Mining Society August Newsletter - Committee Members
Dr Rossen Halatchev — Chair
Michael Webber – Vice Chair
Albert Thamm — Past Chair
Here we feature two of the committee members and will introduce other members in future newsletters.
Benjamin Knights
Benjamin Knights is a Mining Engineer (RPEQ) with more than 15 years’ experience in mine planning, operational strategy, resource optimisation and project development within the Australian black coal sector.
As Principal Strategic Engineer with Stanmore Resources in Brisbane, he focuses on long-term strategic planning, life-of-mine optimisation, resource reporting and growth opportunities. He is particularly interested in data-driven decision-making and emerging technologies that improve mine performance.
Benjamin has been an AusIMM member since 2010 and a Mining Society member since 2025.
Marco Orunesu Preiata
Marco Orunesu Preiata (FAusIMM) is a Senior Mining Engineer with more than 20 years’ international experience across hard-rock mining, tunnelling, underground coal and open-pit operations.
Based in Perth since 2008, Marco has extensive experience in underground nickel mining, mine planning, operations, project management, mining contracts and geotechnical engineering. He has held senior technical and operational roles with WSA, IGO and Gold Fields.
Other Committee Members: Khushi Sarin, Jeremy Peters, Michael Place, Nicolau Barros, Russell Thomas and David McGowan.