BIOGRAPHY

Gary has over 34 years of experience in the operation, maintenance and design of beneficiation plants and mining operations. This experience includes vast knowledge of best demonstrated practices and industry standards in phosphate mining and beneficiation, methods to upgrade existing operations including technical audits to improve efficiency, recovery and grade, and the integration of good metallurgical accounting practices into operations and process design. Gary has expertise in the operation and optimization of conventional flotation cells, flotation columns, hydrosizers, hydrocyclones, crushers, grinding mills and screens. Experience includes siliceous and carbonaceous sedimentary deposits as well as igneous phosphate ores.

BIOGRAPHY

Marwan Karaki is from Lebanon and is fluent in French, Arabic, and English. He graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 2006. Following this, he received his MBA from Devry University. He has 18 years of industry experience, first working as a testing engineer at refineries in the US and Canada and then as an project engineer in Saudi Arabia. He has been with Weir Minerals for 15 years and is located in their St. Louis offices. During his time at Weir Minerals, he started as a sales engineer and worked his way up to his current position, Director of Outside Sales. Here he is responsible for the global management of Weir Minerals Regional Account Managers. Weir Minerals are specialists in delivering end-to-end solutions for all mining and minerals processing plants. They supply sulfuric Acid, molten sulphur, and phosphoric acid pumps for fertilizer plants, smelters, and refineries.

BIOGRAPHY

Born in Barcelona and with a Chemical background. PhD in Analytical Chemistry in collaboration with the Dow Chemical Company.From 2016, started in Kao as R&D researcher in surfactants for Technical Applications Group mainly focus in Fertilizers and Floatation fields, covering different additives solutions and studying and developing new collector tendencies.From 2019, switch to Sales & Marketing area, focussed in different customers and applications globally, between the fertilizers and mineral flotation market.

BIOGRAPHY

Marwan Karaki is from Lebanon and is fluent in French, Arabic, and English. He graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 2006. Following this, he received his MBA from Devry University. He has 18 years of industry experience, first working as a testing engineer at refineries in the US and Canada and then as an project engineer in Saudi Arabia. He has been with Weir Minerals for 15 years and is located in their St. Louis offices. During his time at Weir Minerals, he started as a sales engineer and worked his way up to his current position, Director of Outside Sales. Here he is responsible for the global management of Weir Minerals Regional Account Managers. Weir Minerals are specialists in delivering end-to-end solutions for all mining and minerals processing plants. They supply sulfuric Acid, molten sulphur, and phosphoric acid pumps for fertilizer plants, smelters, and refineries.

BIOGRAPHY

Marwan Karaki is from Lebanon and is fluent in French, Arabic, and English. He graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 2006. Following this, he received his MBA from Devry University. He has 18 years of industry experience, first working as a testing engineer at refineries in the US and Canada and then as an project engineer in Saudi Arabia. He has been with Weir Minerals for 15 years and is located in their St. Louis offices. During his time at Weir Minerals, he started as a sales engineer and worked his way up to his current position, Director of Outside Sales. Here he is responsible for the global management of Weir Minerals Regional Account Managers. Weir Minerals are specialists in delivering end-to-end solutions for all mining and minerals processing plants. They supply sulfuric Acid, molten sulphur, and phosphoric acid pumps for fertilizer plants, smelters, and refineries.

BIOGRAPHY

Mohammad Zahid Ahmad is a Senior Industry Technical Consultant for India, Middle East and Africa in Global Mining Division at Nalco Water – An Ecolab Company. He is currently responsible for technical consulting, Innovation execution and business development across the fertilizer segment (phosphate and potash). His areas of expertise include innovation launch, process improvements, product development needs for the Industry utilising his knowledge on surface chemistry, flotation and other mineral processing Application. His area of expertise are mainly in Flotation, Dewatering, Antiscalant, Defoamer , Solid - Liquid Separation, Filtration, Flowability Aid and dust control. In his service tenure of 22 years in Nalco Water, Zahid has contributed to Phosphate, coal and Iron Ore industries through his work at various role in sales management, technical Consulting and innovation execution across Asia pacific, Middle East and Africa. Zahid holds a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering  (AMU, Aligarh, India), and Master of Technology in Mineral Engineering (Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, India). He has several publications and presentations in many reputed mining and processing journals.

BIOGRAPHY

Marwan Karaki is from Lebanon and is fluent in French, Arabic, and English. He graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 2006. Following this, he received his MBA from Devry University. He has 18 years of industry experience, first working as a testing engineer at refineries in the US and Canada and then as an project engineer in Saudi Arabia. He has been with Weir Minerals for 15 years and is located in their St. Louis offices. During his time at Weir Minerals, he started as a sales engineer and worked his way up to his current position, Director of Outside Sales. Here he is responsible for the global management of Weir Minerals Regional Account Managers. Weir Minerals are specialists in delivering end-to-end solutions for all mining and minerals processing plants. They supply sulfuric Acid, molten sulphur, and phosphoric acid pumps for fertilizer plants, smelters, and refineries.

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Thomas Baumann has been working nearly 30 years in the field of wet-mechanical processing technologies, especially on international projects for classification and processing of ores, minerals and other raw materials.

He is in charge of the process design for individual processing steps up to complete treatment plants and their practical realization.

BIOGRAPHY

James is a seasoned professional with over 27 years of extensive experience in the fertilizer industry. Currently serving as the head of the Process Department at JESA's Lakeland Office, he plays a pivotal role in overseeing projects related to phosphoric acid technology and managing fertilizer technologies for the company.His expertise spans a wide spectrum of activities within the fertilizer industry. James excels in leading both greenfield projects, which involve the construction of entirely new facilities, and optimizing existing plants to enhance their efficiency and productivity through processes known as de-bottlenecking.

BIOGRAPHY

Juliano de Goes Arantes is a Digital Account Executive responsible for Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and MPC Sales in the EMEA region focused on Mining, Fertilizers, Metals and Cement. He has 12+ years’ experience implementing Advanced Process Control solutions in Cement, Mining and Minerals processing. He has 25+ years’ combined experience (engineering + sales) in Advanced Process Control solutions in Cement, Mining and Minerals Processing. He also speaks Portuguese, English, German and Spanish. Regular speaker in cement and mining/minerals processing events.

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Raffa is a Digital Solution Consultant responsible for MPC & digital solutions in the EMEA region focused on Fertilizers, Oil & Gas and Chemicals. He has 10+ years’ experience in pre-sales and implementing Advanced Process Control solutions in Oil & Gas, chemical and fertilizer processes. He speaks Italian and English

BIOGRAPHY

Ben Lucas joined Rapid Building Systems in 2012 and was appointed to the newly created position of Company General Manager.  

Since that time, Ben was involved in the delivery of international projects for RAPIDWALL and RAPIDFLOW FLUID BED CALCINER plants which were established in ChongQing, China and King Abdulla City, Saudi Arabia.

Throughout this time Ben also oversaw the completion of the international process for the Rapidwall technology to be granted eligibility for UNFCCC Certified Emission Reduction Credits (CERS – Carbon Credits). The first building material in the world to be granted such status.

Ben is also the Director of RFC Plaster, the Australian based Plaster Manufacturing division of Rapid Building Systems.  Under his leadership RFC Plaster, has been restructured towards improved manufacturing efficiencies and growth in market share across all customer segments. Under his leadership RFC Plaster began the first international exports of RFC Plaster Underground mining plasters.

Ben has developed, a Technology Network for the Rapid Building Systems; Business units and Technologies/Products, which has seen teams develop key hubs within Indian, China, UK, Europe and Australia who collaborate to further enhance R&D capabilities of Rapid Building Systems for its clients and products.

Prior to joining Rapid Building Systems Ben held national roles within Technology sector and senior Corporate Affairs positions within Australia.

BIOGRAPHY

James is a seasoned professional with over 27 years of extensive experience in the fertilizer industry. Currently serving as the head of the Process Department at JESA's Lakeland Office, he plays a pivotal role in overseeing projects related to phosphoric acid technology and managing fertilizer technologies for the company.His expertise spans a wide spectrum of activities within the fertilizer industry. James excels in leading both greenfield projects, which involve the construction of entirely new facilities, and optimizing existing plants to enhance their efficiency and productivity through processes known as de-bottlenecking.

BIOGRAPHY

James is a seasoned professional with over 27 years of extensive experience in the fertilizer industry. Currently serving as the head of the Process Department at JESA's Lakeland Office, he plays a pivotal role in overseeing projects related to phosphoric acid technology and managing fertilizer technologies for the company.His expertise spans a wide spectrum of activities within the fertilizer industry. James excels in leading both greenfield projects, which involve the construction of entirely new facilities, and optimizing existing plants to enhance their efficiency and productivity through processes known as de-bottlenecking.

BIOGRAPHY

Ricardo Sepulveda has 28 years of experience in Process Design, Product Development, and Management. Industry experience includes refining, petrochemical, waste treatment, energy, and natural gas industries. His primary responsibilities as Senior Business Development Manager provides Business Development Leadership and direction for the Chemical, Renewable Fuels, Fertilizer, Petrochemical, and Refinery market sectors and other opportunities on an agreed tactical basis.

BIOGRAPHY

Edward is an innovative licensed Professional Engineer with over 16 years of experience in operations leadership, process engineering, design, process improvement, startup, and commissioning of phosphate plants.  He has supported large scale greenfield and brownfield phosphate projects across the globe in the areas of phosphoric acid production, granular phosphate fertilizer production, and purified phosphoric acid production. Edward's operational experience has served to enhance his ability to assist in making the optimal process design decisions for his clients, while maintaining efficiency and control of cost and quality.   Edward has worked with clients in numerous brownfield areas including plant debottlenecking, increasing plant capacity, and improving gas scrubbing efficiencies to comply with environmental regulations. Edward also has experience working with clients on greenfield Phosphoric Acid Plant (PAP) design, greenfield Phosphate Granular Fertilizer Plant design, and greenfield Purified Phosphoric Acid (PPA) design, through all of the engineering design phases.  Edward's process design experience includes heat and material balances, process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, equipment data sheets, operations manuals, operator training, plant safety, plant commissioning and start-up.   Edward is currently the Global Director of Phosphates for Hatch and supports Hatch's global portfolio of phosphate work within the areas of beneficiation, phosphoric acid production, and downstream production of fertilizer, animal feed, and high purity phosphoric acid.

BIOGRAPHY

He worked for eight years as a process engineer in the fertilizer industry for a major manufacturer, gaining experience in plant optimization and operations. His projects and activities covered Nitric Acid, Nitrates, and NPK plants with both granulation and prilling facilities, ranging from small plant modifications to a pre-execution study of a new granulation section. In 2021 he integrated his operational experience in the commissioning of a new Carbon Black complete production line for a major manufacturer. He joined Casale in 2022 as Nitrates & Phosphates Process Engineer. Since then, he has designed NPK and solid fertilizer granulation plants for customers around the World.

BIOGRAPHY

Edward is an innovative licensed Professional Engineer with over 16 years of experience in operations leadership, process engineering, design, process improvement, startup, and commissioning of phosphate plants.  He has supported large scale greenfield and brownfield phosphate projects across the globe in the areas of phosphoric acid production, granular phosphate fertilizer production, and purified phosphoric acid production. Edward's operational experience has served to enhance his ability to assist in making the optimal process design decisions for his clients, while maintaining efficiency and control of cost and quality.   Edward has worked with clients in numerous brownfield areas including plant debottlenecking, increasing plant capacity, and improving gas scrubbing efficiencies to comply with environmental regulations. Edward also has experience working with clients on greenfield Phosphoric Acid Plant (PAP) design, greenfield Phosphate Granular Fertilizer Plant design, and greenfield Purified Phosphoric Acid (PPA) design, through all of the engineering design phases.  Edward's process design experience includes heat and material balances, process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, equipment data sheets, operations manuals, operator training, plant safety, plant commissioning and start-up.   Edward is currently the Global Director of Phosphates for Hatch and supports Hatch's global portfolio of phosphate work within the areas of beneficiation, phosphoric acid production, and downstream production of fertilizer, animal feed, and high purity phosphoric acid.

BIOGRAPHY

Mindaugas Dailide is an experienced sales professional with a technical background focused on delivering optimal solutions to customers. He holds a doctor degree in chemistry acquired from Vilnius University in 2007. After graduation he was responsible for distribution of optical, analytical instruments and software in various companies. Currently he is Head of Sales in Lyncis company responsible for promotion and distribution of laser real-time elemental analyzers based on LIBS technology.

BIOGRAPHY

Diaz Palestine currently is Technology & Operation Synergy Officer at Pupuk Indonesia. He monitors various plants of Pupuk Indonesia group which consist of ammonia, urea, NPK, phosphate fertilizer, ammonium sulfate, potassium sulfate, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid plants in order to optimise production process to produce high quality product. He contributes in several plant technical audit and cost reduction program. Prior to joining Pupuk Indonesia, he served as Process Engineer at Petrokimia Gresik for 8 years covering various NPK, Pottasium Sulfate, Ammonia and Phosphoric Acid Storage facility. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Institut Teknologi Bandung.

BIOGRAPHY

Edward is an innovative licensed Professional Engineer with over 16 years of experience in operations leadership, process engineering, design, process improvement, startup, and commissioning of phosphate plants.  He has supported large scale greenfield and brownfield phosphate projects across the globe in the areas of phosphoric acid production, granular phosphate fertilizer production, and purified phosphoric acid production. Edward's operational experience has served to enhance his ability to assist in making the optimal process design decisions for his clients, while maintaining efficiency and control of cost and quality.   Edward has worked with clients in numerous brownfield areas including plant debottlenecking, increasing plant capacity, and improving gas scrubbing efficiencies to comply with environmental regulations. Edward also has experience working with clients on greenfield Phosphoric Acid Plant (PAP) design, greenfield Phosphate Granular Fertilizer Plant design, and greenfield Purified Phosphoric Acid (PPA) design, through all of the engineering design phases.  Edward's process design experience includes heat and material balances, process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, equipment data sheets, operations manuals, operator training, plant safety, plant commissioning and start-up.   Edward is currently the Global Director of Phosphates for Hatch and supports Hatch's global portfolio of phosphate work within the areas of beneficiation, phosphoric acid production, and downstream production of fertilizer, animal feed, and high purity phosphoric acid.

BIOGRAPHY

Born on November 7, 1986, in Semarang, Indonesia, Farid Hayu Kurniawan graduated in Chemical Engineering from Diponegoro University in 2008. He started his career as a staff process engineer staff of NPK plant complex from 2011 to 2020 at PT Petrokimia Gresik. After that, he was transferred to become Assistant Vice President at the ZK and NPK I Plant for 2 years, then continued as Assistant Vice President at Utility Plant II until now. He excelled in waste utilization, innovating with sludge, and gypsum byproducts. Farid enhanced production through equipment design, procedural changes, and product development, earning national and international recognition.