Leif J. THOMAS

RIO TINTO DEVELOPMENT and TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS, Argyle Diamond Mine Closure and Rehabilitation Project

• Overseeing and evaluated subcontractor performance, ensuring adherence to contract requirements and maintaining accountability throughout the lifecycle of each scope during the daily scope execution of two traditional owner based contractors.
• Reviewing safety protocols for reduced workplace accidents and improved employee wellbeing.
• Managed multiple simultaneous project scopes while maintaining strict deadlines and adhering to budget constraints.
• Communicated effectively with clients throughout each stage of the project for transparency regarding progress updates as well as addressing any concerns raised promptly.
• Review and monitor schedule progress providing forward planning efficiencies and strategies to bring the progress forward
• Monitor and mentor contractor forward execution planning, and optimization of plant, equipment and direct workforce
• Quality assurance to ensure compliance and ITP sign-off across contractor scope
• Ongoing participation in Company Development Programs such as Safety Maturity Model (SSM) and LEAN improvement/optimization focus.
• Conducted regular site inspections to maintain compliance with industry regulations and standards.
• Developed and maintained productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
• Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding service offerings.
• Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
• Cultivated a strong organizational culture built on integrity accountability teamwork which resulted in higher retention rates among staff.
• Increased overall company performance by implementing strategic management initiatives and streamlining operations.
• Managed risk effectively by instituting comprehensive mitigation strategies across the organization''s operations.
• Launched innovative products/services that captured new market share while maintaining competitive pricing structures.
• Enhanced workplace safety protocols proactively addressing potential hazards before they became critical incidents.
• Fostered an inclusive work environment by championing diversity initiatives and empowering employees at all levels.
• Championed process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
• Revitalized company's online presence, launching user-friendly website and engaging social media platforms.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty by developing and implementing comprehensive customer service excellence program.

Projects:

• Catholic Education Office (various schools)
• Department of commerce (various public schools)
• Sydney University (e.g. Medical Research Centre, Psychology Research Centre, Vet Hospital)
• TAFE NSW (Randwick, Petersham, Liverpool)
• Department of Defence (Holsworthy, Victoria Barracks, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust buildings)
• Uniting Church (Asquith, Lugar Brae)
• Hospitals (Macquarie, Gosford)
• Amusement Parks (Sydney Luna Park)
• Optus Telephone Exchange (Mascot)
• Telstra Telephone Exchanges (Parramatta, Hornsby)
• Department of Fire Services (Katoomba Fire Station)
• Department of Corrective Services (Goulburn, Parklea)
• Qantas (Child Care Centre, Qantas Club, Jet Base)

Project: Gove Aluminium Refinery Decontamination, Demolition Disposal (DDD) Project

• Responsible for the development of the project planning and execution framework
• Develop compliance strategies with project Owners Team demolition engineers, HSEQ Manager and Occupational Hygienist
• Develop execution preparation framework with Demolition disciplined engineering team to aid the development of demolition workplan review structure
• Review decontamination, demolition and disposal risk assessments and facilitating the Level Two Risk Assessment workshop
• Ensure methodology compliance to AS 2601 Demolition of Structures, NT Codes of Practice and WorkSafe guidelines
• Review and monitor schedule progress providing forward planning efficiencies and strategies to bring the progress forward
• Monitor and mentor contractor forward execution planning, and optimization of plant, equipment and direct workforce
• Quality assurance to ensure compliance and ITP sign-off across contractor scope
• Ongoing participation in Company Development Programs such as Safety Maturity Model (SSM) and LEAN improvement/optimization focus

Project Description:

• The Gove Aluminum Refinery is the largest demolition project within the southern hemisphere to date
• 150, 000tn+ of steel processed on site and shipped to Asia, 150, 000 tn+ of concrete processed on site and used for local road base and infill, Engaging with the Gumatj traditional owners community leaders to supply plant, equipment and resources for future business development
• 100+ structure collapse and two multi structure explosive demolition events
• To leave a legacy, upon completion, that the company will use as a benchmark for all Rio Tinto mine closures in the future
• Management of radiation, hydrocarbons, mercury, friable asbestos abatement, caustic chemical, steel and soil contamination and bonded asbestos containing materials throughout the facility
• Protection of various nominated indigenous heritage and historical sites, protection of natural fauna and flora on site
• Ensuring zero impact on local communities, Nhulunbuy town site, ocean and coastal foreshore located next to facility
• Working within 360 degree surrounds of active Bauxite operations
• Continual problem solving for Explosive blast events Engineered Structural collapse events
• Contractor supply project specific 200tn excavators with reach between 45 - 64 meters (Unique to Australia)

• Monitor contractor schedule and HSE requirements
• Authorisation of contractor works to commence numerous maintenance projects
• Quality assurance to ensure compliance and safety across supplier contracts
• Maintain incident data integrity pertaining to incident trends and in field monitoring
• Ongoing support and communication to Contract/Construction Manager
• Ongoing participation in Company Development Programs
• Enhanced team productivity with effective communication and collaboration strategies.
• Coordinated cross-functional teams, fostering cooperation among diverse skill sets for successful project outcomes.
• Incorporated feedback from stakeholders, refining project deliverables as needed.
• Mitigated conflicts among team members by facilitating open communication channels and mediating discussions when necessary.
• Oversaw subcontractor work quality, guaranteeing adherence to established standards.
• Delivered projects on time and within budget through diligent planning and resource allocation.
• Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.
• Identified operational inefficiencies and implemented corrective measures to increase effectiveness.

• Busselton, Margaret River and Manjimup)
• Responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the concrete batch plants
• Responsible for all Environmental, OH&S and Quality aspects of the plants in addition to the cost effectiveness and efficiency of plant production including maintenance of fixed and mobile plant
• Sales and marketing responsibility for small to medium sized projects
• Manage operations of concrete plant within allocated budget & forecast to meet sales targets
• Conduct periodic inspections to assess condition of plant to identify areas in need of maintenance and implement maintenance programme as required
• Work with Technical Manager on plant mix designs, raw material quality and the analysis of regular statistical information to produce concrete to an acceptable standard
• Maintain waste management systems (waste disposal, run off, dust and noise) in plant and ensure compliance with all relevant statutory and company requirements
• Manage forward sales order book process to achieve market share, volume and price
• Prepare monthly forecast report for Country Operations Manager/Area Manager
• Prepare annual plant budget in consultation with Area Manager
• Implement process for regular communication with personnel to improve knowledge of issues such as plant operation, environment, health & safety, customer service.

RIO TINTO IRON ORE PROJECTS,

Technology and Innovation Project: Cape Lambert Phase B

Dampier Power Station Decommission, Demolition and Remediation Project, Parker Point Powerstation Registered Mines Manager as appointed by West Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum

• Communicated effectively with clients throughout each stage of the project for transparency regarding progress updates as well as addressing any concerns raised promptly.
• Enforced rigorous safety procedures during daily operations, creating a safe working environment for all personnel involved in the project''s execution process.
• Developed and maintained productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepared and submitted reports on job progress and safety conditions to upper management.
• Oversaw daily operations at site, keeping team production moving at optimal pace.
• Ensure all works are complying with the Mines Safety Inspection Act 1994 and Regulation 1995
• Manage and support site EPCM team including Health, Safety, Environment, Engineering and Supervisors
• Review and provide guidance to project scheduling
• Provide guidance to demolition contractor ensuring smooth transition of project execution to final demobilisation
• Actively monitor heavy industrial demolition sequence, progress and methodologies
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with the asset custodian, Parker Point utilities, Rio Tinto Projects team and the CLB EPCM Construction Group
• Develop systemised approach to demolition methodology, risk assessment review and change management review
• Monitor contractor Industrial Relations activities to reduce impact of potential IR action
• Complete daily site walks and actively engage open communication with the direct workforce
• Report daily progress to CLB Jacobs Construction Manager and RTIO T&I Project Manager, highlighting progress, schedule slippages and potential productivity concerns
• Maintain intimate knowledge of the contract specifications and scope of works
• Facilitate weekly contractor progress meetings
• Ensure compliance with RTIO T&I and Jacobs standards and specifications with regards to HSE, quality, supervision and HR/IR policies and procedures
• Liaise with Parker Point operations during emergency events impacting the site
• Actively participate in the quarterly RTIO T&I Fatality Prevention Program (FPP)

Project description:

• Decommission, demolition and remediation of 120 megawatt fossil fuel power station site
• (4x30 megawatt steam turbine/condenser units fed by 4 x boilers), Sea water intake / out take pumping infrastructure, 2 off 60 meter concrete stacks, 40 meter control room/hot well tower, 3 story administration building, various tanks, piping corridors, diesel tanks and associated buildings and infrastructure
• Management of radiation, materials containing presence of high levels of heavy metals, friable asbestos abatement, hydrocarbon soil contamination and bonded asbestos containing materials throughout facility
• Protection of various nominated indigenous heritage sites, protection of natural fauna and flora on site
• Ensuring zero impact on Dampier town site, ocean and coastal foreshore located next to facility.

Tom Price MEM Planning and Engineering

Project: LV/HV Automated Wash Down facility

• Coordinate construction and civil project from concept briefing, design, implementation, construction, commissioning and hand over to end user.
• Liaise with end user and draughting team to create project construction and engineering drawings
• Develop, review and award tender
• Commence RTIO Contractor Management System
• Develop planning applications for council submissions
• Develop building license applications for council submissions
• Overview of daily operations ensuring that the contractor complies with the minimum standards of IRONSAFE and the Mines Safety Inspection Acts and Regulations (MSI)
• Develop a sound working relationship with the contractor by assisting in the smooth completion of their Scope of Works with zero effect to the daily operations of the mine
• Monitor and manage on project HSEQ processes
• Undertake safety interactions using feedback from the interactions to improve work procedures

Project description:

• Automated light and heavy vehicle wash down facility with accompanying manual wash down bay
• Waste water feeds into drive-in settling sump with water transferring into triple interceptor system ensuring waste water migrating into the site recycling water system.

RIO TINTO IRON ORE Projects and Development Project: MMP2 MARANDOO - $1.32 Billion

• Client representative monitoring construction progress against project schedule and HSEQ compliance
• Develop strong working relationships with the EPCM Construction Group
• Complete daily site walks and report progress to RTIO EP Project manager
• Intimate knowledge of scope of works
• Regularly review construction drawings and reconcile with on-site activities
• Attend punchlist development walk downs with contractor and EPCM ensuring RTIO compliance and IFC completion
• Liaise daily with site operations to minimize the impact on mine production
• Monitor asset commissioning to ensure compliance to RTIO EP MAN 008
• Contribute to shut down planning and co-ordination with operations
• Liaise weekly with Department of Conservation Karijini National Park, Tom Price Police and the Shire of Ashburton
• Actively participate in the quarterly RTIO EP Fatality Prevention Program (FPP) Have a sound knowledge on the RTIO HSEQ standards and systems
• Developing a sound knowledge of the MSI Act and Regulationand the OSH Act and Regulation
• Actively promote the Zero Harm Safety Management Leadership Program philosophy by promoting the training provided to the work force and demonstrating the leadership philosophy on the site
• Attend quarterly RTIO EP HSE forums

Project description:

• pax village.
• 33kvA substation including 35km of overland towers and demolition of 34 km of redundant 33kvA overland towers
• Luffing/slewing stacker and demolish legacy stacker, wet fines product drainage system
• Primary crushing unit via double staged sizers with deep troughed conveyor lines, Splitter Surge bin and associated transfer towers and conveyor lines, Horizontal drum wet scrubbing and screening plant, , Heavy duty centrifugal pump, multi staged hydro cyclone classification unit, Vacuum belt filtration units, High rate thickening unit, Waste Fines tailings dam, Heavy machinery workshop, warehouse, Mine Operations Centre (MOC) and associated offices, Bulk lube storage, tyre fit out shed, oily water separator, HV wash down bay, refuelling bay, plant sample ,chemical and metallurgical lab. Bores extracting 107.3M/l per day with overland 33kv lines, MSCL transfer pipeline, Agricultural irrigation with 17 centre pivots yielding Rhodes grass, transfer pump stations with a 2.5M/l storage tank, booster pump station for Tom Price water supply and 5 x Southern Fortescue Borefields aquifer injection recharge bore, HAP dam and associated pump and pipe infrastructure.

MINING AREA C (MAC) Sustaining Capital Budget $75 million

Ensure all works are complying with the Mines Safety Inspection Act 1994 and Regulation 1995

• Played an instrumental role in successfully completing high-profile projects by fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork among diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Manage and support site team including Health, Safety, Environment and Supervisors
• Review and guidance to project scheduling
• Provide Guidance to contractors ensuring smooth transition of project execution to final demobilisation
• Manage systemised approach to construction sequence, methodology, risk assessment review and change management review
• Complete daily site walks and actively engage open communication with the direct workforce
• Intimate knowledge of contract specifications and scope of works
• Facilitate weekly contractor progress meetings
• Facilitated coordination among various departments involved in the project lifecycle leading to smoother workflow and expedited timelines.
• Conducted comprehensive site inspections to ensure compliance with design specifications and regulatory requirements.

Projects:

• Relocation of 33kV overhead conductor lines from edge of active mine access to the overland conveyor trusses, light vehicle oily water separator, offices construction, maintenance workshop
• Mine Aquifer Recharge bores, pumps and piping
• Village modifications Stage 1 and 2
• Construction of 40 man Fly Camp and village 201 room extension
• In-pit dewatering program

• Identified and resolved construction issues promptly to prevent delays.

MINING AREA C (MAC) Budget $45 million

• Conducted thorough site inspections to identify issues or discrepancies in work quality or specifications.
• Supervised civil track concreting, demolition works, ground improvement and drainage.
• Provided effective leadership to civil work crews, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged collaboration and teamwork.
• Ensured safety compliance on all projects, conducting regular inspections and addressing potential hazards.
• Managed subcontractor relationships, ensuring timely delivery of services and adherence to project specifications.
• Maintained accurate documentation for all projects, including permits, schedules, and contracts

Projects:

• Cherry Conductor relocation and upgrade
• P3 Haul Road Tunnel and associated infrastructure works including placing the existing overhead 33kVA conductor to an underground infrastructure network, constructing By-pass road around the construction site, earthworks and associated civil works for the preparation of the Tech-Span Precast Haul road tunnel design to hold 950tn point load
• Core shed hardstand

WEST ANGELAS Engineering Department - Annual Budget $40 million

• Supervised multiple projects from project start through delivery by prioritizing needs and delegating assignments.
• Maintained accurate documentation of all projects, facilitating efficient audits and future reference.
• Prepared meeting agendas and minutes for distribution and record keeping.
• Created job files for each project and maintained current data in each file.
• Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve seamless collaboration in achieving project objectives.
• Managed budgets effectively, ensuring resource allocation was optimized for maximum project success.
• Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing favorable terms for cost-effective procurement of resources needed for each project''s success.
• Tracked hours and expenses to keep project on task and within budgetary parameters.
• Collaborated with stakeholders to define clear project goals, leading to consistent alignment with expectations throughout the process.

Projects:

• Mine access road maintenance and guard railing installation
• Ammonium Nitrate storage facility refurbishment
• Aerodrome terminal extension and car park reconfiguration, 4km Village walking track, various offices, carpark reconfiguration, oval, golfing range and volley ball court
• Sample Laboratory building structural alterations and additions, 5km sewer line from plant to administration wastewater treatment plant
• Hydrocarbon land farm evaporation pond netting
• Pit ridge water storage facility poly lined

WEST ANGELAS Project Engineering - Village upgrade Budget $40 million

• Delivered completed projects on time by prioritizing multiple tasks.
• Monitored timelines and flagged potential issues to be addressed.
• Maintained high safety standards by following policies, procedures and protocols outlined by company, OSHA and EPA.
• Defined manpower, equipment and resource needs for field projects, keeping open lines of communication with specialists and contractors to meet project milestones on time and on budget.
• Improved team collaboration with regular meetings, clear communication, and shared goals.
• Evaluated project risks and developed contingency plans for timely resolution of issues.
• Mentored junior team members for professional growth, improving overall team performance.

Project description:

• 250 pax village upgrade comprising of High Voltage 33kW underground system, 240V electrical system feed from 1- 1.5kW transformers, back up 240V generator sets and reinstating the units as part of the village electrical backup units, High Voltage Ring main unit (HV RMU)
• Rising main sewer lines pump pits and the duplication of the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP)
• 3 x 50 000lt potable water tanks and emergency fire pump station, hydrant and booster systems, potable water de chlorination and water softening units
• Diesel tanks, Reconfigure village car park including new storm water drainage
• Switch room installation including all associated structural footings

Project:

• Marandoo Stacker/Reclaimer rail Replacement of stacker and reclaimer rails during full operation of stock yard
• Paraburdoo Screenhouse structural upgrades
• Paraburdoo stormwater diversion embankments rock armoring
• Train Load out non destructive structural integrity testing

• MT WHALEBACK DOMESTIC REIDENCES Mt Whaleback Central Single Men’s Quarters
• RIO TINTO, DAMPIER SALT - Asbestos Removal and Demolition of Dampier Wash Pilot Plant, conveyor infrastructure and dump bridge
• RIO TINTO / SINCLAIR KNIGHT MERZ - East Intercourse Island Car Dumper (CD02) Demolition - RTIO Parker point
• HWE Cockatoo Island Asbestos Abatement
• BHPB Olympic Dam Expansion
• One Steel Whyalla Crushing Plant Demolition
• BHPB HBI Briquette Plant Demolition

• Cultivated a strong organizational culture built on integrity accountability teamwork which resulted in higher retention rates among staff.
• Managed risk effectively by instituting comprehensive mitigation strategies across the organization''s operations.
• Increased overall company performance by implementing strategic management initiatives and streamlining operations.
• Directed complex projects from inception to completion on time/budget with strict adherence to quality standards.
• Enhanced workplace safety protocols proactively addressing potential hazards before they became critical incidents.
• Championed process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
• Promoted a culture of continuous learning by investing in employee development programs and resources.
• Enhanced team productivity with implementation of agile methodologies, fostering culture of continuous improvement.

Projects:

• Catholic Education Office (various schools)
• Department of commerce (various public schools)
• Sydney University (e.g. Medical Research Centre, Psychology Research Centre, Vet Hospital)
• TAFE NSW (Randwick, Petersham, Liverpool)
• Department of Defence (Holsworthy, Victoria Barracks, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust buildings)
• Uniting Church (Asquith, Lugar Brae)
• Hospitals (Macquarie, Gosford)
• Amusement Parks (Sydney Luna Park)
• Optus Telephone Exchange (Mascot)
• Telstra Telephone Exchanges (Parramatta, Hornsby)
• Department of Fire Services (Katoomba Fire Station)
• Department of Corrective Services (Goulburn, Parklea)
• Qantas (Child Care Centre, Qantas Club, Jet Base)

• Goldfields Gas Pipeline,
• Tom Price,
• BHP Yandi