Curtin University has appointed Professor Dudley Kingsnorth to lead the new Critical Materials Initiative.
The Critical Materials Initiative will aim to pull together expertise and knowledge from governments, researchers and industry worldwide to determine demand for independent research and advice on critical materials, such as rare earths, platinum, lithium and tungsten. These materials are deemed critical because while they are essential for the manufacture of many hi-tech items such as lap-top computers and hybrid vehicles their supply is limited and threatens the sustainability of their production.
Professor Kingsnorth is a recognised world authority on the rare earths market and project development through his 22-year association with the industry. He has provided advice on the market to several government organisations worldwide.
Professor Graeme Wright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Development, said Professor Kingsnorth’s expertise would be used to develop the Critical Materials Initiative.
“There is recognition worldwide for total supply chain management of critical materials, from mine to original equipment showroom, calling for an initiative to develop research capability,” Professor Wright said.
“Professor Kingsnorth’s unique understanding of the supply and demand dynamics of critical materials and experience in providing advice with different organisations will be crucial for the new initiative. With limited global expertise in this very important field, I am pleased to see Professor Kingsnorth build on his extensive experience at Curtin.”
Professor Kingsnorth has more than 40 years experience in the international mining industry through positions he has held in operations, project development, marketing, technical consulting and business development.
“I am looking forward to working with the extensive range of professional research scientists, engineers and economists at Curtin University to assist industry to understand and develop alternative supply chains for critical materials,” Professor Kingsnorth said.
Professor Kingsnorth will be located at the Curtin Graduate School of Business in the Perth CBD to enable him to work closely with the Department of Mineral and Energy Economics.
He has recently resigned from his position as a non-executive director of Northern Minerals to devote time to the establishment of the Critical Materials Initiative.
NOTE TO EDITORS
About Professor Dudley Kingsnorth:
Professor Dudley Kingsnorth has an Honours degree in Metallurgy and a Masters in Industrial Metallurgy with Management Techniques.
He has worked for various companies including Rio Tinto, Shell, Alcoa, Ashton Mining, Greenbushes and Bechtel during his 40-year career.
In 1988, he was awarded the Confederation of Western Australian Industry Individual Export Award for his contribution to the development of the lithium mineral market.
Professor Kingsnorth is a past Vice President and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
Contact:
Megan Meates, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 4241, Mobile: 0401 103 755, Email: megan.meates@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
