About Neville Plint
Professor Neville Plint has a global reputation in the mining sector and has broad demonstrated experience in the mining and resource industry. His career has focused on delivering improved operational performance on mining sites by developing and implementing new technologies, whilst establishing a global network of research professionals in academic institutes, mining companies and research organisations. Neville has extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of the mining sector.
Professor Plint is the Institute Director, Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), at The University of Queensland, and has held this position since October 2016. SMI’s purpose is to develop game-changing people by working with partners to co-create solutions to the big challenges facing the minerals sector and to create change for responsible resource development.
While at Anglo American, Professor Plint held multiple leadership roles including Head of Business Improvement Projects, and Head of Research and Development. Neville also managed a state-of-the-art, Residential Experiential Learning Business Improvement Centre and delivered courses on leadership, interpersonal skills, change management, lean management, statistical process control, and process optimisation.
Neville’s corporate experience extends to business restructuring and successful implementation of cost saving initiatives across the business.
Professor Neville Plint is a board member and Director of Mining 3; Managing Director of JKTech Pty Ltd, the technology transfer company for the SMI (formed in 1986) and is a member of UQ’s University Senior Management Group (USMG).
About University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Institute
21st-century society requires increasing supplies of metals and minerals to address population growth, energy, food and water security, poverty reduction and escalating inequity. Improved efficiency, re-use, and recycling will help, but those things alone will not meet the needs of society.
SMI has a unique inter-disciplinary approach encompassing the expertise of scientists, engineers, anthropologists, sociologists, economists, and natural resource specialists with in-depth knowledge at corporate and operational levels, built from years of practical experience and engagement.
SMI’s work covers all facets of the life of mine from geology, to minerals extraction, water management issues, minerals processing, workplace health and safety, mine rehabilitation and closure, community engagement and social responsibility.
The SMI Strategic Programs focus on some of the big issues facing mining - unlocking complex orebodies, driving sustainability through governance and leadership, and the use of development minerals to raise people out of poverty in developing countries.
