30 August 2009
Leading professional and technical services firm GHD has
appointed Pat O’Dwyer to the new role of Global Leader, Energy
& Resources, and significantly increased the strength of its
mining business through a strategic merger with SMG
Consultants.
Mr O’Dwyer has more than 30 years’ experience in the resources
sector and has been involved in the management of some of GHD’s
largest projects as General Manager, Major Projects & Risk.
GHD provides support to the world’s major energy and resources
companies across the entire project lifecycle, from exploration and
feasibility, to project implementation and ongoing
optimisation.
The company is helping its clients to meet the challenges of
improving mining and processing efficiencies through optimisation
of project development and operating costs, as well as assisting
its clients to manage the transition from a totally carbon-based
economy, through cutting edge work in emissions reduction, clean
coal and renewable energy.
"Climate change is the biggest challenge facing our industry.
The step up in efficiency, innovation and behaviours that our
clients face is huge but we are committed to helping our clients
reduce their reliance on energy and develop innovative ways to ease
the transition," Mr O’Dwyer said.
Pat will be supported by former Gladstone Pacific Nickel General
Manager Gavin Becker, who has been appointed to the role of
Business Leader, Mining & Metals, and SMG Consultants’ Graeme
Boyd as Business Leader, Coal.
Phil Baker, a senior environmental consultant, will provide
support to the team in his role as Environment Business Leader,
Mining/Oil &Gas.
SMG Consultants’ Geoff Spearing will lead the GHD South
Queensland Mining Business Group as the combined mining group
doubles in size.
With offices in Brisbane and Singleton, SMG Consultants are
leaders in geotechnical engineering, geological resource estimation
and mine planning and have worked on major projects for companies
including Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, BMA and Anglo Coal.
"SMGC brings a unique combination of operational experience and
analytical skills to our business. We have completed a number of
successful mining projects with common clients over the past couple
of years and this positive collaboration has provided the basis for
our growth in this area," Mr O’Dwyer said.
"SMGC’s capabilities in coal and hard rock, both surface and
underground, will add value to our business. The company is also
renowned for its use of state-of-the-art software in geological and
mine planning and this will enhance the value we can bring to
clients.
The SMGC team will join GHD at its offices in Brisbane,
Singleton and Newcastle.
For further information, contact:
Sonia Adams