Bruce Kelley graduated from Adelaide University with Hons / PhD degrees in Agricultural Biochemistry in 1976. He subsequently spent several years working for the French Atomic Energy Commission in Grenoble, France, in the field of solar dependent biological energy production.
He joined Rio Tinto (CRA Ltd) in 1982, based in Sydney (Biotechnology Australia) and Newcastle (Sulphide Corporation), and was involved in projects and operations in NSW, Bougainville PNG, Comalco Ltd (Qld, Tas, NZ) and Hamersley Iron Ltd (WA). His early work focussed on the development of biological mineral leaching technology, notably copper bioleaching of the Bougainville waste rock dumps in PNG. He also led the development of bioremediation technology and site remediation in CRA Ltd, including the implementation of bioremediation treatment facilities at various CRA mine operations in Australia.
In 1993 he was appointed General Manager of CRA’s Technology Centre in Bundoora, Melbourne.
In 2006 he was appointed Global practice Leader – Environment for in Rio Tinto. He retained this role until his retirement in July 2013.
Other positions held:
- Former Executive Director of the Rio Tinto Sustainable Minerals Foundation (RTSMF), 2005 – 2008, an nitiative co-funded with the Australian Federal Government.
- Chair of the Board of the International Acid Rock Drainage Network (INAP). 2008 - 2013. INAP is an international network of global mining companies which works collectively to minimise the risk of acid rock drainage.
- Director for Health, Safety, Environment and Communities (HSEC) on the Rio Tinto College Board. 2012 - 2013. The Rio Tinto College was the global virtual learning and development platform within Rio Tinto.
- Chair of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR) at the University of South Australia. 2006 - 2015.
- Deputy Chair, National Executive Committee, Site Contamination Practitioners Australia (SCPA). Appointed 2014.
- Senior Advisor, International network for Acid Prevention (INAP). Appointed 2015.