Key Personnel

Matthew Read has more than 30 years’ experience in project and commercial leadership roles. Most recently, Matthew was General Manager Lithium Projects at Neometals Ltd (ASX:NMT) managing international lithium studies and joint venture relationships. Prior he was Head of Projects at Tianqi Lithium Australia overseeing the development of its lithium hydroxide facility in Western Australia which included recruiting the owner’s team, negotiating and sourcing all major utility contracts, development of policies, procedures, systems and commissioning. 

Matthew’s prior experience also includes Manager Contracts at the $10.5 billion Roy Hill Iron Ore Project where he was the Owner’s Team Contracts Manager for the Head EPC Contract.

The project was successfully completed and won numerous awards, of particular note being the Australian Engineering Excellence Awards (WA Division) for Resource Development.

He also brings extensive nickel laterite and sulphide experience from project and commercial leadership roles whilst working at BHP/WMC over an 11 year period.

His project development, commissioning, commercial, team building and joint venture management expertise in complex major resource projects makes him ideally suited to leading the development of the KNP – Goongarrie Hub.

Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) both from Monash University and a Masters of Business Administration from Latrobe University.

Irena Ivanova holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and worked in the minerals and metals industry for over 25 years. Her commodity experience covers copper, nickel, cobalt, uranium, vanadium, magnetite / hematite, gold and battery recycling materials.

Irena has extensive expertise in process design, technology implementation, study, project and engineering management and team development, gained through her roles in international engineering houses, such as Hatch, Fluor, Tetra Tech and Ausenco. Prior to joining KNPL, Irena was a General Manager Evaluation Studies at Neometals Ltd.

Ben McLernon is an environment and sustainability professional with over thirty years’ experience in financial services, project development and mining operations. His areas of expertise include corporate sustainability, risk management, regulatory approvals, legal compliance, environmental and heritage management.

Prior to joining the team, Ben held management roles in Environment and Sustainability with global copper producer Sandfire Resources and has worked with several of Australia’s largest mining and engineering companies.

With experience in Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa and North America, Ben has worked across a range of mineral commodities and regulatory regimes, bringing a wealth of global mining experience to support the development of the KNP – Goongarrie hub.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Science (Environmental) from Murdoch University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Australia.

Alyson Blackburn is a seasoned People & Culture professional with over 15 years’ experience in partnering with businesses 
to meet their Human Resource needs. As an HR Generalist, Alyson provides comprehensive support across the entire employee lifecycle.

Alyson is a Certified Human Resources Practitioner through the Australian Human Resources Institute. Her extensive background includes leading HR Change projects, Policy implementation, Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s and initiatives, and managing a HR portfolio at WA’s largest single-site employer.

Mike Miller is a metallurgist whose track record includes over 35 years’ operating and developmental experience in hydrometallurgical operations. His primary focus has been in the area of nickel-cobalt production.

In addition to his background in technical operations management, Mike has a track record in process design and development. He brings a keen insight into the integrated nature of these operations. (BAppSci (Met), MBA, MAusIMM)