MinSouth has zero tolerance for abusive, harassing, or discriminatory behaviour, and all communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds.
FINEX 2026
October 15
EXPLORATION MEETS THE CITY
MinSouth has zero tolerance for abusive, harassing, or discriminatory behaviour, and all communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds.
EXPLORATION MEETS THE CITY
Sue Struthers:
I am a mining geologist/environmental engineer with 33 years of experience in the mining industry. Following a BSc from London University and an MSc in Mining Geology from Camborne School of Mines in 1984, I spent ten years as a geologist, firstly with ZCCM on the Zambian Copperbelt and then with Mount Isa Mines in Queensland. Much of my work with MIM involved investigation of all aspects of leaching, as a metallurgical process and an environmental issue, including in-situ leaching tests for copper, SE-EW and tailings retreatment. A strong interest in the impacts of mining and a move to Melbourne, led to a PhD in environmental engineering from RMIT, focussing on the feasibility of recycling mine tailings. Subsequently I have worked as an independent mining environmental consultant through Skapa Mining Services, involved in a wide range of projects, from geochemical investigations and characterisation; AMD prediction-, management- and troubleshooting; rock dump and tailings storage, management and rehabilitation; ESIA planning-, management- and reviews; NI43-101 reviews; feasibility studies; developing and implementing mine environmental and social management systems and plans; environmental auditing; and Gap Analyses and compliance work for Equator Principles and IFC performance standards; to health and safety, and social aspects of operations.
I am a Chartered Environmentalist and a fellow of IoM3.
Stuart MacGowan: I was educated at St. Olaves’ Grammar School in Kent before completing a 4-year geology degree at the Royal School of Mines. Graduating in 2015, I then studied for an MSc in Mining Geology at the Camborne School of Mines, which I completed at the beginning of September 2016. My dissertation pertains to exploration in the Copperbelt. I am a keen mineralogist and petrologist who prefers the field to the desk as a place to work. In any spare time I play hockey and go clay pigeon shooting whenever possible.
Throughout my time as a student I have held roles on behalf of the RSM and Society of Economic Geologists (SEG). During my final year I was President of the SEG Chapter at the RSM, which planned and ran a three-week field trip to Eastern Europe, examining porphyry systems and their associated epithermal regimes.
I have constantly been at the forefront of increasing student involvement with the SEG, MinSouth and, in a wider sense, the Geological Society. In my opinion, the events run by these bodies, particularly MinSouth, are a hugely underused resource for students. The monthly sundowners have reasonable attendance, though I have yet to see students at any of the talks or events which have taught me so much about the industry. My opinion of the university system at the moment is that is biased towards box-ticking and exam-passing rather than producing graduates with an understanding of how the world generally works. I feel there is a lost opportunity here and I would like to once again increase student involvement with MinSouth.
Simon Kocher: Having always had a strong interest in minerals and mining it appeared natural to pursue a career in geology, which led to a degree in economic geology from the University of Tuebingen. After a period of working as near mine exploration geologist on greenschist metamorphic VMS deposits in Northern Sweden I took on a PhD position with Imperial College and the Natural History Museum London. Currently I am researching the distribution of molybdenum in the Bingham Canyon porphyry deposit, Utah to gain a deeper understanding of the behaviour of Mo in porphyry systems. This project is carried out in cooperation with Rio Tinto. Since 2012 I am a member of the MinSouth council and in 2013 I joined the applied earth sciences board of IOM3.
Paul Griffin: I graduated from Cardiff as a Mining Engineer in 1977. After a period of postgraduate research I joined Dowty, the mining equipment manufacturers, where I worked throughout the world’s underground coal industry for some 13 years. In this period of my life I was fortunate to work in Australia, Canada, South Africa, Eastern Europe and India.
In 1993 I joined the Australian mining software developer, Surpac where I was European Manager and then Group Finance Director. In the time with Surpac I established offices in South Africa, Chile and India. I was awarded my MBA through the Open University in 1999.
After a period of merger and acquisition I became VP Sales for Gemcom in 2006 before eventually leaving to run my own freelance activities in 2008. I also returned to study (yet again!) and was awarded a degree in Law in 2010.
Outside my professional activities I also am an advisor with the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Patrick Cox: Following studies in Geology and Engineering I have worked internationally on projects covering infrastructure, natural resources and the extractive industries including the UK, Hong Kong and Australia including practice and research to develop advisory studies guiding policy. I am a Fellow and Chartered Engineer with IOM3 and a Fellow and Chartered Geologist through the Geological Society with more than 30 years of experience but a continued passion and interest in the profession and business of multi-disciplinary geosciences, including geology, hydrogeology and engineering geology all critical areas within society and under exposed, which am wanting to make a continued contribution to change. Strategic ground risk management and opportunity is where I like to work technically. I am a STEM Ambassador and advocate for diversity, equity and equality. I am especially keen on using STEM-based thinking and foundations in smart solutions using technology and resources efficiently with benefits to sustainability evidenced in authoring key guidance on the use of geosystems in civil engineering. I am presently Chair of Think Deep UK which has similar goals to Minsouth in seeking to raise awareness of the importance of the resources beneath us
Pat is Head of the Camborne School of Mines and Professor in Mine Safety
Michael Forrest: MinSouth Councillor 2004 – present. I spent the first part of my career as a Senior Geologist with the BGS, specialising in exploration geochemistry and remote sensing. I then joined Mining Journal Research Services, researching mineral commodities and mining equipment markets. I presently provide consultancy research services for mergers and acquisitions, feasibility studies and business development in the mining sector through the company, Mining Research. My current role in MinSouth is to organise masterclasses and our annual commodity day conference. I am also chair of the mining divisions of our parent, IOM3.
Mark is an Independent Geologist
Mark has 30 years of experience in the mining industry and is a Principal Geologist at AMC Consultants. He is a member of the PERC executive and is one of PERC’s representatives on CRIRSCO. Mark is PERC’s representative to INTRAW and is a member of three UNRMS expert working groups.
Karin is VP Stakeholder Relations, Sustainability & Communication at Sibanye-Stillwater Europe VP Stakeholder Relations, Sustainability & Communication
John Monhemius: I have been involved with MinSouth since its inception, as well as its predecessor societies. I am a semi-retired academic, having taught at the Royal School of Mines for over 40 years in the field of extractive metallurgy, particularly hydrometallurgy. I have consulted extensively in the mining industry, particularly in gold extraction. I am a director of a gold mining company in Azerbaijan and an exploration company with interests in gold and other metals in Tanzania.
Grace’s connection to mining began in her hometown in Northern Canada, where she was actively involved in exploration activities with junior mining companies. That early exposure sparked a lifelong commitment to the industry, its communities and environment. She pursued studies in Physical Sciences, Civil Engineering, and Hydrogeology at the University of Waterloo and Queen’s University, and then entered the consulting industry building her career around practical, site-based experience – working on both operational and greenfield mines and infrastructure projects from the Arctic to the desert, often in complex, multilingual environments.
Her technical foundation in Water Management evolved into leadership of large, multidisciplinary projects through the entire mining lifecycle. Grace is known for her dedication to responsible mining practices and innovation, having authored numerous papers and articles on mine water management best practise, water stewardship, and ESG-aligned investment and risk mitigation that reduces risk and improves performance. As WSP’s ESG in Mining leader, she champions thoughtful dialogue on the balance between carbon and water in critical mineral extraction.
Beyond her technical work, Grace is deeply committed to the future of a responsible mining industry. She actively supports STEM outreach, culture and DE&I initiatives, mentoring, and the promotion of safe work practices. In 2025, she proudly joined the MinSouth Council, continuing her mission to help shape a more resilient future for the mining industry.
Gordon Stove is a co-founder and shareholder of Adrok, where he has played a central role in developing the company’s intellectual property and scaling its global operations. Active in the natural resources industry since 1999, he has led Adrok’s technology development, business development, and international services business since its inception, drawing early inspiration from working alongside his father, Dr Colin Stove.
Gordon serves as a Councillor of MinSouth and is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Geoscience Energy Society of Great Britain, European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors and the Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh. A committed supporter of entrepreneurship, Gordon mentors emerging business leaders through The King’s Trust, helping to empower young people economically. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Geography from the University of Edinburgh and has completed executive programmes at the University of Strathclyde Business School and the School for CEOs. Gordon is also qualified in PRINCE2 project management and Leading First Aid for Mental Health (SCQF Level 6).
Geoff Hooper: As a member of SME of AIME I have spent the last 40 years developing and implementing ICT in the minerals industry. While employed by Charter Consolidated, Amoco, Seltrust Engineering/BP Minerals, Techpro and SNC-Lavalin I worked on the resource estimation and mine planning for projects in Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Iran and North America. I now provide consultancy on geological, metallurgical and mining ICT.
Dawen is Professor of Applied Geology at the University of Leicester
Dave Terry is Head of Tunnelling for Skanska UK. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. He has 30+ years’ experience in tunnelling and heavy civil engineering in the UK. His experience includes numerous large and small diameter TBM driven tunnels in a variety of ground conditions, drill and blast techniques and the construction of major projects involving the latest SCL tunnelling works, traditional timber supported hand excavations and managing complex interfaces with third parties such as rail and metro operators / maintainers.
His career has developed from production supervision on tunnelling projects of varying construction techniques to the management of engineering departments, including feasibility studies and preparation of bids for major projects. Dave has also undertaken expert advisor roles, providing guidance to a stakeholder whose assets were affected by tunnelling works, including representing the stakeholder at public hearings.
He is currently working as the Tunnel Engineering Lead for the SCS JV constructing the High Speed 2 London Tunnels, a role which involves leading the tunnel engineering team across the £6bn project. The project includes the construction of 41km of large diameter TBM driven tunnels, complex sprayed concrete lining tunnels through highly variable ground conditions necessitating the use of various ground treatment techniques including Artificial Ground Freezing. Dave supports the project by representing the contractor at various school engagement events and meetings with the local residents.
Colin Morrish: has been working in the mining industry since 1985. He received his mining engineering degrees from McGill University in Montréal, Québec. He has worked in Western, Central, Eastern and Northern Canada as well as in Azerbaijan. Most of his work was conducted in Saskatchewan, Canada where he was a Mines Inspector and ensure the work was conducted safely. He has worked in and studied underground mines, open pit mines & mineral processing plants. These were development, exploration, production, waste disposal and destruction projects. Some or all of these types of projects recovered uranium, base metal, molybdenum, gold, copper, coal and potash.
He is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. He is a Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan and the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia. He is a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH) and a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP)
His work involves researching and analysing geomechanics, project research, safety and logistical transportation to minesites.
Clive Hallett is a chemical metallurgist by training with over 35 years international experience in the high temperature and aqueous processing of minerals, wastes and effluents.
For the past 20 years his work has focused on the environmental side of the mining business working on the geochemistry of mining waste and tailings assessing the potential risks associated with Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) for new mining projects worldwide. For current and closed operations he has performed studies on the quality and quantity of water produced at tailings dams, waste rock dumps and underground workings, leading to technical and economic evaluations for pollution control and the potential recovery of metal values. Since 2013 he has been working for AMEC Foster Wheeler Earth and Environmental in Ashford and he is a visiting lecturer at Imperial College, RSM where he provides a course on Mine Waste and Water Management.
Aymone has 30 years of experience working in both corporate and institutional settings around the world, including Hong Kong, Washington DC, and London. She currently divides her time between well-respected mining organisations including as Head of Relationship Management at the Natural Resources Forum in charge of managing the Forum’s speaker line up, sponsor relationships, digital webinar and in person production and marketing operations, the Oxford Mining Club, where is is in charge of networking events, sponsorship and membership base, and as a Councillor at MinSouth, a local society of IOM3 representing SE England.
Alex Norori-McCormac is the Programme Director of the Global Management of Natural Resources MSc programme at UCL, and has a background in geology and mineral processing. The purpose of the MSc is to upskill individuals from any background in aspects of the natural resource industries. Alex is also a member of the IOM3 Membership Committee, and is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Scientist with the Institute.
Alex initially undertook a 4 year MSci in Geology in the Department of Earth Sciences and Engineering (Royal School of Mines) at Imperial College London, followed by a PhD in the Rio Tinto Centre for Advanced Mineral Recovery, specialising in Froth Flotation, looking to improve grade and recovery through retrofitting existing flotation cells in collaboration with industry.
Alex subsequently moved to UCL in 2017 and joined the teaching staff in the Department of Chemical Engineering, where he delivers courses in mineral exploration, extraction, processing and production, as well as environmental practice with respect to these operations. He also engages in research in metallurgical practice in collaboration with external partners.
Alex is interested in broadening public engagement and improving public acceptance of the importance of resource industries. He is also interested in increasing the uptake of cognate degrees by prospective students, and helping to ensure degrees are fit for purpose through working with both industry and academia.
Mike McLoughlin: I am a Fellow of the IOM3 and a Chartered Engineer. After graduating from the University of Strathclyde as a mining engineer I worked in open pits as an engineer and a manager in the UK and overseas. I was later employed by a firm of consultants before becoming an independent consultant and creating a software house – Rockmate Limited where I specialise in intelligent mining systems.