Paul David ELMS
Como,Australia
Summary
Accomplished Process Manager with over 30 years in optimizing plant operations and leading teams. Adept at enhancing throughput and recovery rates while implementing training systems for staff development. Proven success in achieving significant cost reductions through process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Process Manager
Tennant Creek Mining Contract
07.2025 - 11.2025
- Managed daily operations and workflows at Tennant Creek Mining Contract.
- Oversaw compliance with industry regulations and environmental standards.
- Supported startup and stabilization of plant, offering operational guidance to ensure smooth operations.
- Coordinated training programs for staff on safety and operational procedures.
Process Manager
Artemis Gold
06.2024 - 06.2025
- Hired processing staff and established systems for pre-commissioning, leading to successful plant commissioning.
- Managed operations during one-year contract, ensuring continuity and stability.
- Blackwater Canada
Process Manager
Leo Lithium
03.2023 - 05.2024
- Led project management efforts in Mali, ensuring timely execution and adherence to project goals.
- Hired processing staff and established systems for pre-commissioning, facilitating smooth project transition.
- The company experienced a takeover, resulting in the transition of management.
Process Manager
Red 5
06.2022 - 02.2023
- Managed daily operations to ensure efficient workflow in mining projects.
- Coordinated team activities to optimize resource allocation and project timelines.
- Optimised control processes to ensure steady circuit operation, increasing mill throughput through targeted operator training and mentoring.
- Developed standard operating procedures for safety and compliance protocols.
Process Manager
Sukari Gold Mine
09.2019 - 05.2022
- Directed plant upgrade initiatives, enhancing performance and reliability across operations.
- Installed process control philosophies, stabilised flotation circuit, and simplified control of two process streams.
- Implement continual Improvement plans. Getting nationals to own their plant.
- Carry out cost optimisation studies reducing Costs, improving recoveries. +$15M savings with more to come.
- Nationalisation plan reducing expats by 80% over 3 year planned program. Changed expat supervisors to mentors and lifted identified nationals into roles.
- Identified and mentored national candidate for manager role over 18 months, facilitating successful transition and final progression.
- Implemented expanded training program for nationals. Ops/Mets/Seniors.
Contact Metallurgist
Newcrest
02.2019 - 08.2019
- Analyzed metal properties to enhance production processes and material quality.
- Developed specifications for alloys to meet project requirements and industry standards.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to optimize metallurgical processes for efficiency.
- Installed and commissioned complex metallurgical accounting system to enhance data accuracy and reporting.
- Managed operations at Lihir site, ensuring adherence to safety and production standards.
Metallurgical Superintendent
Sunrise Dam Gold Mine
05.2013 - 01.2019
- Improved mill throughput from 3.3Mtpa to 4Mtpa with minimal additional capital.
- Conducted PFS and BFS for flotation fine grind project, achieving 6% additional recovery.
- Installation of a 4Mtpa pyrite flotation circuit and fine grind circuit.
- Executed operational improvement projects to optimize processes.
- Mentored plant metallurgists and operational staff to elevate skills and knowledge.
Consultant Metallurgist
Gryphon
05.2010 - 05.2013
- Managed metallurgical testwork for Gryphon’s activities on Banfora Project; developed metallurgical content for PFS.
- Provided expert consultation for metallurgical processes at Lawlers Gold Mine.
- Contract Metallurgist for Newmont Perth Office.
- Contract Metallurgist to Granny Smith Gold Mine.
- Contract Metallurgist to Sunrise Dam Gold Mine.
- Delivered metallurgical consulting services to Red Back Mining.
- Banfora Project
Project Manager
Redback Mining
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Conducted planning and design for US$60M plant and oversaw commissioning.
- Coordinated efforts with EPCM and subcontractors to streamline project execution.
- Managed budget for EPCM projects, ensuring adherence to financial targets.
- Initiated implementation of automation philosophies, improving operational efficiency.
- Design and install new milling circuit, Tanks, Goldroom, and accessories.
- Install 60km water line and Pumping Station and borefield.
- Upgraded crushing circuit.
- Led upgrade initiatives in Mauritania to enhance operational capabilities.
Consultant Metallurgist
Redback Mining
08.2007 - 01.2008
- Chirano Gold Mines
- Led client engagement initiatives to identify needs, resulting in tailored solutions that enhanced client satisfaction.
- Developed strategic recommendations aligned with industry trends and client objectives, driving informed decision-making.
- Facilitated workshops to gather insights and promote collaboration among stakeholders, leading to actionable outcomes.
Process Manager
Redback Mining
02.2006 - 07.2007
- Investigated opportunities to increase recovery rates through process optimization.
- Initiate plant automation philosophies.
- Plan for plant upgrade.
- Carry out PFS and BFS for plant upgrades.
- Developed budget forecasts to align operational needs with financial planning.
- Mentored national team members to enhance skills and performance.
- Managed operations in Ghana.
Metallurgical Superintendent
Redback Mining
07.2005 - 01.2006
- Developed and maintained metallurgical accounting system to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Contributed to metallurgical projects in Ghana, enhancing operational capabilities and local engagement.
- Ordered and tracked project inventories to support timely upgrades and minimize delays.
- Develop and maintain budget.
- Continuous Improvement for plant.
- Mentor nationals, Relief process manager.
- Commission Plant.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Extractive Metallurgy
Murdoch University
01-1992
Skills
- Plant commissioning
- Process optimization
- Continuous improvement
- Cost reduction
- Project management
- Budget management
- Data analysis
- Process documentation
- Operator training
- Team leadership
- Operational guidance
- Problem solving
Attitudes And Attributes
- Highly motivated with the desire to reach goals.
- Reliable and honest approach to work.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills.
- No difficulty adapting to different work environments.
- A multiple avenue approach to the operation of a process plant, optimise throughput and recovery, make it easy and clean, optimise costs and implement training systems.
- +30 years in processing operations and management.
Accomplishments
Bachelor of Science, Extractive Metallurgy, Murdoch University, 1992
Drivers Licence
HR Class-Own Vehicle
Personal Information
- Citizenship: Australian
- Health Status: Excellent
- Date of Birth: 01/27/70
- Marital Status: Married
Timeline
Process Manager
Tennant Creek Mining Contract
07.2025 - 11.2025
Process Manager
Artemis Gold
06.2024 - 06.2025
Process Manager
Leo Lithium
03.2023 - 05.2024
Process Manager
Red 5
06.2022 - 02.2023
Process Manager
Sukari Gold Mine
09.2019 - 05.2022
Contact Metallurgist
Newcrest
02.2019 - 08.2019
Metallurgical Superintendent
Sunrise Dam Gold Mine
05.2013 - 01.2019
Consultant Metallurgist
Gryphon
05.2010 - 05.2013
Project Manager
Redback Mining
01.2008 - 01.2010
Consultant Metallurgist
Redback Mining
08.2007 - 01.2008
Process Manager
Redback Mining
02.2006 - 07.2007
Metallurgical Superintendent
Redback Mining
07.2005 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Extractive Metallurgy
Murdoch University