Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Publications
Timeline
Generic
Adam Barbalet

Adam Barbalet

Novar Gardens,Australia

Summary

Experienced Project Manager and Study Lead with 15+ years at BHP, specialising in driving major capital studies from concept through to final investment decision. Combines a strong mechanical engineering foundation, business management expertise, and a mechanical trade background to deliver robust, investment-ready outcomes. Proven track record of leading teams through large-scale complex studies, managing diverse stakeholders, and supporting strategic decision making across mining operations.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Studies – Asset Projects (Coal, QLD)

BHP
Brisbane, Australia
02.2025 - Current
  • Led a feasibility study for BMA’s Peak Downs tailings strategy, applying a structured investment assessment to identify the optimal pathway for long‑term production.
  • Progressed opportunity framing through to a value‑optimised investment solution, informing BMA’s tailings strategy over the next 5–10 years while avoiding unnecessary OPEX by eliminating low‑value options early and defining the most efficient way forward for the business.

Study Lead - Alternative Backfill Delivery Project

BHP
Adelaide, Australia | A$412M
12.2020 - 08.2024
  • Led the Alternative Backfill Delivery project from feasibility through to final investment decision, one of Olympic Dam’s largest capital investments in two decades and a critical enabler of the Life of Asset mine plan.
  • Defined an 800,000 m³/year cemented paste fill operation utilising live plant tailings, fundamentally changing underground backfill practices to sustain 11 Mtpa processing.
  • The study is widely regarded as a success, underpinned by strong stakeholder engagement, disciplined change management, and proactive risk leadership.

Study Lead - Underground Infra Risk Reduction

BHP
Adelaide, Australia | A$60M
08.2020 - 07.2021
  • Led the UGIRR study to define an optimised investment pathway addressing critical underground support and infrastructure risks.
  • Delivered a cost‑efficient Optimised‑Without (OWO) remediation plan that avoided unnecessary capital expenditure, reduced operational disruption, and extended asset life through targeted, risk‑based interventions.

Study Lead - OBP Debottlenecking (OBPD)

BHP
Adelaide, Australia | A$200M
02.2020 - 11.2020
  • Led the initiation and opportunity framing for OBP Debottlenecking Project, developed as the Optimised‑Without (OWO) case for the broader Brownfield Expansion (BFX) program.
  • Identified and assessed strategic investment options to maximise value from existing surface infrastructure.
  • Recommended the optimal delivery strategy, transitioning execution to site‑based Operations for staged implementation, enabling incremental investment, minimising operational risk, and avoiding unnecessary capital associated with a full brownfield expansion.

Study Lead - Warehouse Capacity Project (WCP)

BHP
Adelaide, Australia
07.2019 - 10.2020
  • Led the identification and opportunity framing study for the Warehouse Capacity Project, redefining the problem from infrastructure shortage to operational inefficiency.
  • Developed a low‑cost Optimise‑Without pathway focused on process, inventory, and system improvements, delivering immediate safety and performance benefits while deferring capital investment.
  • Established a staged handover to Operations, creating a clear foundation for future, data‑driven investment decisions.

Study Lead - Olympic Dam Airport Project

BHP
Adelaide, Australia | A$91M
12.2017 - 02.2019
  • Managed the Olympic Dam Airport upgrade project study, transitioning the project from an initial regulatory compliance risk into a sustaining production investment.
  • Maintained cost control through IPS, SPS and DPS by balancing scope, investigations, early contractor involvement, and value engineering under complex regulatory, operational, and stakeholder constraints.
  • Delivered a cost‑effective, future‑ready solution aligned with long‑term capacity and operational requirements.

Lead Field Engineer – Electric Furnace Area

BHP
Olympic Dam, Australia
01.2017 - 12.2017
  • Site engineering lead during the SCM17 project.
  • Managed field engineering, contractor performance, technical quality and construction interface for major furnace upgrade works.

Project Engineer – Electric Furnace Rebuild

BHP Billiton
Olympic Dam, Australia
10.2013 - 01.2017
  • Provided engineering, shutdown planning and contractor management during a major electric furnace rebuild.
  • Ensured safe delivery of smelter shutdown works, design coordination and execution readiness.

Mechanical Engineer – Smelter Development Engineering

BHP Billiton
Olympic Dam, Australia
01.2013 - 10.2013
  • Delivered mechanical and civil designs introducing new technologies to the smelter.
  • Developed asset integrity systems and maintenance strategies for furnace infrastructure.
  • Supervised work crews and supported multiple small-to-medium capital projects.

Graduate Mechanical Engineer

BHP Billiton
Olympic Dam, Australia
02.2011 - 01.2013
  • Rotations:
  • Project Engineer – Services Engineering (2011–2012): Delivered Level 1 capital projects (
  • Risk Analyst/Champion – Services (2012): Strengthened risk management capability across HSE, operational and financial domains.
  • Mechanical Engineer – Smelter Development (2012–2013): Supported mechanical, refractory and integrity engineering for smelter upgrades.
  • Completed internship as a Refinery Maintenance Engineer (Nov 2009 – Feb 2010).

Fabrication and Design Engineer

Nottage Design (Now Elite Innovations)
Adelaide, Australia
02.2005 - 12.2009
  • Designed and fabricated custom metal components using a variety of specialised materials.
  • Delivered engineering support to workshop teams and produced cost‑efficient solutions aligned with tight budget and schedule requirements.

Boilermaker / Welder

F. Miller & Co
Ottoway, Australia
01.2002 - 02.2006
  • Completed Metal Fabrication Engineering apprenticeship.
  • Performed layout design, machining, specialised welding and site‑based work.
  • Operated heavy equipment and performed high‑risk tasks with strong safety performance.

Education

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering -

University of South Australia
01.2010

Bachelor of Management (Business) -

University of South Australia
01.2010

Trade Certificate (Cert III) - Engineering (Metal Fabrication)

ATEC
01.2005

Skills

  • Project Management
  • Feasibility studies
  • Investment assessment
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Risk management
  • Value engineering

Publications

$1 billion hidden cost of bentonite mining, The Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker, 2011, Research paper analysing the economic and environmental impacts of bentonite use in the global wine industry and proposing evidence‑based reduction strategies.

Timeline

Lead Studies – Asset Projects (Coal, QLD)

BHP
02.2025 - Current

Study Lead - Alternative Backfill Delivery Project

BHP
12.2020 - 08.2024

Study Lead - Underground Infra Risk Reduction

BHP
08.2020 - 07.2021

Study Lead - OBP Debottlenecking (OBPD)

BHP
02.2020 - 11.2020

Study Lead - Warehouse Capacity Project (WCP)

BHP
07.2019 - 10.2020

Study Lead - Olympic Dam Airport Project

BHP
12.2017 - 02.2019

Lead Field Engineer – Electric Furnace Area

BHP
01.2017 - 12.2017

Project Engineer – Electric Furnace Rebuild

BHP Billiton
10.2013 - 01.2017

Mechanical Engineer – Smelter Development Engineering

BHP Billiton
01.2013 - 10.2013

Graduate Mechanical Engineer

BHP Billiton
02.2011 - 01.2013

Fabrication and Design Engineer

Nottage Design (Now Elite Innovations)
02.2005 - 12.2009

Boilermaker / Welder

F. Miller & Co
01.2002 - 02.2006

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering -

University of South Australia

Bachelor of Management (Business) -

University of South Australia

Trade Certificate (Cert III) - Engineering (Metal Fabrication)

ATEC
Adam Barbalet