Science Advisory Council - Mr John Barbagallo
John studied Chemical Engineering at University of Queensland and commenced his career with MIM Holdings initially in Brisbane in their Hydrometallurgi
From this role, he moved to the Bowen Basin coalfields in Central Queensland where he occupied the roles of Metallurgist, Shift Supervisor and Operations Superintendent at the Oaky Creek operation. A move to Newlands Coal saw an introduction to Management including time as Coal Plant Manager and then Commercial Manager overseeing two coalmines and the Abbott Point port operation. During this time, John acquired an MBA from University of Queensland.
Following eight years in the coal mines, John joined Rio Tinto Aluminium in Tasmania as Manager - Services and Environment at the Bell Bay aluminium smelter. In 1998, John then transferred to New Zealand as the Casthouse Manager at the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter where he oversaw the production of 360,000 tonnes of aluminium. This smelter produced the highest smelter grade of aluminium in the world generating significant export opportunities into Japan, Korea and Europe. This work was fascinating given that quality was a key competitive edge in improved value propositions for customers.
Following three years in New Zealand, John was promoted to Managing Director of Anglesey Aluminium in Wales, UK. This was a challenging role with particular emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, manufacturing excellence and learning to operate in the broader EU market that presented lower cost competition. The understanding and management of the early UK and EU climate change legislation provided significant exposure to community and parliamentary processes.
John moved back to Australia in July 2004 and joined OneSteel as General Manager - Rod & Bar. This role encompassed the operation of steel mills in Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne that supplied the majority of long product steel (rod for mesh, rebar, angles, squares, flats, channels, rounds, etc) into the Australian market.
In March 2009, John transferred to operate OneSteel's Grinding & Rail business with operations in Newcastle, Kansas City (USA) and Cilegon (Indonesia). The grinding business provides grinding media (world's second biggest supplier) internationally
John is married to Narelle with a family of four children. John's interests include squash, snow skiing, gardening and rugby. He manages his time to coach a junior rugby team and is actively involved in local and district rugby committees.
