Meet Our Team

Leadership Members

Learn more about the dedicated team members at CMCI CRC who drive our research initiatives forward.

Dr Jacqui Coombes

Chair Elect

Executive Director of SageAbility, a leading talent strategy organisation. She plays influential roles as the Chair of Mining3, Acting Chair of ICRAR, and is an integral member of Advisory Boards for MADI, StartUpWA, and State of Play. As the former MD & CEO of Amira Global, Jacqui has a distinguished record of leadership and governance.

Anchored in her roots as a Statistician/Mathematician, Jacqui stands out as a world-renowned Geostatistician with expansive expertise across the mine value chain, various commodities, and global territories.

Dr Neville Plint

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Former Director of the Sustainable Institute at UQ and the current CEO of Mining3, Neville has a global reputation in the mining sector. He has broad demonstrated experience in the mining and resource industry.

His career has focused on delivering improved operational performance on mining sites by developing and implementing new technologies, while establishing a global network of research professionals in academic institutions, mining companies, and research organisations. Neville has extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of the mining sector.

Prof Jacques Eksteen

Research Director

Prof Jacques Eksteen is the Chair of Extractive Metallurgy at Curtin University's WA School of Mines and leads Technology Readiness Level Progression for the Commonwealth Trailblazer program in Critical Minerals. From 2019 to 2022, he served as Research Director and COO of the Future Battery Industries CRC (FBICRC), later continuing as Chief Scientist. He previously directed the Gold Technology Group (GTG) and led several major AMIRA projects.

His research focuses on the extractive metallurgy of precious, base, and critical metals. Under his leadership, GTG developed and commercialised technologies such as the Carbon Scout™ (with Gekko Systems) and GlyLeach™/GlyCat™ processes (with Mining and Process Solutions), which have received national and international innovation awards.

Governance

Board Members

The CMCI CRC is committed to strong leadership, collaboration, and accountability, with a governance structure that fosters transparency, innovation and ethical practices. Once established, a diverse, skills-based Board of Directors will guide the CRC's strategic direction and vision.

Our dedicated management team brings expertise and passion to tackle complex challenges, while our partnerships with like-minded organisations amplify our impact and success.

Together, our Board, team and partners create a dynamic ecosystem that supports our mission to lead in research and innovation.

At CMCI CRC, our board members offer a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives that drive our mission forward. Their commitment to innovation and collaboration we remain at the forefront of our industry.

Team Members

Meet our dedicated team at CMCI CRC, where collaboration and expertise come together to drive innovation. Each member brings unique skills and a shared commitment to excellence, ensuring we achieve our goals together.

Partner

Exciting collaboration with CMCI CRC is on the horizon, focusing on shared goals and innovation. This aims to create impactful solutions that benefit all partners and the community.

Meet Our Team

Research Leads

Dr Helen Degeling

Program 1 Lead

Dr James Vaughan

Program 2 Lead

Dr Aleks Nikoloski

Program 2 Lead

Andrew Bell

Program 3 Lead