Board and Management
Project Management Team
Dr Nicholas Welham
Chief Technical Officer
Dr Nicholas Welham is a leading hydrometallurgist with global research and commercial experience. After completing his PhD at the Royal School of Mines (Imperial College), he worked at the Parker CRC, ANU, Murdoch University, and the University of Ballarat before establishing a consultancy in complex ore processing and high-purity materials.
Nick is the inventor of the HiPurA™ process, holds over 90 patents, and has published around 100 technical papers. His recent focus includes process development for high-purity alumina, manganese, and critical materials.
Camila Lizarazo
Process Engineer
Camila Lizarazo is a results-driven Metallurgical Engineer with extensive experience in pilot plant operations, hydrometallurgy, and process optimisation. Her career includes roles at RDG Technologies and ALS Metallurgy, where she led manganese and alumina pilot projects focused on purity and throughput improvement.
Camila holds a Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering and an MBA in Project Management. Her expertise in impurity removal, solvent extraction, and plant troubleshooting will support the scalable, efficient operation of the Alluminous pilot plant.
Syed Zaidi
Process Engineer
Syed Zaidi is a Chemical Engineer with more than six years of experience across process design, optimisation, and operations in the metallurgical and petrochemical industries. He played a central role in designing and building the Alluminous pilot plant while serving as Senior Process Engineer at ChemX Materials. Syed’s experience includes hazardous waste treatment and polymer production Industries.
Syed holds a Master of Chemical Engineering from Edith Cowan University. His multidisciplinary background and intimate knowledge of the HiPurA technology make him a critical contributor to Alluminous’ process development success.
David Raiskums
Analytical Laboratory Manager
David Raiskums is the Analytical Chemist at Alluminous, responsible for the effective, precise, and safe operation of the company’s laboratory facilities. With over 25 years of experience in the mining and analytical sectors across Western Australia, David has held senior roles with companies such as Galaxy Lithium Australia, Mineral Resources Ltd, and Norilsk Nickel. He brings deep technical and leadership experience to laboratory operations that support complex processing circuits.
David holds a BSc in Multidisciplinary Science (Applied Chemistry) from Curtin University and multiple certifications in leadership and frontline management.
Board
Tim Netscher
Chairman
Tim is a highly experienced company chairman and director with significant experience working in the international mining industry. Tim has extensive operational, capital projects and business development experience. He is currently Chairman of Gold Road Resources.
Tim holds Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Business Administration. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
David Leavy
Managing Director
David Leavy is a mining executive and strategist with over 30 years of experience across the resources and critical minerals sectors. He was previously the including Managing Director of ChemX Materials and lead it through the IPO, in addition to a number of MD, CFO, and Non-Executive Director of ASX-listed and private companies roles, and has led IPOs, offtake agreements, and capital raisings.
David holds a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Economics from Murdoch University. He brings deep expertise in corporate governance, project execution, and the commercialisation of high-purity materials technologies.
Stuart Macliver
Non-executive Director
Stuart co-founded Amvest Capital to develop a platform for institutions to access the mining and metals industry. He has gained significant corporate advisory and transactional experience across M&A, equity, and debt capital markets within the natural resources sector, having worked at internationally recognized and boutique firms in Australia and New York.
Stuart holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia, is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, and holds a Graduate Diploma in Geology from the Western Australian School of Mines.
Dr Mike Jones
Non-executive Director
Dr Mike Jones is the Managing Director of Impact Minerals Ltd (ASX: IPT), a 50% shareholder in Alluminous. He brings over three decades of technical and executive experience in exploration and project development.
A graduate of Imperial College with a PhD in gold mineralisation, Mike has led major mineral discoveries in Australia. He also provides strategic oversight as Impact Minerals integrates HiPurA into its Lake Hope HPA flowsheet.
Scott Phegan
Non-executive Director
Scott Phegan is a Chemical Engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the bauxite and alumina industries. At Alcoa, he held global leadership roles overseeing large-scale refining projects. Scott is currently working with IPT on their HPA project.
Since 2019, Scott has focused on innovative processes for high-purity materials and rare earths, while consulting on international projects and serving on boards such as Canyon Resources. He brings strategic insight and deep operational knowledge to Alluminous’ development pathway.