Minutes of Meeting held at 7.30 am on 9th February 2022
Format: Zoom
Attendance: 23
Apologies:
Guests: Jodie & Jim Askew
Guest Speaker:
Barry introduced Jim Askew, not only a fellow motor-cyclist but also Non-Executive Chairman of Syrah Resources and a Director on many Australian Mining Companies.
Jim, B. Mining Eng., M. Eng. Sci., FAusIMM, MSME, MAICD, spoke about his long and interesting career in the Mining business. Jim has been a CEO of public resource companies for some 20 years and served on Boards since 1983.
His current assignment is the development of a massive graphite mine in Mozambique. This resource has the finest graphite in the world, far superior to that mined in China.
The refined Graphite is used to make the Anodes for Lithium-ion batteries.
Syrah Resources is building a facility to process the Graphite in Louisiana to serve the USA and European Markets and reduce reliance on Chinese product.
Tesla has contracted to buy the product. Growth in electric vehicle production has increased dramatically.
Synthetically produced graphite is energy intensive and more expensive.
Syrah Resources are significantly improving the lives of the local population in Mozambique.
Answering a question from Janey, Jim said that Chinese Mining Companies often bring in theirown labour force so not so beneficial for locals.
Geoff asked whether the batteries can be recycled. Jim responded that there is a market for reusing the batteries.
Chez asked whether fires were a problem with Lithium batteries. Jim said that compared to petrol motors, batteries were much less prone to fires.
Barry’s Banter:
- A vote of members present favoured a Zoom meeting next week
- Having “hybrid”meetings that broadcast live will require special gear. Our Club is different to the others in that breafast meals have to be specially prepared for us.
Members Announcements:
- Mary:- disappointed with the breakfast meals
- Ian:-Bunnings BBQ Roster this Sunday has been circulated to members
- Cheryl:- Warrnambool East’s meeting featuring Ken Hutt, who is intending to paraglide of Mt Everest for polio research, is on the 24th Feb. East’s Maggie Dwyer is looking for donations for a raffle to be held at the meeting.
- Lisa is after timelines for the Care Program
- Peter:- Glenn is liaising with WCC for support for Clean-Up Australia Day , officially on the 6th March
- Sergio:- Portland extreme fishing event on next weekend
- Quiz: Bob in great form
Meeting Closed: 8.35 am
Daybreak members were at Bunnings on Sunday volunteering at the Bunnings BBQ.
Rotary Birthdays
Yvonne Cassady February 4
Betty Suggett February 9
Glenn Rundell February 20
Sandra Batten February 25
Rotary Anniversaries
Dianne Brown 8 years
Ian Harper 6 years
Ian Harper 6 years