Connect locally with a Network of Passionate Individuals.
Join the ALGA Perth Branch for an engaging event exploring two important challenges facing Australia’s future: water security and the sustainable development of critical minerals.
The first presentation will showcase an innovative approach to unlocking brackish groundwater for water-secure agriculture. An Australian-first inland demonstration at Century Orchards in South Australia is combining desalination, aquifer reinjection and agricultural application to investigate how brackish groundwater can become a scalable alternative water source. The project brings together industry, research and government partners to address technical, economic, environmental and regulatory challenges.
The second presentation will examine the recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REE) using green technologies, with a focus on the Australian context. With REEs playing an increasingly important role in renewable energy, electric vehicles, defence, medical technologies and electronics, Australia is rapidly expanding its role in global production. The presentation will explore emerging opportunities in Western Australia and beyond, while considering the environmental challenges associated with extraction, processing, legacy mining sites and mine closure.
Together, these presentations will highlight Australian innovation at the intersection of resource development, environmental sustainability and long-term resilience, with insights relevant to industry, government, researchers and environmental professionals.
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Your ticket includes a complimentary drink and a selection of appetizers. Please note that this is not a formal dinner event.
BYO! To minimise our use of plastic, we encourage delegates to bring their own reusable water bottles and coffee cups.
Due to the venue’s security measures, make sure you arrive on time.
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Dr. Zain Ali is a Process Engineer with Osmoflo, where he supports the development and delivery of membrane treatment and desalination solutions. His work covers process engineering, system design, technical assessments and pilot-scale validation across a range of challenging water sources. He is interested in practical innovations that expand alternative water supplies, improve treatment efficiency and help industries and communities respond to growing water-security challenges.
Mel Rowe is a Chartered Industrial Chemist and Environmental Engineer with over 30 years' experience in water and wastewater treatment and contaminated site remediation based in WA.
His early years in Australia covered working on mineral sands projects with Iluka (Westralian Sands) and as chief Industrial Chemist Mary Kathlene Uranium now being revisited by Rowcon PL as a potential source for Critical Minerals.
Andrew Mack is a Director and National Environment Lead at Talis, bringing more than 30 years of experience across the public and private sectors.
With qualifications in engineering, law and business, and as a Certified Environmental Practitioner, Andrew provides strategic environmental, planning and regulatory advice across a diverse range of industries. His expertise spans environmental approvals, compliance, statutory obligations and risk management for projects in the mining, industrial, contaminated land, land development and waste management sectors.
Andrew is frequently engaged to provide specialist and strategic advice on complex projects, helping clients navigate regulatory requirements and achieve practical outcomes. He regularly represents clients in high-level discussions with government agencies, regulators and other key stakeholders.
Drawing on his extensive technical, regulatory and commercial experience, Andrew is also engaged as an Expert Witness and independent peer reviewer for public and private sector clients. His reputation for balanced, evidence-based advice has seen him contribute to a broad range of planning, environmental and development matters. From 2017 to 2020, he served as a specialist member of the Western Australian Joint Development Assessment Panels (JDAP).
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys martial arts, food and drink, writing and music and lives with his wife, son and much-loved dog. Andrew is also a Mental Health First Aider.
The Melbourne Hotel
33 Milligan Street
Perth, WA 6000
ALGA Member $49.00
Non-Member $99.00
Welcome Branch $25.00
Student $15.00
1 CPD Point
