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Project ManagerRegional ManagerRegional ManagerCommercial ManagerWork Type
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On-SiteHybridLocation: Perth, WA
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Karl Böhmke
Mining Professional
Ocean Reef,WA
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic leader in the mining and explosives sector, driving operational efficiency and strategic business initiatives. Proven record of delivering complex projects ahead of deadlines, fostering key relationships, and implementing innovative solutions that enhance organizational performance.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Sabbatical
Self
Perth, Western Australia
11.2024 - 08.2026
- Conducted private property projects during planned sabbatical.
- Supported a retail operation to enhance customer shopping experience and logistical challenges.
Mine Rehabilitation and Alt’ Quarry Manager
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Perth, Western Australia
05.2024 - 10.2024
- Successfully delivered six-month mine rehabilitation project ahead of schedule and under budget, without incidents.
- Led onsite project delivery for rehabilitation project, overseeing statutory site supervision and contractor management to ensure compliance and project standards.
- Invited to continue with additional project due to successful completion of initial assignment.
Regional Manager
Austin Powder Australia
Perth, Western Australia
10.2023 - 01.2024
- Contributed to business development plans for successful launch of electronic initiation system in Western Australia.
- Coached and supported teams during product implementation, ensuring smooth transition and user adoption.
- Led supply chain planning to optimize resource allocation for EIS trials.
- Developed trial proposal methods for successful execution of EIS trials in WA.
- Engaged in explosive supply tender process, strengthening competitive positioning in the market.
Regional Manager
Hanwha Mining Services Australia (HMSA)
Perth, Western Australia
07.2019 - 06.2023
- Spearheaded HMSA's business development in Western Australia, formulating a comprehensive business strategy.
- Established first bulk explosives manufacturing customer base and delivery network in WA, driving market entry.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to position HMSA as a leader in the WA market.
- Cultivated key relationships with stakeholders, facilitating business expansion initiatives.
- Launched purpose-built mobile delivery fleet, improving service responsiveness.
- Developed full team for product development and commissioning of bulk explosives plant.
- Conducted initial EIS site trials, resulting in significant sales growth within WA.
Commercial Manager
Nitro Sibir Australia
Perth, Australia
07.2016 - 06.2019
- Managed ammonium nitrate explosives and initiation systems supply chain, overseeing international agreements, imports, and logistics.
- Established first break bulk imports, driving business development and operational efficiency.
- Provided specialist guidance during product development and contract negotiations, ensuring alignment with supplier and customer expectations.
- Advised management on deviations from planned outcomes, proposing effective recovery strategies.
- Provided in-field support for surface and underground products, coordinating with authorities to secure necessary permits.
- Oversaw operations management of fixed and mobile plant operations for six months.
Technical Services Superintendent
Greatland
Perth, Western Australia
11.2014 - 06.2016
- Provided leadership to technical services team focusing on geotechnical engineering, geology, drill and blast engineering, and surveying functions.
- Coordinated planning and production scheduling for mine design projects at Telfer mine site, optimizing project timelines.
- Led business improvement projects during transition from owner to contractor operations, ensuring seamless integration.
- Assumed responsibilities of alternate quarry manager and mine manager to maintain operational continuity during staffing transitions.
Geoscience Drilling and Planning Superintendent
BHP Billiton
Perth, Western Australia
12.2009 - 04.2014
- Executed geosciences drilling programs, managed contractors to ensure safety and compliance.
- Achieved zero lost time injuries by reinforcing field leadership and safety systems.
- Oversaw teams of mine planning engineers to enhance design and scheduling effectiveness.
- Implemented strategies to ensure compliance with plans, minimizing delays and non-conformances.
Geotechnical Superintendent
BHP Billiton
Perth, Western Australia
01.2012 - 09.2012
- Developed advanced ground control management plan and integrated technologies to effectively mitigate pit wall damage.
- Implemented various design and technical improvements to optimize D&B outcomes and manage geotechnical hazards.
- Led team of geotechnical and D&B engineers to enhance control of ground conditions, improving safety and stability.
- Strategized resource management to address explosive supply issues, ensuring timely availability for project needs.
Technical Services Superintendent (HWE Iron Ore)
BHP Billiton
12.2009 - 12.2011
- Led team of mining engineers, D&B engineers, and mine surveyors to optimize mining operations for HWE Iron Ore.
- Provided contractor input to integrated mine planning process, contributing to improved operational efficiency.
- Managed production reporting, contract claim management, and operational improvement studies to support decision-making.
Area Construction Project Manager Site Preparation
Clough
Perth, Western Australia
05.2008 - 12.2009
- Recruited by EPCM contractor to Chevron for management and consulting on technical mining and geoscience input.
- Oversaw scoping contract prequalification assessment, award, and execution of $700 million site preparation contracts.
- Coordinated logistics for drilling, blasting, explosives supply, load haul, crushing, screening, and placement operations to ensure seamless project execution.
- Directed stockpile management, road, and causeway construction, and installation of temporary facilities to support site preparation activities.
- Operated concrete batching plant to support project requirements effectively.
- Successfully delivered multiple early-works projects including geophysical investigative drilling and civil works.
- Delivered pioneering consultancy that enabled successful execution of main construction programs for Gorgon LNG project.
- Ensured compliance with safety and environmental regulations throughout project execution.
Technical Manager WA
Downer Blasting Services
Perth, Western Australia
10.2007 - 05.2008
- Led technical components of company entry into WA, designing and commissioning explosives supply facilities, and securing initial two service contracts in Western Australia.
- Led technical teams in implementing blasting solutions for diverse projects.
- Oversaw safety compliance and ensured adherence to industry regulations.
- Managed equipment selection and maintenance for optimal performance.
Regional Business Manager NSW
Downer Blasting Services
Singleton, New South Wales
05.2007 - 10.2007
- Managed company’s NSW business, leading strategic planning and business development initiatives.
- Renegotiated key accounts, resulting in improved operating costs and enhanced business performance.
- Fostered relationships with major clients, enhancing account management and client retention.
- Directed explosives manufacturing and supply operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Area Manager NSW
Downer Blasting Services
Singleton, New South Wales
09.2006 - 05.2007
- Managed teams delivering D&B services to mining operations in NSW, overseeing contract and operational management for five key accounts.
- Streamlined contract management processes, improving sales and operational efficiency in the region.
- Managed operations for multiple blasting sites across diverse geographic areas.
- Oversaw compliance with safety regulations and company policies in all blasting activities.
- Coordinated logistics and scheduling for equipment and personnel across various projects.
Business Manager Africa
Sasol
Johannesburg, Gauteng
08.2005 - 08.2006
- Achieved over 200% sales growth within one year.
- Led international business development initiatives for key accounts in Africa and Japan, driving strategic partnerships.
- Managed and coordinated performance of 25 direct reports across multiple countries, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Successfully established and registered subsidiary Sasol Nitro Botswana Ltd.
Marketing Manager
Sasol
Johannesburg, Gauteng
07.2004 - 08.2005
- Directed international business development initiatives for Sasol Nitro division to expand market reach.
- Managed key accounts to strengthen strategic relationships and increase revenue.
- Reported to managing director on business development strategies and outcomes for Sasol Dyno Nobel.
Technical and Product Manager
Sasol
Johannesburg, Gauteng
07.1997 - 07.2004
- Contributed to product development for new technologies, including electronic blasting systems, enhancing product offerings.
- Oversaw all aspects of product costing, pricing, and performance reporting.
- Led team of D&B engineers to deliver technical services that supported commercial initiatives.
- Directed international sales and marketing strategies that increased market presence.
Explosives Engineer
Ensign-Bickford South Africa
Johannesburg, Gauteng
04.1995 - 07.1997
- Directed business development for shock tube detonating cord and pentolite booster products in Southern Africa, increasing market share from 10% to 60% in two years
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Senior Mining Supervisor
BHP Billiton
09.1991 - 04.1995
- Supervised continuous miner operations in underground section, maintaining consistent production over seven months.
- Managed dewatering and stockpile operations in opencast section, ensuring optimal material handling for D&B Load & Haul.
- Supported production superintendent during absence, facilitating seamless operational continuity.
Senior Mine Planning Engineer
BHP Billiton
Rietspruit, Mpumalanga
07.1990 - 09.1991
- Planned comprehensive and short-term mine operations for D&B load and haul, optimizing overburden removal processes.
- Developed comprehensive mine plans to optimize resource extraction.
- Collaborated with geologists to assess site conditions and mineral reserves.
- Utilized advanced software for modeling and simulation of mining operations.
Production Supervisor
BHP Billiton
Brits, Gauteng
06.1989 - 07.1990
- Led trackless development and narrow stope operations during early production stages to optimize resource allocation and ensure project milestones were met.
- Supervised daily production operations to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
- Coordinated workflow among teams to optimize efficiency and maintain schedules.
- Trained and mentored new employees on equipment usage and safety practices.
Training Officer
BHP Billiton
Johannesburg, Gauteng
11.1988 - 06.1989
- Trained officials and mining surveyors in surveying techniques.
Production Supervisor
BHP Billiton
Harmony, Orange Free State
06.1988 - 11.1988
- Oversaw production processes in deep-level narrow-vein gold mining, maintaining safety and operational standards.
Learner Official
Rand Mines
Johannesburg, Gauteng
01.1985 - 06.1988
- experience gained in deep-level gold underground and open-pit coal mining and underground platinum mining while completing my NHD mining.
Education
Western Australian Quarry Manager's Certificate of Competency -
01-2014
MBA - Technology Management
La Trobe University
Melbourne01-2006
BSc - Mining
University of Johannesburg
01-1988
Skills
- Commercial management
- Project management
- Mining Technical Services Lead
- Customer management
- Business development
- Supply chain optimization
- Risk assessment
- Cost reduction
- Team development and leadership
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Strategic planning
Professional Achievements
- Private Project Management, Self-employed, 11/24 to Current
- Mine Rehabilitation and Alt’ Quarry Manager, Rio Tinto Iron Ore (West Angelas Mine - term contract), 05/24 to 10/24, Delivered a 6-month mine rehabilitation project, without incident, ahead of schedule and under budget.
- Regional Manager, Austin Powder Australia (part-time), 10/23 to 01/24, Assisted with business development plans to help launch APAU’s electronic initiation system (EIS) into Western Australia.
- Regional Manager, Hanwha Mining Services Australia (HMSA), 07/19 to 06/23, Developed a new business strategy for WA and established the company's first WA bulk explosives manufacturing.
- Commercial Manager, Nitro Sibir Australia (Perth and Kalgoorlie), 07/16 to 06/19, Managed the ammonium nitrate (AN), explosives and initiation systems supply chain.
- Technical Services Superintendent, Greatland (formerly Newcrest at Telfer Mine Site - term contract), 11/14 to 06/16, Provided leadership to the Technical Services team.
- Geoscience Drilling and Planning Superintendent, BHP Billiton (Yandi Iron Ore Mine), 10/12 to 04/14, Improved safety on various geosciences drilling programs.
- Geotechnical Superintendent, BHP Billiton, 01/12 to 09/12, Built and led a team of geotechnical and D&B engineers.
- Area Construction Project Manager – Site Preparation, Clough (KJV - Chevron's Gorgon Project), 05/08 to 12/09, Managed and consulted on technical mining and geoscience input into the scoping and execution of contracts.
- Technical Manager WA, Downer Blasting Services, 10/07 to 05/08, Designed and commissioned explosives supply facilities.
- Business Manager Africa, Sasol (Johannesburg – South Africa), 08/05 to 08/06, Responsible for all international business development in Africa and Japan.
- Senior Mining Supervisor, BHP Billiton (formerly Ingwe and Rand Mines), 09/91 to 04/95, Managed D&B, Load & Haul, Dewatering, and Mine Control Stockpile.
Timeline
Sabbatical
Self
11.2024 - 08.2026
Mine Rehabilitation and Alt’ Quarry Manager
Rio Tinto Iron Ore
05.2024 - 10.2024
Regional Manager
Austin Powder Australia
10.2023 - 01.2024
Regional Manager
Hanwha Mining Services Australia (HMSA)
07.2019 - 06.2023
Commercial Manager
Nitro Sibir Australia
07.2016 - 06.2019
Technical Services Superintendent
Greatland
11.2014 - 06.2016
Geotechnical Superintendent
BHP Billiton
01.2012 - 09.2012
Geoscience Drilling and Planning Superintendent
BHP Billiton
12.2009 - 04.2014
Technical Services Superintendent (HWE Iron Ore)
BHP Billiton
12.2009 - 12.2011
Area Construction Project Manager Site Preparation
Clough
05.2008 - 12.2009
Technical Manager WA
Downer Blasting Services
10.2007 - 05.2008
Regional Business Manager NSW
Downer Blasting Services
05.2007 - 10.2007
Area Manager NSW
Downer Blasting Services
09.2006 - 05.2007
Business Manager Africa
Sasol
08.2005 - 08.2006
Marketing Manager
Sasol
07.2004 - 08.2005
Technical and Product Manager
Sasol
07.1997 - 07.2004
Explosives Engineer
Ensign-Bickford South Africa
04.1995 - 07.1997
Senior Mining Supervisor
BHP Billiton
09.1991 - 04.1995
Senior Mine Planning Engineer
BHP Billiton
07.1990 - 09.1991
Production Supervisor
BHP Billiton
06.1989 - 07.1990
Training Officer
BHP Billiton
11.1988 - 06.1989
Production Supervisor
BHP Billiton
06.1988 - 11.1988
Learner Official
Rand Mines
01.1985 - 06.1988
Western Australian Quarry Manager's Certificate of Competency -
MBA - Technology Management
La Trobe University
BSc - Mining
University of Johannesburg