In July 2007, Dr Mark Maley wrote:

"I am currently working as a scientist at the BHP Billiton Perth Technology Centre in the ARRC [ Australian Resources Research Centre ] building in Technology Park , Bentley. I work in the Hydrometallurgy Team on various projects, primarily related to the leaching of nickel from both sulfides and laterites. Late in 2006, I also enjoyed a two-month stint at the BHP Billiton Johannesburg Technology Centre in South Africa, where I was able to utilise skills and knowledge from my PhD to undertake bacterial leaching work (and also meet some of the wildlife - see photo below).

The job is very stimulating and challenging, as the development of novel techniques for treating increasingly lower grade resources becomes required. It is also exciting as some of the work carried out has the potential to make or break large projects.”