John Cotter
– Managing Director and Executive Chairman

John has over 20 years’ experience in major projects across Australia and is a recognised expert in the field of infrastructure planning.

John is a seed investor in North West Phosphate and has continued to fund its development due to his commitment to improving fertilisers for farming regions across Queensland and Australia.

 

James Benjamin
– Interim CEO & CFO

James Benjamin is the interim CEO of NWP and holds over 25 years’ experience in the utilities and infrastructure sectors across project development, from origination, feasibility, and execution. Prior to joining NWP in 2021, James held senior executive positions, including as CFO, in public utilities, top-tier global consulting firms and in the Queensland Government.

James was a PhD candidate at the Australian National University, holds a Bachelor of Economics (First Class Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce. He is a member of the Institute of Public Accountants, associate of the Institute of Financial Accountants and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

 

Chris Ramsey
– Marketing and R&D Manager / Executive Director

Chris is an agriculture industry expert specialising in sales and marketing and business strategy. He has over 30 years’ experience in agribusiness and is a leader in agricultural input sales, product development and application. Chris has experience in business development and growth and will assist with customer development, management and product development.

 

Kevin McAlpine
– Construction & Mining Manager

Kevin is an experienced executive with 25+ years’ experience across construction, mining, & energy sectors both domestically and internationally. Kevin has acted in roles including General Manager at QCoal and Thiess and a founder of energy infrastructure company Entrada Group LLC. He also with extensive major project delivery experience for companies including Leighton Contractors, John Holland Group and McConnell Dowell. Kevin is also a qualified arbitrator.

Kevin has been involved in the development of a number of mining operations throughout his career. He was born in the gold fields in South Africa, then worked as an undergraduate engineer on the Rosebery Zinc mine in Tasmania, then managing construction projects on the Solomon Iron Ore project in WA and Prominent Hill mine in South Australia, to leading the design and construction of the Jax, Drake and Byerwen Mines in QLD. Recently Kevin completed the construction of the $600 million, 208km greenfield rail project connecting Bravus Mining Carmichael Coal mine to the existing QLD rail network.

 

Shane Goodwin
– Land & Tenure Manager

Shane is an adept communication and engagement professional with more than 20 years’ experience in corporate affairs, strategic communications and social responsibility for the mining industry and public sector. Specialising in community engagement and property advisory, Shane has held senior roles in firms such as New Century Resources and MMG.

Shane has extensive experience working in various government and political advisory positions. He is a member of the board of the Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust (ADBT), a charitable trust dedicated to the economic development of the Traditional Owner communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

 

Stephan Gabas
– Environmental Manager

Stephan is an Environmental professional with over 25 years experience across executive, operational and consulting roles in the water, resource, utility and infrastructure sectors in Australia and Europe. Stephan has extensive experience in environmental impact assessments, approvals, monitoring and compliance, leading the planning and approval processes and providing support across the full project lifecycle from feasibility to development, commissioning and operations.

 

Michelle Mercieca
– Geologist

Michelle has significant experience with the Paradise Phosphate project having been involved with the project between 2008 and 2015 as the Senior Project Geologist. Between 2008 and 2011, she was based in Mount Isa to supervise the resource definition drilling and sampling for metallurgical test work.

 

Adam Teague
– Metallurgist

Adam has significant experience with the Paradise Phosphate project, having been the Metallurgy Manager between 2009 and 2013. During this time Adam was responsible for managing the development of the beneficiation process, including 10 tonne per day pilot plant and DFS detailed design.

 

Madeline Simmonds
– Stakeholder Relations

Madeline is an influential and deliberative communicator with high levels of experience in tactical stakeholder and partnerships management. She has more than 10 years experience in managing and developing relationships with key stakeholders within the Government and private sector.

Madeline has formerly held roles where she oversaw the development and execution of advocacy engagement strategies for peak body clients and has led communication campaigns for a range of resource, health and property companies. She has been a Policy Advisor to the Premier of Queensland and a Federal Government Minister.

 

Rebecca Reaburn
– Financial Controller

 

Glenn Simpson
– Company Secretary