Our Team

But this wasn’t my first encounter with the QMAG site. I previously worked with ThyssenKrupp, and as I was supplying kiln technology in that role, I visited Parkhurst in 2006 and 2008. Little did I dream that in 2020, I’d move my family halfway across the world to work here!

Thanks to the quality of our materials, QMAG is a recognised leader in the global magnesia market. The quality and scale of the Kunwarara cryptocrystalline magnesite deposit really cannot be overstated. With a relatively easily accessible resource, plus the ever-improving technology we have on hand to add value and process into globally competitive products across multiple industries, we are in a fantastic position.

The chemical and physical properties of our deadburned and electrofused magnesia products mean customers who use these in their refractory processes experience a longer and more reliable material life. Add to this the dedication of our people and our tireless commitment to research and development.

I’m excited about the future of QMAG, and the opportunities we have to be competitive in the supply chain when it comes to efficiency, sustainability and clean technologies.

Magnesia as a market is well-established. While we can’t change the chemistry of the production process, we are researching how our products can be more effective and be produced in a more energy-efficient manner. This means minimising our CO2 footprint and increasing the efficiencies of our installed capacity. Or even reaching new customer markets that support rare mineral production to deliver into electric vehicle markets – certainly an increasingly attractive proposition.

I am confident that with our team doing what they do best and with the support of our parent company, Refratechnik, QMAG is well placed to continue leading the magnesia market for many decades to come.

As a young mining engineer, I joined the QMAG team to gain early-career experience. I was astonished to learn that some of the same faces from that time were still here 20 years later, when I returned to take up a position as the Site Manager of the Kunwarara mine in 2022.

I’m a big believer in the contribution that operations like QMAG make to the communities around us. We employ locals, we provide valuable resources, and most importantly we provide stability to communities like Rockhampton who have supported us for so many years. I also firmly support the idea of family spirit, one of our core values at QMAG. This means that we work every day not only to produce a world-class product, but to create a work environment that is inclusive, caring, respectful and supportive for our colleagues.

My background knowledge in operations and management, with lessons learned from multiple sites and types of operations, helps me steer the QMAG ship with a focus on delivering the right material to our customers. With my experience on the ground at Kunwarara, I’m in a great position to understand how we can make the most of the high-quality magnesite resources we have in the ground, ensuring the viability and longevity of QMAG’s operations for decades to come.