Our focus is to drive innovation, collaboration and advancement in the mining industry on a global scale.

The Resources Centre of Excellence was born of strong partnerships between industry, governments, education providers, researchers, and community, and evidences “proof of life” to the fundamental construct that building strong collaboration is critical in shaping the future of the METS and resources sector. Through this collaboration, the RCOE provides world-class facilities for all things relating to resource development, with an underground mine simulated training and testing facility, emerging technology capabilities, quality training and conference facilities.

 

View our range of spaces for hire at our Paget facility.

Mission

Connecting excellence with resources.

Purpose

To connect the brightest minds in research, technology, education and METS to shape the resources sector of the future.

Vision

We are globally recognised as the hub of higher-level thinking for all things related to the resources sector, therefore creating significant regional economic value and demonstrating exceptional social value in our communities.

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Meet the RCOE team


Steven Boxall, Chief Executive Officer

Steven has been at the RCOE since day one, activating the current facility.  He is now focused on further expansion of the RCOE’s vision by delivering and executing Stage 2, Future Industries Hub and Stage 3 in the Isaac Region.  Talk to Steven about how you can be part of the RCOE’s future success and journey to deliver world first solutions.  


Tracey Dean, Operations Manager

As RCOE’s chief collaboration officer, Tracey brings people together to solve industry problems, conduct product development, training, and technology trials. Tracey is the Mackay hub’s lead on the Queensland Circular Economy (Industry-Research) Innovation program


Jason Sharam, Resource Innovation and Partnerships Manager

Jason brings 35 years of experience to his current role as Resource Innovation & Partnerships Manager at the Resources Centre of Excellence. He co-founded Linked Group Services in 2010, a company delivering trade services and renewable energy products across multiple sectors. His career is anchored by over a decade of hands-on electrical and mechanical project work in the Bowen Basin’s coal fields.


Kelly Portelli, Stakeholder Engagement & Projects

Kelly works closely with Steven Boxall, CEO managing engagement activities with multiple project stakeholders. She brings her passion to delivering the best outcomes on initiatives and providing an exceptional experiences to visitors at the RCOE. Kelly is excited to be working on future projects such as RCOE’s Stage 2 and Stage 3.


Alex Caruso, Marketing and Events

Alex is RCOE’s Marketing & Events specialist who has a keen eye for detail whether it’s through digital design or creating that memorable event. She is head of social media, keeping you up to date on all the exciting projects, and collaboration activities that take place at the RCOE.  Keep up to date with our socials to find out more on what the RCOE is up to.


Sue Gunning, Customer Service Officer

As RCOE’s Customer Service Officer, Sue welcomes all visitors & clients to our facility, ensuring they have a positive experience. She is your first point of contact at the RCOE so be sure to say hi!


Sidney Connor, Facility Assistant

Sidney plans and executes venue hire and catering, overseeing bookings for the RCOE training rooms and the underground mine simulator.  Contact Sidney for assistance to bring your next workshop, team building day, training, or induction program to life.  She knows the facility inside out and will ensure all details are covered to make your event a success.

Our mission is to connect the brightest minds in research, technology, education and METS to shape the resources sector of the future.

 

RCOE Board of Directors


Tony Caruso

Tony is an accomplished senior executive and board director with more than 30 years of experience in the Australian resources sector, specialising in underground coal and metals. A former CEO and Managing Director of an ASX-listed mining services company, Tony oversaw the organisation’s substantial growth, leading major acquisitions, diversification strategies, and cultural transformation programs.

Today, Tony serves as Chair of the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE), Chair of the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), and Advisory Board Member of a mining services engineering and maintenance business. With extensive experience in corporate governance, risk management, M&A, and stakeholder engagement, Tony brings a balanced perspective that combines strategic governance with deep operational insight. Recognised for integrity, collaboration, and building high-performing organisations, Tony contributes expertise in safety leadership, people and culture, and strategic growth to boards in complex and high-risk sectors.


Darryl Sweet

Darryl is General Manager APAC at Infravision PTY LTD, an Innovation and Technology enabled, aerial Power Transmission line Stringing Company that delivers power transmission line construction and maintenance activities across the globe. Darryl has extensive experience in Operational risk management and continuous improvement in the Construction, Bulk materials handling and complex logistics operating environments. Darryl has a keen interest in renewable power generation and sustainable management of pressure vessels and equipment. Darryl has extensive experience in working across the globe in construction and operating steam and power plants.


Naomi Atherton

Naomi is a Senior Associate and experienced commercial solicitor at McKays Solicitors. She acts for a diverse range of individual and business clients, including those involved in the mining and resources sector. Naomi’s legal experience, combined with practical commercial insight, allows her to deliver solutions that align business objectives with broader community outcomes. A proud Mackay local, Naomi is deeply committed to fostering the growth and sustainability of the region. She is actively engaged with a number of local not-for-profit organisations and charities.

Naomi brings to the board a combination of legal expertise, commercial acumen, and a genuine passion for regional development.


Shane McDowall

Shane is a strategic mining executive with over 15 years of leadership experience in underground coal operations. He began his career at Aurecon while completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) at the University of Queensland, before joining Anglo American in 2010. He has held senior leadership roles across Anglo American’s underground portfolio, including General Manager and Site Senior Executive at Aquila and Grosvenor mines, where he led operational transformation and introduced remote longwall strategies. Previously, Shane served as Principal Technology & Automation, shaping the Longwall Mine of the Future strategy and driving the deployment of transformative technologies across multiple sites.

Recognised for his collaborative leadership style, strategic foresight, and ability to drive operational excellence, Shane is passionate about shaping the future of mining through innovation, resilience, and value creation. He brings a strong focus on safety, continuous improvement, and stakeholder alignment to his role as a Board Director at the Resource Centre of Excellence.


Linda Murry

Linda has a career spanning more than 20 years in the mining industry and more than 10 years in heavy industrials. Linda has a diverse background in chemistry, processing and mining engineering and has worked in most aspects of the mining supply chain from Production (overburden and ore), Processing, Ports, Maintenance (MEM and Plant/Port/Shutdowns), Logistics and Technical Services. Linda holds a Bachelor of Science, a Masters of Mining Engineering and a number of other qualifications. Linda has a proven track record of business improvement and cultural transformation. Linda is passionate about developing people and is a strong advocate for mentoring and training.