Mining IQ Member Profile: Maxcy Khoe, Reliability Engineer for Iluka Resources

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Mining IQ regularly profiles our members and this month we chatted to Maxcy Khoe, Reliability Engineer for Iluka Resources.

Maxcy has been exposed to various management in reliability improvement projects, statutory compliance requirement, budgeting, root cause investigation, conditional monitoring, and plant optimisation. 

What is your role and responsibilities? 

I worked as a Reliability Engineer for Iluka Resources in WRP Mine, VIC. My key responsibilities are to monitor the plant performance through conditional monitoring programs and to manage reliability improvement projects.  

How long have you worked in the mining industry? 

I have been working in the mining industry for 2 years.  

How did you embark on a career in the mining industry?  

I was previously worked in an Aluminium smelters as a Mechanical engineer for 2 years, and since then, I realised how big mining industry in Australia. I started to look for a potential exciting mine and here I am in WRP mine.  

What do you enjoy the most about your role?  

I enjoy to handle more responsibilities for my career development...and working with contractors with positive attitudes. 

What are the challenges you face in your role?  

As my role is currently only looking after the plant operation, my main challenge would be to understand the mining operation which is also highly interesting me.  

The challenges would be to be able to provide technical supports in the event of equipment failures. Quick and feasible decisions are required to minimise plant downtime. 

The challenge is also to be able to interpret the behaviour of the equipment. 

What was the toughest learning curve you faced in your role?

It took approximately 3-6 months to fully understand the process flow of the plant operations. At the moment, my toughest learning curve would be to learn the automation and alarming system on all substations. Getting assistance from the experts internally and externally is highly regarded. 

What advice would you give to others also looking to work in this field?  

To be self-leading in your role and has a genuine interest in equipment.  

What’s ahead for the mining industry in 2012/ 2013 from your perspective?  

I would expect the mining boom would still keep going due to long-term investment made by major mining companies in Australia. 

Why is Mining IQ a valuable resource for you?   

Mining IQ provides different resources on in various events happening in mining industry worldwide. The articles are also worth reading to understand the current trend in this industry. 

Mining IQ thanks Maxcy for his comments and honesty.