Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Licenses
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic
Darren Forrester

Darren Forrester

Townsville,Qld, Australia

Summary

I am self-motivated and I have an enthusiastic and a professional approach to my work, I have worked on a broad variety of plant and equipment and enjoy a new challenge. I take pride in my work and ensure all jobs are completed to the highest standard, I believe that a job is not completed the tooling has been returned and the clean-up is completed. I am a trade qualified Fitter and Machinist with Welding Qualifications as well, I have over 30 years of experience working in various mines performing fixed plant maintenance both on the surface and underground and I have held positions from Fixed Plant Fitter to Mechanical Services Manager throughout my career in mining, I do enjoy working hands on with my team, I find it gives me a chance to get to know them, identify their strength and weaknesses in their roles. I have proven leadership qualities and demonstrated skills in training staff and team development, I hold a current S12&3 certificate, Maintenance Planning Qualifications, Certificate 4 in Work Place Training and Assessing, I enjoy teaching others the skills I have, I enjoy leading a team, and building a bond of trust and respect within the team. I have worked in Mines and Processing Plants producing Gold, Zinc, Lead, Nickel, Copper, Coal and even Uranium, I am committed to working to the highest level of safety, I do believe that Zero Harm can be achieved without compromising job deadlines and budgets. I have completed the Site Safety Representative course and I am also a certified WHSO. I am experienced in the use of computerized maintenance programs including JD Edwards, SAP, MIMS and Citec, and I have also completed course on Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project.

Overview

42
42
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Fixed Plant Maintenance Supervisor

Redpath Mining LTD
03.2018 - Current
  • Supervising Fixed Plant Maintenance, Camp Maintenance, Power Station Maintenance, Underground Dewatering Maintenance, Scoping and Planning day to day tasks and shutdowns.
  • Supervising a team of Fixed Plant Fitters, Boilermakers, Serviceman, Plumbers and Carpenters
  • Supervised daily maintenance operations, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and operational standards.
  • Implemented process improvements that increased efficiency in maintenance workflows and resource allocation.
  • Provided technical expertise during the installation, commissioning, and testing of new machinery or upgrades to existing systems.
  • Developed training programs for maintenance staff, fostering skill development and team performance.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex operational challenges and optimize plant performance.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, offering constructive feedback and facilitating professional development opportunities.
  • Championed continuous improvement initiatives, proactively identifying opportunities for increasing efficiency and reducing costs in the maintenance department.
  • Oversaw inventory management of spare parts, ensuring timely availability for maintenance activities.
  • Reduced equipment downtime by consistently monitoring and addressing potential issues in a timely manner.

Fixed Plant Maintenance Fitter, Shut Down Supervisor

Dawson Engineering
09.2017 - 03.2018
  • Fixed plant maintenance duties.
  • Plant: Jaw Crushers, Sag and Ball Mill, Floats, Concentrators, Larox Filter Presses, Underground Mono Pumps, Surface processing pumps and Conveyor maintenance

Technical Specialist Fixed Plant Maintenance

Newcrest Mining LTD
03.2015 - 08.2017
  • Supervision and technical guidance for National employees working on the processing fixed plant equipment from the crushing circuit through to the mills inclusive.
  • Plant: Auto Claves, Jaw Crushers, Gyratory Crusher, Apron Feeders, Vibrating Grizzly Screens, Sump and Transfer Pumps, Belt Conveyors, Ball and Sag Mills, Gyratory Crushers, Compressors and Associated hydraulic Systems.
  • Mentored fellow team members in advanced technical concepts, fostering a collaborative work environment where ideas were freely exchanged.
  • Guided staff technology use, assisting with troubleshooting and quality control to streamline operations.
  • Conducted root cause analysis of vehicle systems to locate and correct problems.
  • Trained junior staff on advanced systems and tools, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
  • Analyzed system performance data to identify improvement opportunities, driving process enhancements.

Mechanical Fitter / Team Leader UGL

Power Station Shutdowns UGL
01.2014 - 02.2015
  • Installed and maintained mechanical systems in high-pressure environments.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to streamline project timelines and resource allocation.
  • Displayed strong problem-solving skills by swiftly identifying and implementing solutions to address mechanical malfunctions or breakdowns.
  • Documented all completed jobs meticulously in accordance with company policies to ensure accurate record-keeping for future reference or audits purposes.
  • Experience with-Condenser Over hauls, Steam Pipework, Steam Drums, Repairs to faulty cooler tubes, Steam driven turbines, overhaul of pumps and valves.

Contract Mechanical Services Fitter / Boilermaker

Holcim Bohle Quarry for (DJF Engineering PTY LTD)
09.2011 - 01.2014
  • Contracting direct to Holcim as a mechanical services Fitter / Welder / Crane driver for my own company, carrying out maintenance and repairs and addressing any breakdowns to all fixed plant and mobile equipment, PM checks, fault finding, equipment improvement suggestions, parts ordering, structural welding repairs, spray painting, guarding fabrication.
  • Plant: Jaw, Gyratory and Mobile Crushers, Screening Plants, Pumps, Conveyors, Vibrating Feeders, Weight meters, Wash Plant. Pug Mills, Blenders and Pre-Coaters, Dump Trucks, Excavator’s and Loaders.
  • Analyzed operational challenges, proposing strategic solutions to enhance productivity.
  • Followed safe work practices, which included fall protection and personal protective equipment.
  • Measured, marked, cut, bored, fitted and installed various piping or structural components in accordance with blueprints and job specifications using hand and power tools.
  • Collaborated with team members to complete tasks on schedule, maintaining high standards of workmanship.

Mechanical Services Manager

Fenner Dunlop Conveyor Services
03.2006 - 08.2011
  • Developed a team of conveyor mechanical maintenance technicians and working hands on within the team, building strong customer relationships, Conduct site conveyor audits prior to major shut downs and submit reports with maintenance and modification recommendations along with costing and a schedule of work to be done. Ensure all work is performed safely and to a high standard.
  • Plant: Coal and Hard Rock both above and below ground, Belt Conveyors, Bucket Elevator Conveyors, Load Out Conveyors, Gearboxes, Belt cleaners and Skirting assemblies, Belt splicing
  • Developed and implemented maintenance schedules to enhance equipment reliability.
  • Trained and mentored staff on safety protocols and operational best practices.
  • Managed inventory and procurement processes for spare parts and materials.
  • Fostered strong client relationships, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and retention.
  • Resolved escalated customer complaints professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into opportunities for continued patronage.
  • Hired, trained and supervised team of service staff members to meet business goals.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict safety protocols and providing ongoing staff training on proper equipment use.
  • Met with customers to discuss service needs and develop effective and practical solutions.
  • Coordinated with other departments to maintain streamlined and productive workflow.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, offering constructive feedback and facilitating professional development opportunities.
  • Increased overall revenue by upselling additional services and products during routine maintenance visits.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, resulting in improved product support and better pricing for customers.

Maintenance Team Leader

Sun Metals Corporation
07.2004 - 03.2006
  • Lead a maintenance team of fitters/welders and contractors through the weekly scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, ensuring all work is carried out safely and all policies and procedures are followed, provide an efficient maintenance service, operating within a set budget, plan and schedule the work load by priority, adjust roasters and/or arrange external contract labor to minimize plant down time, record daily work progress of planned and unplanned work, conduct weekly and shut down planning meetings, attend or conduct weekly maintenance strategy meetings, deliver safety toolbox talks to the maintenance teams, arrange or deliver training required to improve the skills of employees, close out work orders and record all work carried out and future work required.
  • Plant: Oxygen Plant, Train wagon tipper, Belt, chain and pipe conveyors including Tripper, Mixers, Table Feeders, Slinger Feeders, Roaster, Calcine Coolers, Ball and Hammer Mills, Bucket Elevators, Pneumatic Conveyors, Diverter Valves, Sulphur Gas Cleaning Plant, Blowers, Fans, Pumps, Heat Exchangers, Sulphuric Acid Plant, Lime plant, Converters, Pre-heaters, Catalysts, Pumps and Storage tanks.
  • Coordinated cross-functional communication between departments to streamline maintenance workflows and reduce delays.
  • Oversaw troubleshooting and repair of complex machinery, ensuring minimal downtime across operations.
  • Mentored junior staff in technical skills and best practices, promoting professional growth within the maintenance department.
  • Supervised employee performance, preventive maintenance, and safety.
  • Troubleshot complex mechanical issues, applying expertise in various equipment types to quickly resolve problems.
  • Managed maintenance projects, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
  • Collaborated with other department leaders to develop comprehensive facility maintenance plans and priorities.

Shift Fitter and promoted Maintenance Team Leader, Fill in Maintenance Planner

RANGER URANIUM MINE RIO TINTO - ERA
09.2000 - 06.2004
  • Shift fitter - Maintenance of all fixed plant equipment, attending to breakdowns to prevent plant down time, recording and reporting of work carried out and further maintenance work required, working day or night shift as required.
  • Team Leader- Lead a maintenance team of Fitters/Welders, Crane Drivers and Rigger/Scaffolders, to safely maintain all plant equipment and provide maximum plant availability within a set budget.
  • Planning and Coordinating work toad - Ensuring all allocated work had the necessary parts, permits, manning required, and the work to be carried out is performed safely and completed on schedule and within budget.
  • Plant: Gyratory Crushers, Belt Conveyors, Heat exchangers, Rod and Ball Mills, Various Pumps. Leaching, Clarifier, Settler, Neutralization and Thickener Tanks, Centrifuges, Roaster, Chain Conveyors, Rotary Valves and Packing Stations, Pumps, Centrifuges and packing stations.

Leading Hand Crushing Circuit

MT TODD GOLD MINE MONODELPOUS DARWIN
06.1999 - 09.2000
  • Allocation of daily work to appropriately trained personnel, overseeing all work to ensure that safety policies and work procedures are followed, planning crusher rebuilds and ensuring all parts and equipment are available. Liaising with production coordinators to ensure minimal production is lost throughout these shut downs.
  • Plant: Primary Gyratory Crusher, Belt Conveyors, Stock Pile, Heap Leaching, Vibrating Feeders, Belt Conveyors, Vibrating Screens, Secondary Gyratory Crushers and Barmac Centrifugal Crushers, Ball Mills, Oxygen Plant, Lime Plant, Carbon Screens, Cyclones, Gear Boxes, Leaching Tanks, Pumps -Warman, Lube, Sump, Chiller Units.

Maintenance Fitter/Welder

BROCK CREEK AND UNION REEF GOLD MINE ANGLO GOLD
01.1998 - 06.1999
  • Contract Fitter for projects and shut down work, Installation of pipe work, poly and steel, Oxygen plant installation, Cone crusher, Jaw crusher maintenance and rebuilds, Sag and Ball Mill maintenance, Maintenance on various pumps.

Boilermaker / Maintenance Fitter

WILSON TRANSFORMERS
09.1997 - 12.1998
  • Welding and fabrication work for the manufacture of transformer housings. Fill in for maintenance fitter when required and during factory shut downs, Maintenance of computerized punching machines, hydraulic benders, chain conveyors, CNC Tig welding machine, Mig welders, compressors, electrical winding machines, welding tilt and rotary benches.
  • Executed high-quality welding processes on various transformer components.
  • Inspected completed welds for structural integrity and compliance with specifications.
  • Reduced production downtime by performing regular weld inspections and addressing issues promptly.

Construction Fitter/Welder

MT TODD GOLD MINE ANI ENGINEERING
05.1996 - 09.1997
  • Installation of 3 of the biggest Ball Mills in the Southern Hemisphere, Complete installation and commissioning, Mill main shell assembly, girth gear and pinion alignment, installation and alignment of gear boxes, motors, cooling units, lube systems, linings, trunnions, trommels and commissioning.

Fitter & Machinist/Welder

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
01.1991 - 05.1996
  • Maintenance and the manufacture of ground support equipment for Defense Force Aircraft. Aircraft jacks, tow trolleys, Aircraft Arrest System Emergency Response, Metal fabrication, Welding, Metal machining, manufacture of purpose built items from radar transport trailers to replacement linkages.

Fitter and Machinist

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
03.1989 - 01.1991
  • Maintenance and Manufacture of ground support equipment, fabrication and metal machining work, hydraulics and pneumatics diagnostics and repairs, Aircraft Arrest System Maintenance and Emergency Response.

Apprentice, Tradesman Fitter & Machinist

DEPT of PUBLIC WORKS
01.1984 - 03.1989
  • Metal machining using, lathes, mills, drills, cylindrical and face grinding, metal fabrication, welding, benders, presses. machinery maintenance in high schools, mills, lathes, plainer, band saws, vices and pump maintenance.

Education

Supervisor Course S1, 2 & 3 -

MinRes
07.2018

Safety Management Training - undefined

Holcim Australia
06.2012

Certificate IV - Frontline Management

TAFE Queensland
10.2010

Certificate IV - Workplace Training and Assessing

NT Employment and Training Authority
08.2004

Vibration Analysis Course - undefined

CSI User Course MSC Training
03.2004

Computer Numerically Controlled Machining

University of Tech Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, NSW
12-1989

Hydraulics And Pneumatics

University of Tech Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, NSW
06-1989

Trade Apprenticeship - Fitter and Machinist

North Sydney TAFE College
01.1989

Skills

  • Proficient in JD Edwards
  • Experience with SAP systems
  • Expertise in MIMS utilization
  • Citec
  • Experienced in document creation using Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Team leadership

Certification

  • HRWL: CN - Non-Slew Crane
  • HRWL: CV - Vehicle Loading Crane,
  • HRWL: DG - Dogging
  • HRWL: RB - Basic Rigging
  • HRWL: LF - Forklift Truck
  • HRWL: WP - Boom Elevated Work Platform
  • Confined Space Entry
  • Work at Heights
  • First Aid / CPR
  • Supervisor Course S1, 2 &3, 2018-07-26, MinRes
  • Safety Management Training, 2012-06-18, Holcim Australia
  • Show Leadership in the Workplace, 2010-12-07, TAFE Queensland
  • Certificate IV Frontline Management, 2010-10-02, TAFE Queensland
  • Supervision and Management of People, 2010-03-17, Odyssey Training Australia
  • Managing Staff for High Performance, 2007-06-05, Odyssey Training Australia
  • Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessing, 2004-08-12, NT Employment and Training Authority
  • Successful Recruitment Strategies, 2004-12-09, Drake Training Australia
  • Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Course, 2004-02-20, Rylson Training Group Training Aust
  • Vibration Analysis Course, 2004-03-12, CSI User Course MSC Training Melbourne
  • Workplace Training and Assessing, 1997-11-28, Wodonga Institute of TAFE

Interests

I have a large shed (workshop) at home where I spend a lot of time modifying and restoring cars, I'm a keen four wheel drive fan, and have owned both Landcruiser's and Patrol's, so I do tend to sit on the fence when discussions turn to which is better I do find myself being used as the local mechanic by friend's and family quiet often which I don't mind as it usually involves a few beers and often a family BBQ

I enjoy getting away camping with my family, beach area's are preferred I also have a couple of fishing boats, which don't get used as much as I should, but I do enjoy being out on the water when I can

Licenses

  • Driver License, HR 086172075, 2017-05-15, 2022-05-15
  • High Risk Work License, 0003042656, 2019-06-22, 2024-06-22, Non-Slewing Crane, Dogging Ticket, Elevated Work Platform, Crane Truck, Fork Lift, Scissor Lift Work Platform
  • QLD OHS License, 00391038, 2006-05-10

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 21/07/1967
  • Driving License: HR 086172075 Effective 15.05.17-15.05.22

Timeline

Fixed Plant Maintenance Supervisor

Redpath Mining LTD
03.2018 - Current

Fixed Plant Maintenance Fitter, Shut Down Supervisor

Dawson Engineering
09.2017 - 03.2018

Technical Specialist Fixed Plant Maintenance

Newcrest Mining LTD
03.2015 - 08.2017

Mechanical Fitter / Team Leader UGL

Power Station Shutdowns UGL
01.2014 - 02.2015

Contract Mechanical Services Fitter / Boilermaker

Holcim Bohle Quarry for (DJF Engineering PTY LTD)
09.2011 - 01.2014

Mechanical Services Manager

Fenner Dunlop Conveyor Services
03.2006 - 08.2011

Maintenance Team Leader

Sun Metals Corporation
07.2004 - 03.2006

Shift Fitter and promoted Maintenance Team Leader, Fill in Maintenance Planner

RANGER URANIUM MINE RIO TINTO - ERA
09.2000 - 06.2004

Leading Hand Crushing Circuit

MT TODD GOLD MINE MONODELPOUS DARWIN
06.1999 - 09.2000

Maintenance Fitter/Welder

BROCK CREEK AND UNION REEF GOLD MINE ANGLO GOLD
01.1998 - 06.1999

Boilermaker / Maintenance Fitter

WILSON TRANSFORMERS
09.1997 - 12.1998

Construction Fitter/Welder

MT TODD GOLD MINE ANI ENGINEERING
05.1996 - 09.1997

Fitter & Machinist/Welder

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
01.1991 - 05.1996

Fitter and Machinist

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
03.1989 - 01.1991

Apprentice, Tradesman Fitter & Machinist

DEPT of PUBLIC WORKS
01.1984 - 03.1989

Safety Management Training - undefined

Holcim Australia

Certificate IV - Frontline Management

TAFE Queensland

Certificate IV - Workplace Training and Assessing

NT Employment and Training Authority

Vibration Analysis Course - undefined

CSI User Course MSC Training

Supervisor Course S1, 2 & 3 -

MinRes

Computer Numerically Controlled Machining

University of Tech Sydney

Hydraulics And Pneumatics

University of Tech Sydney

Trade Apprenticeship - Fitter and Machinist

North Sydney TAFE College

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Darren Forrester