Support Staff

Leanne Matthews

Senior Research Technician

AssDip Chem Tech

Leanne has worked in the field of iron ore and sinter research for 25 years with both BHP Billiton and the UON. Leanne has extensive experience in iron ore and sinter mineralogy, including sample preparation, optical microscopy and iron ore classification schemes. She has worked on numerous programs using an array of laboratory experimental techniques and equipment for evaluating the influence of material properties in sintering of iron ore. Leanne is also skilled in image analysis, micro indentation and copper sulphide mineralogy.

For full staff profile visit University of Newcastle website:

Leanne Matthews

Gareth Penny

Senior Research Technician

Dip Indust Chem

Gareth has 31 years’ experience with the CIMR group at the UON and previously 24 years with BHP Billiton in the field of carbon steel raw materials handling and analysis including the early evaluations on the Yandi and MAC ore bodies. This includes experience in pilot scale evaluation of iron ore and manganese sinter, pilot scale coke making, granulation of ore mixes and bed permeability along with mineralogy and phase identification including all aspects of sample preparation for reflected light microscopy. Image analysis evaluates porosity, pore shapes and phases though iron ores and coke. Gareth also has experience in Ferrous Burden evaluation including high temperature Softening and Melting, Reduction Index and Reduction and Degradation tests.

For full staff profile visit University of Newcastle website:

Gareth-Penny

Joshua Sutherland

Research Assistant

PhD, BE

Dr Sutherland completed a Bachelor Degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Newcastle, before briefly working for the Center for Advanced Particle Processing and Transport as a Research Assistant. He subsequently completed his PhD in coarse particle flotation under the supervision of Laureate Professor Kevin Galvin. He currently works as a Research Assistant for L/Prof Galvin across several projects.

For full staff profile visit University of Newcastle website:

Joshua-Sutherland