Speakers

Barbara graduated in Earth Sciences at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and got her doctoral degree at the Universities of Lausanne and Fribourg in the field of archaeometry, a research topic which aims to use mineralogical, geochemical and geostatistical tools to solve historical questions. She then worked at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology and later on for the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Consumer Protection Division. Barbara is founder of Geoforensic, a company active in traceability of mined materials, notably through the "Geoforensic Gold ID" tool. She is also Privat Docent in the field of natural resource management at University of Lausanne and lecturer at University of Geneva.

Beatrice Biagioni was born in Massa-Carrara in Italy in 1996, where she graduated in Classical high school.

After that she moved in Milan, where she achieved the Master Degree in Chemical Engineering in Politecnico di Milano University, doing an experience of 6 months in Marseille at the Institute Of Science Molecular De Marseille (Ism2) doing an internship in flow catalysis.

From the 2021 she’s working for SPECTRO AMETEK S.r.l. as application specialist regarding the products ICP-OES, ED-XRF and Arc/Spark OES. From 2024 she is part also of the Committee UNI/CT 010/GL 01 in Italy.

Russ Calow started his laboratory career with Bondar-Clegg in 1983, eventually running the firm's geochemical laboratory in North Vancouver in 1989. In 1991, Russ joined Lakefield Research as head of their geochemical and environmental analytical services group, and played a significant role in expanding the company from two to six international locations. After the sale of Lakefield Research to SGS in 2002, he went on to become its Vice President of Global Geochemistry.

Russ retired from SGS in December 2021 to set up his own specialty consulting firm, CLC: Calow Laboratory Consulting Ltd., providing clients with laboratory management and sales systems, quality control programs and laboratory facility design expertise.

Ann-Marie Carey is Associate Professor in the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University. The duality of craftsmanship and technology is a constant thread in Ann-Marie’s research and brings a subject-specific perspective to the examination and interpretation of artefacts and their production. The combination of craft, technical and academic expertise has been particularly appropriate in the heritage sector. Ann-Marie has worked with Birmingham Museums Trust and the Museum of London (MoL) utilising craftsmanship expertise to deconstruct and recreate heritage artefacts led to a significant contribution to ‘The Cheapside Hoard: London’s Lost Jewels’ exhibition (2013-14): the most successful exhibition in MoL’s history. Current research includes Small Performances – investigating the typographic punches of John Baskerville (1707-75) through heritage science and practice-base research. This is an interdisciplinary project funded by Arts & Humanities Research Council in collaboration with Cambridge University.

Hannah joined LBMA in 2020 and leads on core Physical & Technical processes, including GDL Applications, Proactive Monitoring, Proficiency Testing, and the Visual Guide website. She is the key link between the department and its stakeholders, managing relationships with the Vaults, Referees, and the Bank of England, to ensure the integrity and efficiency of these processes.

Before joining LBMA, Hannah spent six years in precious metals Sales & Trading, gaining valuable industry experience. She holds a BSc in Economics from the University of East Anglia.

Pankaj Deshmukh has lead Assay Laboratory of MMTC-PAMP India Pvt Ltd since 2010. The Company is India’s first and the only London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) accredited Good Delivery Refinery for Gold and Silver.

Pankaj Deshmukh holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree from North Maharashtra University, in Analytical Chemistry and has over 23+ years’ experience in assaying and the examination of precious metals and alloys. As head of laboratory, Pankaj leads the LBMA Good Delivery accreditation, ISO17025 accreditation for laboratory, ISO and BIS Certification.

He is one of the frequent speakers on technical topics at precious metal industry forums on National and International levels. He is representing the organisation on the BIS MTD-10 Precious Metal Sectional committee responsible for drafting and publishing standards and norms for precious metal divisions in India. He is also one of the certified Technical Assessors for ISO17025 and gives his services to NABL, India for the assessment of precious metal filed laboratories. Under his technical flagship, “Precious Metals Assay Training Institute of India (PMATI)” was set and developed. Pankaj is primarily responsible for training and technical operations of Purity verification centers set by MMTC-PAMP.

Prior to MMTC-PAMP, Pankaj served in management roles at Johnson Matthey India as head of laboratory and started his career as assayer in Shirpur Gold Refinery.

Hannelie de Beer is an Analytical Chemist, with almost 40 years of experience within the minerals industry. She obtained her PhD from the University of Johannesburg in 1994 and her MBA from the Henley Management College, in 2003.

The early parts of her career were spent in the parastatal scientific and corporate mining industries. With MBA in hand, Hannelie opted to pursue an entrepreneurial career, in 2005. In 2008, she registered her consulting firm (Tramecon) and spent several years designing and setting up laboratories throughout Africa.

In 2013 she co-founded Qotho Minerals, with its core business to provide proficiency Testing programs, as well as the prepare and certify mineral reference materials, for use within the minerals industry.

Hannelie is an active member of the Geological Society of South Africa, the Southern African Institute of Mining & Metallurgy, The South African Chemical Institute and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Whilst remaining an energetic entrepreneur, Hannelie stands by her mantra that she is Scientist first, and Businesswoman second.

Kim H. Esbensen has been a professor at three universities and government research institutions since 1990 and is still very active as an international visiting, guest and affiliate professor. He was chairman of the taskforce behind the world's first horizontal (matrix-independent) sampling standards DS 3077 (2013) and in 2003 inaugurated the biannual series of World Conference on Sampling and Blending (WCSB). In 2013, he was awarded the prestigious Pierre Gy Sampling Gold Medal (WCSB6) for 'Excellence in Teaching and Application of the Theory of Sampling', and in 2020 he published the widely-used textbook Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Sampling.

John Fairley has had experience in the following areas:

• Process Technology - smelting and refining low grade and high-grade materials – e.g. mining concentrates, Doré bullion, electronic scrap, refining process residues, autocatalysts, chemical catalysts, petroleum catalysts, high grade mine bullion, jewellery scrap

• Feasibility Studies – refinery new builds and process improvement projects.

• 2014 – Present - Technical Consultant to the London Platinum and Palladium Market (LPPM)

• 1972 – 2001 - Johnson Matthey PLC, senior positions in precious metals refining, including:

• General Manager Johnson Matthey PLC - UK Gold, Silver and Platinum Group Metal refining.

• General Manager Johnson Matthey Canada - Gold and Silver refining and manufacturing business

• Johnson Matthey PLC – Marketing Director Platinum Group Metal Refining.

• 1992 – 1999 - Member of the Management Board and Chairman of the Public Affairs Committee of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)

Giovanni Faoro is the Chairman and Head of Strategic R&D of IKOI SpA Company. He has worked for decades on precious metals metallurgy, holding several patents over melting, casting, distillation, crystallization, mechatronics and mechanical volume reduction over the Precious Metals.

He is the head of the Flameless Tunnel®, ALS® Acid-Less Separation, FCC® Flameless Casting Chamber, Ultra Bite®, Density Booster® and HSR® High Surface Refining project development teams.

Luca Fiorini founded Tera Automation after collaborating with Italimpianti Orafi, designing a revolutionary tunnel furnace for ingot production. He later became a partner in Italimpianti Orafi and founded Maximeccanica, focusing on CNC precision machining and 3D printing. Tera Automation offers automated production lines for precious metal ingots and coins. In the last year, Tera Automation acquired Doma Automation to expand expertise in the jewellery industry.

Gregor is the founder of Silver Bullion Pte Ltd, a Singapore based bullion trader; The Safe House SG a vault operator with onsite bullion testing facilities; as well as The Reserve, a 180,000 square foot vault facility. Together these companies form a vertically integrated group that offers advanced long-term wealth protection solutions with minimal jurisdictional and counterparty risks to clients. We store gold, silver and platinum in Singapore as a hedge against civil wars, currency debasements and financial crises and geopolitical conflicts.

Gregor has degrees in Economics, Finance and Information Systems from San Diego State University. His last position prior to founding Silver Bullion Pte Ltd was as a Senior Data Architect for Commerzbank.

As Chief Technical Officer for the LBMA, Neil’s responsibilities include acting as the Executive’s main contact for the Good Delivery system for GD Refiners, applicants and LBMA Committees. His duties include managing the LBMA Good Delivery accreditation system, including applications, Pro-Active Monitoring, Proficiency Testing and other GD related projects. The role also involves overseeing the work of the GDL Officer in the administration of the Good Delivery system as well as managing the implementation by gold Good Delivery refiners of the LBMA’s Responsible Gold Guidance and ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the Good Delivery work carried out by the LBMA.

He brings to the role a wealth of experience having previously been Head of Evaluation at the Rand Refinery in South Africa. He represented the Rand Refinery at the LBMA as the only Referee in the Southern Hemisphere. As one of only five Referees appointed by the LBMA to oversee the maintenance of the LBMA’s Good Delivery List, he has been involved in many initiatives to ensure and develop the integrity of the gold industry. He contributed to the steering committee which produced the “Conflict-Free” Gold Standard of the World Gold Council as well as the development of the LBMA’s Responsible Gold Guidance and presented the Rand Refinery “Artisanal gold” Model at the OECD in Paris. He was a Board Member of the Responsible Jewellery Council representing the Gold and/or Platinum Metals, Refiners and/or Hedgers Forum as well as sitting on the Membership Committee. His work experience included nine years in the Platinum Industry and held the position as a member of the South African Organising Committee of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Vijayacittā joined LBMA in October 2024 as Head of Good Delivery. As a member of the Leadership team, her role is instrumental in driving the implementation of strategic initiatives and managing key stakeholder relationships. Responsible for driving operational excellence and efficiency of the Good Delivery and Physical Services team. Working with the Chief Technical Officer she implements the strategy for the Good Delivery List, setting long-term goals and ensuring alignment with LBMA’s overall mission, developing strategy on internal and external deliverables.

Before joining LBMA Vijayacittā worked across numerous sectors, and her experience spanned membership bodies, trade associations, awarding organisations and accreditation systems and processes, including qualification and standards regulators, quality assurance and accreditations.

Amanda’s current position is Senior Manager: Technical Assurance at Rand Refinery in South Africa. She reports directly to the Executive Head: SHEQ and Technical Assurance. This business unit is responsible for the swift, precise, and accurate sampling and analysis of low- and high-grade deposits received, ensuring governance requirements and providing a technical advisory and assurance function towards all departments within the company.

Amanda is a highly qualified Metallurgical Engineer with a BSc Honours degree in Applied Sciences – Metallurgy with over 20 years of experience in the processing and technical fields. She has a proven industry proficiency gained through her services to key organisations within the precious metals industry, including 11 years within the Anglo-American Corporation.

Striving to keep abreast of industry movements, Amanda works closely with her team and strives for alignment with new developments within the gold refining and metallurgical testing methods to assist the operational teams. Over the years, Amanda has helped to develop quality control standards and quality assurance systems, enhance mass metrology standards. Her proficiency for data has secured her performance in data science projects. She co-ordinates the technical forum which was established to enhance technical directions and imperatives for the operational teams.

Amanda is currently mentoring young engineers at Rand Refinery, which is a natural flow from her experience as an Advisory Committee member for Metallurgy at one of the local tertiary institutions. She is an active member of South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, South African Quality Institute and Microscopy Society of South Africa.

Mike enjoyed university so much that he stayed there for many years while obtaining: B. Education 1979 (University of Regina, Canada), B. Science - Chemistry 1983 and Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry 1988 (University of Saskatchewan, Canada). Between degrees, he was employed as a teacher, laboratory instructor, and held various summer research positions.

Mike joined the Royal Canadian Mint in 1988 and has been employed as the Assay Chemist for 31 years. The main functions of his work involve: developing and introducing new analytical methods to support all the Mint’s activities, making and certifying precious metal reference materials, and advising on sampling and mass metrology. Mike has written or contributed to 46 refereed publications and has given 43 invited conference presentations.

Since his retirement from the Mint in 2020, he has set up his own consulting company and continues to be involved with the LBMA to produce Reference Materials. He also continues on the teaching faculty of the XRF Short Course at Hamilton College in NY (formerly at Western University, London, ON, Canada) since 2005.

Samuel Ho is the Group Head of Precious Metals Management at ABC Refinery. He started as a Process Engineer in 2017, focusing on the development and integration of ERP systems within the refining division. His success in this role led to his promotion to Production Manager at ABC Refinery, where he managed and oversaw refining processes and production operations. In Samuel’s current role, he is dedicated to advancing ABC Refinery’s journey towards becoming a more sustainable and considerate precious metals business through data analytics and system improvements.

Samuel completed his Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering), majoring in Physical Metallurgy, from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia and also holds a Master’s degree in Engineering, focusing on computational modelling and the practical applications of Photocatalytic Titanium Dioxide.

Based in Neuchâtel (Switzerland), Jonathan J. Jodry currently holds the position of Group Business Development Director for Metalor Technologies, as well as at Tanaka Precious Metals, spending a couple of years at the headquarters in Tokyo. He has previously worked as Head of Laboratories and Head of New Business Development.

Jonathan is and has always been heavily involved in precious metals trade, non-profit and standardisation associations. He is the current chair of the IPMI Awards Committee and serves on the Board of the IPMI Foundation. Previously, Jonathan was also chairing the ISO/TC 174, the technical committee writing all the international standards for precious metals, jewellery and gemstones, president of the European Chapter of the IPMI and served at the Management Committee of the LPPM. He has also represented Metalor Technologies as an official Referees at both the LBMA and the LPPM for more than 12 years.

Jonathan got his PhD at the University of Geneva in 2000 in organic and supramolecular chemistry, before spending 8 years in Japan. He also obtained in 2016 two Executive MBAs from London Business School and Columbia University of New York.

Daniel started his career with Agosi AG in 2003 in the analytical laboratory. After completing his training he worked with fire assay, gravimetry, ICP-OES, XRF, titration chromatography and Spark-OES within the whole spectrum of precious metals. In 2010, he began further training as a chemical engineer. From 2014 to 2024, Daniel was trainer in the chemical laboratories at Agosi for our trainees. In 2024, he took over as team leader in the laboratory.

In 2014, Alexandra joined PX Group SA as Head of R&D Chemistry. Since 2024, she has been appointed Head of Innovation and Development for the Refining Division at PX Precinox SA. She plays a key role in the development of innovative processes for the refining of precious metals, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and minimizing environmental impact. According to the PX Group vision, Alexandra is involved in the strategic development of partnerships for sourcing recycled gold from urban mining, helping to build sustainable supply chains and contribute to a circular economy in the precious metals industry. Through her work with the PX team, she is committed to advancing both sustainable technological solutions and ethical sourcing practices.

Alexandra holds a master’s degree in Materials Physics and Surfaces from Polytech Nantes and obtained her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Process Engineering from Arts et Métiers ParisTech in 2002 in France. From 2003 to 2014, she was a lecturer and a researcher in chemistry in different French Universities. His research interests include development of surface treatment process as chemical vapor deposition or galvanic processes for various applications in the field of nanotechnology, magnetism, or corrosion. She has (co)authored over 30 publications in international referred journals and conferences and obtained the accreditation to direct research (HDR) in Material Chemistry and Process Engineering in 2012. Her interdisciplinary expertise continues to drive her contributions to the advancement of both green chemistry and innovative refining processes.

Daniela Manara is an analytical chemist and sworn assayer. She joined Metalor Technologies in 2021 as the Trace analysis and Metallurgy laboratory manager, and is also in charge of the ISO 17034 Certified Reference Materials laboratory. She also represents Metalor as a referee at both the LBMA and the LPPM.

Daniela is an expert on the ISO Technical committee 174 on “Precious Metals & Jewellery“.

Daniela has over 30 years of experience in the analysis of precious metals, and has worked for several Swiss refineries.

She is also very much involved with this Assaying & Refining Conference, an event she has helped to organize for more than a decade.

Simone Marsan is the Head of the Analytical Laboratory at Argor-Heraeus SA, based in Mendrisio, Switzerland. After earning a Master's Degree in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Insubria in Como, he has worked at Argor-Heraeus SA for 17 years. For the past 10 years, he has been involved in the training, development, and validation of new analytical methods for the laboratory at Argor-Heraeus SA, as well as the alignment of methods for other laboratories within the group.

He is a Swiss Sworn Assayer and is currently a member of ISO TC174 WG1/WG4 and the Schweizerische Normen-Vereinigung (SNV), contributing to the standardization of analytical methods for determining the purity of precious metals and ensuring their responsible sourcing.

Kamlesh has been with emew Clean Technologies since 2018, starting in a customer-facing role in India before expanding his responsibilities across the EMEAI region. He now serves as Vice President – Global Sales and Applications. In this role, he focuses on identifying niche opportunities in metal refining and recycling to drive circularity and sustainable metal production by integrating vortex electrowinning.

Kamlesh holds an MBA from the Cambridge Judge Business School and a B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from IIT Bombay. With over 12 years of B2B consultative sales experience, Kamlesh specializes in managing long sales cycles, shaping product strategies, and driving sustainable growth across cleantech, specialty chemicals, oil & gas, and consumer products. He is passionate about delivering simple, customer-first solutions leveraging engineering aptitude and entrepreneurial drive.

Nicolò Lo Presti is the Deputy Head of the Spectrometry Area at MKS PAMP. He joined MKS PAMP in February 2023 as chemist and recently assumed his current role. Nicolò obtained his Master’s degree magna cum laude in July 2022 in Chemistry at University of Milan, with studies focused on photochemistry.

He works with advanced analytical techniques, particularly in spectroscopic applications, and he is also LabWare LIMS Administrator with experience in managing laboratory information systems.

Debora Samuel is a skilled Process Engineer focused on optimizing metallurgical processes to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Currently a Junior Plant Metallurgist at Rand Refinery, she leads initiatives to improve the plant's overall efficiency and productivity while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Her primary focus is on identifying areas that can be enhanced through continuous improvement strategies. This involves a thorough assessment of existing processes, followed by research and detailed analysis to implement effective changes.

Her achievements include a thorough investigation of gold sampling methods that earned her the Young Author Award at the 11th World Conference of Sampling and Blending. She also developed a mass balance model for a silver plant, identifying opportunities to recover lost platinum group metals, which could significantly increase revenue. Previously, she worked as a Chemical Plant Operator Trainee at Kevali Chemical Groups, where she focused on operating reactors and product development.

Debora has excelled in Chemical Engineering, graduating with distinction and cum laude from the Vaal University of Technology. Her achievements include earning recognition as the top student from the South African Institution of Chemical Engineers. She is now pursuing an Honours degree at the University of Pretoria, demonstrating her commitment to furthering her education and career. With a solid background in Chemical Engineering, Debora is poised to contribute significantly to the industry in the future. Her ambition and dedication make her a promising professional in her field.

Alessia Sironi was nominated Head of Laboratory in October 2020. She joined the company in 2007 as Technical Officer of Metallurgy. From December 2009, she served as Deputy Head of Foundry and Production Planning. In 2015, she qualified as an official Sworn Assayer. She holds a Master degree in Materials Engineering and a PhD in Mechanical Systems Engineering both from Politecnico di Milano.

Madeleine Theron currently holds the position of Manager of Data Science and Analytics at Rand Refinery in South Africa. Her dedication to advancing technology within her field ensures that the company continuously adapts to the evolving technological landscape and maintains competitive standards in the refining industry. With her extensive expertise in business processes, data analytics, and statistical methods, she has successfully transitioned into her new role in data science and analytics.

For 17 years, Madeleine reported to the Executive Head of the SHEQ and Technical Assurance business unit as the Senior Manager: Laboratory , which is responsible for the swift, precise, and accurate sampling and analysis of low- and high-grade deposits, ensuring compliance with governance requirements. She played a pivotal role in assisting a gold refinery in achieving LBMA accreditation and represented Rand Refinery on the Referees Panel, contributing to the Committee that reviews technical aspects undertaken by LBMA.

With 32 years of experience in the mining and refinery industry in South Africa, Madeleine brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her role. She holds a degree in Laboratory Management, a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, a Diploma in Total Quality Management, and certificates in Data Analytics fire assay processes. Her experience encompasses electro-winning processes and the Minataur solvent extraction gold refining process. She was instrumental in managing the process analysis of the Minataur process during its development and local implementation.

Dirk graduated in chemistry at the University of Dortmund in 1993. He joined the Institut for Solid State and Material Research in Dresden in 1993 and obtained his doctoral degree in 1998. He then worked as an ICP application specialist at Varian until 2011. From 2011 until today he works as Senior ICP Product Specialist for Spectro Analytical Instruments and is responsible for the strategic development of the complete product line including application development and product support.

He has been active in international standardization since 2005 and is a member of 34 ISO committees, including ISO TC 174 - Jewellery and precious metals.

Stefan started his career with Agosi AG in 1982 in the analytical laboratory. After completing his training he worked with fire assay, gravimetry, ICP-OES and Spark within the whole spectrum of precious metals. After gaining a great deal of experience in this area he became the manager of analytical services in 2000. In 2006 he took the position as Head of Laboratory. In February 2025, he took on the new position of Head of QM and Laboratory.