Ian’s 25 years of experience across academe, consulting and industry has provided exposure to a wide range of mining, infrastructure and agricultural projects with a focus on hydrogeology and water management. Ian is currently employed as Principal Hydrogeologist for Rio Tinto Copper & Diamonds being accountable for hydrogeology and water management across the copper and diamonds portfolio. Prior to Rio Tinto, Ian was the Research Manager for SMI’s Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry and before then held a number of senior management roles with Xstrata Copper including as Principal Hydrogeologist, Manager - Environment Projects and as the Public Affairs Manager for the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project in the Philippines.
Ian brings a wide range of technical skills to Honorary Research Fellow position as well as the ability to work and communicate effectively with industry, community and academic stakeholders ranging from environmental, legal and communications, local and international non-government organisations and politicians across a range of environmental-related technical and social matters. This includes a significant amount of expertise in engaging with regulators and community in matters related to impact management, approvals and communication of mining / environmental plans.
In addition, Ian serves on the Queensland Trust for Nature Funds Management Committee and is also a member of the Civil, Environment and Agriculture Industry Advisory Committee for the University of Southern Queensland’s School of Civil Engineering and Surveying.