Neil Freeman

Background

About Neil Freeman

Neil’s Masters degree from Oxford University was the foundation for a global career spanning operations, engineering, consultancy, marketing and innovation. His specific skills include innovation, business analysis, strategy, development, technology scouting, presentation and management. He is very knowledgeable on many different processes and technologies and how these can be leveraged to provide value to customers and business. He has over 35 years of experience, including more than 10 years operational experience with companies such as Rio Tinto, Pasminco, De Beers and JKTech. Consultation experience includes all major mining companies for most mineral and primary metal processes, across diverse countries. Neil is the Rio Tinto Manager Innovation within the Office of the Chief Scientist. This entails support for innovation and technical strategy globally to all parts of the business. Key initiatives include an internal seed funding programme, an external facing open innovation forum and thought leadership from management of the MIT relationship. Additional technical strategy assistance being provided to the product groups for roadmap determination Whilst at Honeywell Neil conducted many benefits analysis’s, control master plans and studies the outcome of which was to maximise of client returns. As the global marketing director for mining and metals he consulted with customers to determine needs and solutions’ value. This being realised through working internally to provide and mentor for solutions delivery and development. Work included the application of technologies to alumina refining, iron making, copper processing, nickel, aluminium smelting and iron ore operations. He has presented over 30 papers at various conferences globally, has 2 patents and is on the judging panel for the WA Innovator of the Year.