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 problems, successfully execute training and showcase innovative products.  Ask Tracey about planning and catering for your next team building or induction day, or to find out how the underground mine simulator is the perfect venue for your next technology trials, product development or training. 


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.


Jacque MacDonald, Facility Assistant

Creating a great first impression of our facility is our priority. Jacque plays a critical role to ensure our facility is maintained to the highest standards so our visitors and clients walk away with the best possible experience; resulting in a number of return customers to the RCOE. No job is too big or small for Jacque to ensure we deliver quality results for your next event.


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!

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


Darryl Sweet

Darryl is General Manager APAC at Infravision, an Innovation and Technology enabled, arial Power line Stringing Company that help deliver power line construction and maintenance activities across the globe.

Decarbonising the expanding electric grid and working with Industry to develop and implement sustainable delivery methods is a passion.

Darryl has extensive operational and continuous improvement experience in port operations, bulk materials handling and logistics in complex operating environments. Darryl has a keen interest in renewable power generation and sustainable management of pressure vessels and equipment.

Darryl is a degree qualified Mechanical Engineer, RPEQ and holds a MBA.

Previously Darryl spent 15 years operating and maintaining steam and power plants throughout the sugar industry in Africa, USA and Australia. Darryl and his wife, Nicole, have two sons who love anything sporty including fishing, exploring the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.


Naomi Atherton

Naomi is a Senior Associate and a highly experienced commercial solicitor at McKays Solicitors, Mackay. 

Naomi works with a wide range of individual and corporate clients, ensuring their legal needs are met in a variety of commercial, intellectual property and estate related matters. 

Naomi is passionate about the Mackay region and giving back to the community.  Naomi is the President of Young Professionals Mackay, is actively involved with the Mackay Chamber of Commerce and supports a number of other local charities and organisations.


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Tony Caruso

Tony has held a number of senior management positions in contracting services over 30+ years, working across major underground mining projects in Queensland and New South Wales.

Always striving for better, he challenges those under his leadership to shake up industry norms, to deliver exceptional results. Commercially astute and highly strategic, Tony has ably led companies to make the best of the changeable cycles of the sector.  Authentic and humble, he’s developed a reputation within the industry as someone people want to partner with and work for. Tony’s given an enormous amount of his time back to others, for the prosperity of the regional resource sector and to guide the industry’s emerging leaders.


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Shane McDowall

Shane is the General Manager/SSE at Anglo American Grosvenor Mine.

Shane’s professional career began at Aurecon, where he was employed during university as an Undergraduate Electrical Engineer. During this time, Shane received a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree from the University of Queensland. In 2010, he joined Anglo American as an Electrical Engineering Graduate and fast-tracked his way through various engineering and operational roles at the Moranbah North Mine before being appointed Engineering and Maintenance Manager in 2014. Shane was instrumental in leading the improvement journey for the mine, including the development and implementation of AFC Variable Speed Drive technology.