Brett Whatley

Mining Specialist - Mineral Sands (Consultant)

Sector: Mining & Metals

Member Since, July 3, 2023

Open To Work

  • I am open to relocating to
    Australia
  • I am open to working remotely Yes
  • I am open to being contacted by employers and recruiters Yes

About Me

Experienced Operations Specialist and Dredge Master with a demonstrated history of working in the mining & metals industry. Skilled in Safety Management Systems, Mining, Minerals, Dredger Operations, Continuous Improvement, and Plant Maintenance. Strong operations professional with a Certificate focused in N6 Mechanical Certificate and Production N5 from Richtek campus.

Education

  • Certificate, N6 Mechanical Certificate and Production N5 (2007 - 2011) Richtek Campus

  • Bachelor (1994 - 1998) John Ross College

  • Legal Liability ( - 2014) Richards Bay Minerals

  • Supervision for Leaders ( - 2010) Richards Bay Minerals

Work & Experience

  • Rio Tinto (2022 - Present ) Mining Specialist - Mineral Sands (Consultant)

    • Develop a mining sequence for operating 2 dredges in one pond • Technical operational input supplied for the new dredger • Optimize Automation parameters on the dredge to improve the output • Optimize plant parameters in aid to improve plant recoveries • Optimize plant process efficiencies • Evaluated the current process and recommended development and improvement opportunities • Provided solutions to process and technical problems on the wet plant • Continuous improvement strategies on plant • Provide input to tails management and backfilling strategies • Identify bottlenecks and teach operations staff to identify and manage constraints

  • Kenmare Moma Processing (Mauritius) Ltd (2014 - 2022 ) Operations Specialist/Dredge Master for Mineral Processing Plant (WCP)

    • Control the activities and standards of performance and behavior of designated subordinate staff • Achieve set production / maintenance targets • Maintain and maximize plant / equipment availability • Maximize Dredging output through optimization of the Dredge Automation system • Initiate and co-ordinate the necessary resources and activities required for plant breakdowns • Operate specialized equipment • Maintain and improve safety, health and environmental standards and practices • Perform fair and reasonable tasks related to the job and working environment, at the discretion of the Supervisor • Responsibility for occupational health, safety and environmental programs. • Training and development programs and initiatives. • Management of production schedules and all operational aspects • Relieve the Plant Supeintendent/Acting role • Trains, mentors and assesses Plant and Dredger Operators, Shift Specialists and Shift Supervisors to ensure required levels of competence. Furthermore identifies and analyses training needs for Plant and Dredger • Retains an open line of communication between staff and Senior Management. • Effectively liaises and communicates with internal departments, customers and external contracting companies in order to maximise operational efficiency. • Adjusts and optimize Dredge operating parameters to aid in increasing throughput rates according to mining conditions.

  • Rio Tinto (2008 - 2014 ) Shift WCP Supervisor

    • Supervise and control the activities and standards of performance and behaviour of designated subordinate staff • Achieve set production / maintenance targets • Maintain and maximise plant / equipment availability • Initiate and co-ordinate the necessary resources and activities required for plant breakdowns • Operate specialised equipment • Maintain and improve safety, health and environmental standards and practices • Perform fair and reasonable tasks related to the job and working environment, at the discretion of the Supervisor

  • BHP Billiton, Bayside Aluminium (2007 - 2008 ) Process Supervisor

    • Supervised and coordinated activities of workers engaged in producing Aluminium liquor by continuous process reaction. • Read operating reports showing temperature, specific gravity, and flow-rate readings to verify specified process conditions. • Inspected equipment for mechanical defects and malfunctions. • Trained new employees in operation of equipment. • Scheduled planned and unplanned tasks to be completed during shift. • Worked with a crew of 20 employees to meet the goals and objectives of the organization. • Provided leadership, motivation, mentoring and training for workers. • Actively promote, participate and create a safety culture. • Interpreted and conveyed company policies, specifications, requirements and regulations to employees.