 13-26

Employment History:

bullet2000-         Consultant
bullet1981-1999  Senior technical Specialist, Alcan International
bullet1970-1981  Process Systems Consultant, Alcan Jamaica 
bullet1968-1970  Chemical Engineer, Haldor Topsoe Inc.
bullet1961-1968  Development Engineer, MW Kellogg Inc.
bullet1958-1961  Engineer, General Foods, Research Center

Education:

bulletMaster of Chemical Engineering, New York University, NY
bulletB.Eng. Chemical, The Cooper Union, NY

Top of list

Michael Kawczak  - Project & Engineering Services

Career Profile: Michael Kawczak, P. Eng., M. Eng. is a civil engineer with over 37 years international experience in the aluminium industry with a major aluminium company. He has been involved, as part of the Owner's team, in the many facets of the industry, including project pre-planning, site selection, conceptual planning and design, preliminary engineering, detail engineering, project management and post-project reviews. His experience in this industry includes studies and projects in research and development, alumina plant and tailings facilities, smelters and fabrication facilities.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletInvolved in the selection, organizing and management of a partnering arrangement with an international world-class engineering consultant.
bulletProvided pre-project support to the owner's team in selecting and assessing alternatives and scenarios to assist in early definition of major alumina, smelter and other aluminium industrial facilities both domestic and international.
bulletServed as the study manager in project planning, preparing conceptual scopes and estimates, evaluating alternatives and risks to develop a project definition package, sufficient for project decision making for major industrial facilities. 
bulletInvolved in civil facilities audits of aluminium plants.
bulletServed as engineering manager for several research and development projects including experimental aluminium cells and other equipment.
bulletAppointed as task force member charged with assessing various reduction cell technologies on the international market.
bulletAssisted in assessing pre-feasibility, feasibility and definitive capital cost estimates for accuracy and risk of scope, schedule and costs.
bulletInvolved in major Greenfield smelter site selections in North America.
bulletServed as project manager, project and study leader on many domestic and international projects in all project phases. 
bulletInvolved in the management and structural design of industrial facilities for the aluminium industry

Employment History:

bullet2000-         Consultant
bullet1997-1999  Alliance Manager, Alcan International
bullet1985-1999  Project Consultant, Alcan International
bullet1980-1985  Engineering Manager, Alcan International
bullet1976-1979  Project Manager, Alcan
bullet1974-1977  Area Project Engineer, Grande Baie, Quebec 
bullet1968-1975  Structural Engineer, Alcan 
bullet1963-1967  Design Civil Engineer, Alcan

Education:

bulletMaster of Engineering, Civil, McGill University
bulletGraduate Diploma, Civil Engineering, McGill
bulletBachelor of Engineering, Applied Mechanics, McGill
bulletEnglish - fluent, French - good

Top of list

Clermont Le Breton - Human Resources Advisor

Career Profile: Extensive experience in all key dimensions of human resources management in the Aluminium Industry, during a 30-year career with an aluminium major. Experience includes international assignments, involvement in a greenfield smelter project, and major restructuring programs in existing facilities. Expertise spans compensation, labour relations, staffing and development, organization development and strategic human resources management.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletLead the design and implementation of a more structured & objective selection process for 1st & 2nd line supervisors across the Canadian smelters.
bulletLead the exercise of defining and implementing a state of the art, non-unionized work organization in a new greenfield smelter, in one of Canada’s most unionized areas at the time.
bulletAs V.P. Personnel, actively participated in a major rationalization of Alcan’s North American rolling business over a period of 4 years.
bulletProvided Human Resources leadership in staffing, compensation and business strategy as a member of Alcan Pacific management team (Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, India and Japan).
bulletManaged various human resources functions across European countries, while based in Switzerland 

Employment History:

bullet1999-2003  Human Resources-Alcan Primary Metal Group, Montreal
bullet1997-1999 Director, Organisation Development and Executive Staffing,
Alcan Corporate Office - Montreal
bullet1993-1997 VP Human Resources, Alcan Smelting and Power, Montreal
bullet1990-1993 VP Human Resources, Alcan Pacific - Montreal
bullet1987-1990 VP Personnel-Alcan Rolled Products Company, Cleveland
bullet1984-1986 Assistant to the VP Personnel, Europe, Africa and
Middle East – Geneva, Switzerland.
bullet1982-1984 Assistant to the Senior VP of Human Resources,
Alcan Canada - Montreal
bullet1979-1982 Human Resources Manager – Grande-Baie Smelter,Saguenay
bullet1973-1979 Various Human Resources roles and mandates in smelters and alumina plants, Saguenay region

Education:

bulletMasters in Psychology Université de Moncton,  Canada - 1968
bulletB.A. Bathurst College, N.B. Canada - 1965
bulletEnglish - fluent, French - fluent

Top of list

Frank McGravie  - Smelter Technology & Management

Career Profile: A broad international involvement at senior management levels in the primary aluminium industry and in alumina refineries. Very much a hands on manager, Frank is well known for his team building skills and for his negotiating experience with a wide variety of unions around the world. Frank has achieved significant production increases while improving safety performance. He has strong technology expertise to complement his broad management experience.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletLead three task forces for Carbon Plant, Potroom, and Casting to identify the financial synergies created by the fusion of Alcan and Alusuisse.
bulletKey player on major strategic task forces, which lead the way forward for smelting at Alcan: for technology selection; modernization of old plants; greenfield and brownfield expansion decisions and acquisitions.
bulletLead the management team that reduced the Aughinish Alumina Refinery workforce by 27% while keeping that workforce "onside" to achieve a 35% production increase during the same period. When he left Aughinish, they had gone over 3 million man-hours without a lost time accident.
bulletAt the Lynemouth smelter, re-energized the workforce, initiated projects with exceptionally high return and took the plant to a million man-hours accident free for the first time in its 25-year history.

Employment History:

bullet2003-        Aluminpro Director and consultant
bulletDuring a 35 year career at Alcan aluminium, Frank held many Senior Management positions in smelting & alumina, including:
bullet  VP & Senior Advisor, Smelting and Power
bullet  VP Alcan Metal Marketing & Sales
bullet  MD Alcan Chemicals Europe
bullet  VP Reduction Technology
bullet  MD Aughinish Alumina
bullet  MD Alcan UK Smelter & Power Division
bullet  Director of Operations, Alcan Canadian Smelters
bullet  GM Kurri Kurri Smelter, Australia
bullet  Works Manager, Shawinigan Smelter, Canada.. 

Education:

bulletBSc. Applied Chemistry, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh (1966)
bulletEnglish - fluent, French - fluent.

Top of list

John D. McLean  - M&A, Marketing, Management, Strategy

Career Profile: Wide involvement in mining, refining, marketing & acquisition assessment within the minerals industry in Australia and elsewhere. Was Vice President & General Manager of Reynolds Australia Alumina, Ltd and Reynolds Metals Inc.'s Australian representative from 1990 to 2001, as well as a Reynolds representative on the Worsley Alumina Joint Venture Executive Committee.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletConstruction: participation in all aspects of A$1 billion refinery expansion.
bulletCost Reduction: sponsored multi disciplined team of specialists conducting a detailed cost reduction review.
bulletRemuneration Planning: sponsored JV participation in remuneration & incentive bonus planning.
bulletJoint Venture Relations: responsible for negotiating complex bauxite resource rationalization.
bulletAcquisitions: conducted due diligence on acquisition of aluminium wheel casting plant.
bulletDisposals: responsible for sale of major operating division initially as an IPO but converting to several trade sales in response to adverse market conditions.
bulletTaxation Incentives: responsible for successful negotiation of development allowance tax incentive for major refinery expansion under circumstances where changing project scope and JV ownership posed complex difficulties.

Employment History:

bullet2001-        Associate of Aluminpro
bullet1990-2001 VP & General Manager Reynolds Australia Alumina
bullet1990-1995 MD Reynolds Australian Gold Operations Ltd
bullet1986-1990 Australian representative Arthur D. Little 
West Australian representative Schroders (Aust) Pty Ltd
Operations Director Golden Valley Mining NL
bullet1981-1986 Executive Director Griffin Group, coal, gold, oil & gas, outdoor advertising, airlines, tropical agriculture, retail etc.
bullet1981-        MD of McLean Management Services Pty Ltd.
bullet1971-1980 Finance Director Sime Darby Plantation Group, Kuala Lumpur
bullet1965-1975 Senior Financial Management positions with BHP, firstly in iron ore and then oil & gas.
bullet1956-1964 Various positions with firms of Chartered Accountants in Australia, UK and USA. 

Education:

bulletMember of the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants.
bullet Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
bulletVarious management development courses including Advanced Course 40, Australian Administrative Staff College.

Top of list

Dr. W.B. O'Callaghan  - Scientist / Technical Consultant

Career Profile: Brian O'Callaghan has spent over 30 years in the aluminium industry as a scientist/technical consultant. His experience has been evenly split between the laboratory and alumina plants. As an R&D scientist he was engaged in all aspects of the Bayer process as well as aluminium-based fuel cells. In the plants, he was involved in techno-economic aspects of all red-side operations, but particularly in those relating to red mud rheology, flocculation and thickening, mud washing circuit operation, valorization/utilization, tailings disposal and disposal site rehabilitation. His red mud disposal experience includes all modern technologies practiced globally

Major Accomplishments:

bulletAuthor/co-author of 23 external publications and 12 patents
bulletDeveloped/implemented first conductivity system for A/C ratio monitoring in Alcan plants.
bulletDiscovered interaction between flocculant anionicity and Bayer liquor components.
bulletUS Patent for an aluminium fuel-cell design that won the 1988 Gold Award for Invention in the annual Canada Awards for Business Excellence series.
bulletLed an international corporate group in negotiating an alliance for sole supply of chemicals.
bulletDeveloped several mathematical models for optimization of Bayer process operating economics.
bulletAuthored a state-of-the-art conceptual design for mud disposal in a future alumina plant in India.
bulletLed the development of a topsoil-free vegetative cover for recently filled red mud disposal sites.
bulletServed as private consultant, on red mud utilization, in negotiations with the Indian Government.

Employment History:

bullet2000-         Consultant
bullet1997-1999  R&D Coordinator, Alcan International Ltd.
bullet1993-1997  Senior Technical Consultant, Alcan Jamaica Company 
bullet1990-1993  Manager, Red Mud Utilization & Disposal, Alcanint
bullet1983-1990  Project Leader: Aluminum Batteries, Alcan R&D 
bullet 1978-1983  Process Consultant, Alcan Jamaica Company
bullet1975-1978  Senior Scientist, Alcan R&D Ltd, Arvida, Quebec
bullet1972-1975  Chief Scientist, Steiner (Galway) Ltd., Ireland
bullet1969-1972  Scientist, Alcan R&D Ltd, Arvida, Quebec 

Education:

bulletPh.D. in Physical Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton 
bulletM.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, National University of Ireland (Galway)
bulletB.Sc. (1st Class Honours) Chemistry, Nat. University of Ireland 
.

Top of list

Bryan S. Osborne  - Consulting Geologist

Career Profile: Consulting geologist with worldwide experience in exploration, deposit evaluation and mine development. As well as bauxite, during his 30 year career in the mining industry he has gained a depth of experience in conducting resource and reserve evaluations for a range of metal and industrial mineral deposits.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletHas worked as a consulting geologist for clients worldwide, doing technical audits and feasibility studies for a range of metal deposits in Canada, South America, West Africa, Asia and Australia.
bulletResponsible for monitoring exploration and development projects in 6 countries where Alcan has bauxite mines and for participation on the technical committees of the worlds 2 largest export bauxite mines (CBG & MRN)
bulletAt SNC was responsible for a team of geologists involved in the planning and management of exploration  and mine evaluation studies.
bulletPlayed a key role in bringing projects from initial exploration to the development stage, such as the Omai gold mine in the Guyana shield and the Sungun copper mine in the Caucasus mountains.

Employment History:

bullet2000-         Consulting Geologist
bullet1998-2000  Chief Geologist, Alcan International 
bullet1987-1998  Consulting Geologist
bullet1978-1987  Director of Geology, SNC Group, Montreal
bullet1977-1978  Consultant, Rio Tinto services Ltd., Montreal
bullet1972-1977  Project Geologist, Brinco Ltd., Montreal
bullet1967-1972  Staff Geologist, Asbestos Corporation Ltd., Quebec

Education:

bulletM.Sc. Mineral Exploration, Imperial College of Science & Technology, London
bulletB.Sc. Honours Geology, Kingston College of Technology, U.K.
bulletEnglish/French - fluent, Spanish - fair.

Top of list

Ian W. Porteous  - Technology & Operations Management

Career Profile: VP Technology for worldwide bauxite and alumina operations for the past 10 years. He has 40 years experience in the operation, maintenance, development, design and construction in the alumina industry.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletProvided technical leadership to grow Alcan's bauxite and alumina technology, as demonstrated by: the successful Alunorte alumina refinery; feasibility studies for Utkal; commercialization of salt-cake calciner technology and significant increases in technology sales.
bulletObtained considerable international experience in Australia, Brazil, Ireland, India and Jamaica while acting on the boards and technical committees of joint ventures as well as overseeing technology projects.
bulletWorked for Alcan Jamaica in various roles, culminating as VP Operations responsible for all operations, maintenance and technology at mines, port and two alumina plants.

Employment History:

bullet2000-         Chairman and President of Aluminpro
bullet1989-1999  VP, Director Technology, Raw Materials, Alcan International
bullet1985-1989  Director of Operations & Technology, Alcan Raw Materials Group
bullet1960-1985  VP Operations from various other roles, Alcan Jamaica
bullet1958-1960  Process Engineer, Fawley Refinery, Esso Petroleum, U.K.

Education:

bulletPMD   Harvard
bulletB.Sc. &  Diploma Chemical Engineering, Manchester University

Top of list

Brian Sawyer  - Strategic Planning & Operations Management

Career Profile: Over 40 years of experience in all phases of the aluminium industry ( bauxite, alumina, smelting, casting, power generation and recycling). In addition to many years as a line manager he has been responsible for strategic planning and involved in sales and acquisitions and implementing mergers. He also has extensive experience with joint ventures and negotiating with governments. 

Major Accomplishments:

bulletAlcan board representative for many significant bauxite and alumina operations: QAL and Alspac in Australia; CBG and Friguia in Guinea; Ghana Bauxite; Indal and Utkal in India; Chaguaramas Terminals in Trinidad; Alcan Jamaica and Aughinish in Ireland.
bulletResponsible for planning, including start-up, acquisition and sales of companies.
bulletResponsible for managing 3 smelters and their associated power stations in the UK, as well as 3 recycling plants and an interest in a Norwegian super-purity smelter.
bulletLed group responsible for developing long range plans to rebuild 1 million tonnes of smelter capacity to meet long term environmental needs, power availability and to improve competitive position.
bulletExtensive experience working with and negotiating with World Bank, Sysmin, EIB and many financial institutions.

Employment History:

bullet2000-         Director of Aluminpro
bullet1988-1999  Associate Director of Raw Materials, Alcan Aluminium
bullet1978-1988  Managing Director of Smelting, Power & Raw Materials, British Alcan
bullet1971-1978  Planning Officer, Smelting Division, Alcan Aluminium
bullet1969-1971  Logistics Officer, Smelting Division, Alcan Aluminium
bullet1966-1969  Production Control Superintendent, Kitimat, BC
bullet1960-1966  Export Sales, Ingot Products, Alcan Aluminium
bullet1956-1960  Process Engineer, Arvida, Quebec

Education:

bulletB.Sc. Metallurgy, Leeds University, UK
bulletEnglish/French - fluent.

Top of list

Eduardo Spalding  - Management Consultant, Project Director

Career Profile: With 32 years in the aluminium industry, both in operations and at corporate level, he has wide experience in many areas, including bauxite, alumina, smelter, power generation and management and recycling, as well as in engineering and in directing major capital projects.
His responsibilities ranged from line management in raw materials, smelting and energy, to broad involvement with joint venture and the direction of expansion and energy projects. In addition, he has extensive experience with the Brazilian energy sector and Government, gained over 14 years directing ABRACE, the largest national association for major industrial energy consumers.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletDirector of the US$ 370 MM Pinda Rolling Expansion Project, completed in 1999 ahead of schedule, on budget and with zero lost time accidents.
bullet Responsible for the doubling the capacity of two smelters and an alumina refinery, incorporating new technology.
bulletBoard representative in MRN and Alumar, and member of their technical and operations committees for 8 years; key negotiator for the multi-pronged deal involving Alcan joining Alumar, Alcoa entering MRN, the merging of MRN and Billiton Amazon bauxite reserves and MRN partnership in Alunorte, instrumental for its restart.
bulletManagement of two smelters, alumina refinery and hydro power plants, reducing cash costs and manpower substantially while streamlining their organization.

Employment History:

bullet1999-         Partner of BRASC Associates and A&C Consultants.
bullet1995-1999  Project Director, Pinda Rolling Expansion, Alcan Brasil.
bullet1984-1995  Primary Aluminum and Energy Director, Alcan Brasil
bullet1984-1985  Works Manager, Aratu Smelter, Alcan Brasil
bullet1982-1984  Assistant to VP's of Reduction and Smelting, Montreal.
bullet1975-1982  Head, Engineering/Project Mngt. Division, Alcan Brasil.
bullet1969-1975  Senior Project Manager, Chemical and Petrochemicals, Promon Engineering, São Paulo. Head, Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer Dept, São Paulo State University - UNESP.

Education:

bulletPMD, Harvard Business School
bulletPh.D. Mechanical Engineering 
bulletM.Sc. and B.Sc. Chemical Engineering
bullet English/Portuguese - fluent.

Top of list

Dr. Kwat The  - Bayer Process Research Chemist

Career Profile: Dr. The has a Ph.D in inorganic/organometallic chemistry, an M.Sc. in analytical chemistry and a B.Sc. in industrial chemistry. His academic research in synthetic organic chemistry has given him insight into the scientific basis of the Bayer process, essential for successful trouble-shooting and mentoring of younger workers. His expertise extends to almost every aspect of the Bayer process, including the effects of impurities and specialty chemicals. His 38 year career includes 18 years devoted to Bayer process chemistry.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletHolds 5 US Patents and a number of international patent applications, some of which are:
- Process for producing agglomerates from dust.
- Process for the alkaline biodegradation of organic impurities.
- Process for the preparation of oxalic acid and sodium hydrogen oxalate from crude sodium oxalate.
-  Desilication of Bayer process solutions.
bulletHold 15 Alcan invention records. These relate to the Bayer process and transformation of unwanted byproducts into industrially useful or environmentally acceptable materials.
bulletRecent publications include:
- Contaminant control in Bayer process.
- Control and disposal of Organics from Bayer process.
- Alcan ESP dust micro-granulation technology.
- The disposal of sodium oxalate from the Bayer process.

Employment History:

bullet2000-         Consultant
bullet1996-1999  Senior Consultant, Alcan International
bullet1992-1996  Principal R&D Consultant, Queensland Alumina, Australia 
bullet1981-1992  Consultant/Senior Scientist, Alcan International
bullet1976-1981  Professor of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de Paraiba, Brasil
bullet1970-1975  Research Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Alberta; Simon Fraser University , British Columbia
bullet1962-1964  Science Master, St. Stephen's College, Hong Kong 

Education:

bulletPh.D. Inorganic Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia
bulletM.Sc. Analytical Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Australia
bulletB.Sc. Applied Industrial Chemistry, University of New South Wales
bulletEnglish/Indonesian - fluent; French/Portuguese/Dutch - good.

Top of list

John Warringer  - Power Generation Consultant

Career Profile: An international power generation consultant with 40 years experience in oil and coal fired power stations: Project work  and technical problem solving in public sector and industry powerhouses; leads plant audits and due diligence studies; staff development & training programs are a specialty.

Major Accomplishments:

bulletPrepared an Operational Staff Training scheme that is currently in use in the Jamaica Public Service and also at Alcan Jamaica Ltd. It is easily adaptable to any conventional power house.
bulletOn time and on budget completion of two major boiler re-tubing projects at Aughinish Alumina Ltd.
bulletResolution of boiler problems at Alunorte.
bulletProvided engineering support to three Alcan powerhouses: solving combustion problems; audits; turbine protection scheme; staff development 
bulletProvided technical inputs to major plant rehabilitation programme and retrofitting of plant controls and instrumentation with D.C.S.

Employment History:

bullet1997-         Power Generation Consultant
bullet1995-1997  Generation Consultant, Aljam & Jamaica Public Service
bullet1993-1995  Operations Engineer, Jamaica Public Service
bullet1990-1993  Generation Consultant, Jamaica Public Service
bullet1985-1989  Charge Engineer, Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority
bullet1983-1985  Training & Technical Coordinator, Jamaica Public Service
bullet1980-1983  Power Generation Consultant, Alcan Jamaica Ltd.
bullet1964-1980  Several power stations, Central Electricity Generating Board, U.K.
bullet1960-1964  Marine Engineering Officer, British India Steam Navigation Co., India

Education:

bulletHigher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Portsmouth University

Top of list

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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