I now work in the mining industry, specialising mainly in the use of Vulcan and Leapfrog to model iron ore deposits. I'm driven by finding ways to make my work as enjoyable, accurate and efficient as possible, so I can communicate geological stories clearly and have a good time doing it. I believe the most valuable things in life take hard work and commitment, but if it isn't any fun then it probably isn't worth committing to. I believe that corporate "success" - e.g. creation of shareholder value - is a natural by-product of hiring competent people and enabling them to focus on what they enjoy and excel at.

Dr Tim Hopper earned his PhD in Magnetic Resonance Imaging prior to moving into the oil and gas industry where he worked for Schlumberger for 10 years. His career with Schlumberger involved stints as wireline field engineer, senior research scientist, project manager (LWD NMR) and petro-physicist. Prior to starting NMR Services Australia, Tim worked for an African explorer as its principal petro-physicist. From 2013 until its sale, Tim successfully steered NMR Services Australia to more than 70% revenue growth year-on-year. That company designed, manufactured and supported wireline BMR tools across five continents, spanning all minerals and water markets. Tim was a Fulbright Scholar during his PhD and has earned several accolades over the years. He has 19 patents to his name and has published more than a dozen technical papers. Tim’s passion is identifying new technologies and applying them outside of their normal realms. His wide experience enables him to quickly identify technological and engineering opportunities.

A/Prof Tom Honeyands is a co-Director of the Centre for Ironmaking Materials Research at the University of Newcastle.