MIRO operates with a small, highly experienced team of mining and minerals industry specialists. This is supported by full service office and administrative services and linked to many individuals, organisations and institutions worldwide. The technical experience and capability of MIRO's technical personnel covers all key areas of activity within the industry including, mineral exploration and geosciences, extractive technology and mining engineering, mineral processing and waste management, materials and product development, environmental management and information technologies. Summary details relating to key personnel are provided below.

DIRECTORATE

Alan Gibbon, Project Manager with MIRO. Graduated from the University of Birmingham as a Mineral Processor but has spent over 30 years in the platinum and precious metal refining business. He also has specialist experience in plasma technology. Prior to joining MIRO in 1993, Alan worked for Johnson Matthey Plc and now specialises in precious metal treatments, mineral wastes, pyrometallurgy, process modelling and environmental issues.

Bob Fenton, Company Secretary and Financial Manager of MIRO. Bob joined MIRO in 1994 and is a Certified Accountant who has over 30 years experience in corporate accounts for both large and small companies. He is head of the MIRO Finance Department and responsible for the co-ordination of all project and company finances. Bob is also Secretary of the Mining Association of the United Kingdom - MAUK.

OPERATIONS SUPPORT GROUP

Ian Martin is IT Manager at MIRO. A Certified Electrical Engineer who has specialised in network installation, together with hardware and software support. Ian has worked in the electrical industry for 25 years and joined MIRO in 1999. His wide ranging IT knowledge and hands on approach makes him a valuable asset to the Organisation in the creation, design and installation of web sites as well as management of office network hubs and servers.

Sadie Ferriday joined MIRO in January 2005 as a Graphic Designer. Sadie has an Higher National Diploma in Art and Design (Communications) attained through the University of Bradford and a National Diploma in Graphic Design (for print) from Leeds College of Technology. Prior to joining MIRO, Sadie's considerable knowledge gained while employed within the design and print industry, before joining MIRO, makes her a valuable asset to the organisation.

PROJECT MANAGERS

Derren Cresswell joined MIRO from the University of Leeds in March 2003 where he acted as researcher and project manager for a major EU research programme on thermal processing of mineral and organic wastes. He has a BSc in Environmental Earth Sciences, and a MRes in Waste Management, he is currently completing a PhD into the production and utilisation of synthetic aggregates. He has 8 years experience in the use of mineral wastes in construction with practical experience of operating and developing pilot scale facilities, especially high temperature production processes, with particular emphasis on commercial scale-up.

Abbie Drew joined MIRO in August 2002 as a research co-ordinator. Abbie has a BA (Hons) degree in Geography and previous work experience involved working as an environmental assistant at Friends of the Earth, and working on various conservation projects in Australia. Abbie's main roles at MIRO are as the ALSF Business Manager and the Programme Manager for the MIST (Mineral Industry Sustainable Technology) programme.

Dr. Hejny studied chemical and process engineering in Dortmund, Germany. He received his doctorate from the University of Essen, Germany, for work on the field of coal gasification. For 25 years he worked at Deutsche Montan Technologie GmbH, Germany, in various fields related to health and safety in mining and tunnelling. Since May 2004 he has worked as independent consultant in the field of mining and tunnel safety with main emphasis on project development and management. From 2002 until 2005 he coordinated the European Thematic Network NESMI (Network on European Sustainable Minerals Industries), Dr. Hejny is currently deeply involved in the work of the ETP SMR on behalf of MIRO.

Jon worked in the steel industry for 15 years. Although he graduated in Physics from Durham University, the majority of his previous experience has been in process and chemical engineering. Initially his work involved a number of research projects on high temperature iron and steel processes, later focussing on aspects of environmental control particularly materials recycling. He has particular expertise in agglomeration which first brought him into contact with MIRO through a collaborative project on recycling of foundry wastes. Jon worked at the University of Newcastle, School of Civil Engineering & Geosciences where his work included geochemical modelling, active and passive water treatment and mineral based research. He remains a guest member of staff at Newcastle University.