andrew tong
I joined Intec Ltd, a world leader in chloride hydrometallurgy, after submission of my PhD thesis in early 2004. This company has patented processes for the extraction of base and precious metals from sulphide and oxide feedstocks. My initial role was to work as a research chemist on an ARC-Linkage project with the University of Sydney School of Chemical Engineering. We developed and optimised purification by zinc dust cementation for preparation of liquor for zinc electrowinning in the chloride media.
After completion of the grant, I was asked to manage the research laboratory. At a similar time, the company acquired the Hellyer Metals project in Tasmania from Western Metals. The main research focus of the laboratory was to define the metal recovery circuits for the Intec Zinc process pertaining to the Hellyer Project - including iron and copper precipitation, cementation, and chloride zinc electrowinning. This work culminated in the successful operation of a demonstration plant in Burnie Tasmania, where I worked as a senior project metallurgist on a fly-in-fly-out basis.
I currently run a team of chemists and engineers, who explore the complex halide chemistry at the heart of the Intec Processes for the principal recovery of zinc, copper, lead, silver, and gold. We participate in the design of metallurgical plants on a consulting basis for clients. One of the current projects is the recovery of zinc from hazardous waste materials such as electric arc furnace dust and zinc bearing residues from the sulphate hydrometallurgical systems. We also undertake specific research projects such as the recovery of exotic metals such as indium.
The work is intellectually stimulating, and at the cutting edge of hydrometallurgy. I have gained experience in a wide range of chemical fields including electrochemistry and solvent extraction, along with completion of engineering tasks, such as the design of process flowsheets, and preparation of mass and energy models.
One of the greatest assets to a successful career in commercial industries is to posses a sound understanding of fundamental chemistry. A higher research degree will also give you the necessary tools to work independently and in a professional manner, enabling you to become involved in management of research programs. In a cross-disciplinary field, specialist skills are highly prized and lead to many opportunities which are handsomely rewarded.