Board of Director

Paul Qian is a hardworking individual who holds the esteemed position of Chairman and Founder of the Company. With over 12 years of invaluable experience in minerals sands field, Paul’s expertise spans the entire spectrum of the mineral sands industry, from exploration to mining. His extensive global network of market connections further enhances his stature in the business world. Paul is currently the director of the Company but is in the process of establishing a full Board for EMPL

Having resided in Australia for more than three decades, Paul has truly made this vibrant country his home. Throughout his remarkable entrepreneurial journey, which spans over 25 years, Paul has excelled in diverse fields such as finance, property development, publishing, imports and exports, stock and commodity trading, wastewater and soil treatments, oil refineries, capital raising, M&A, and mining, to name just a few.

One of Paul’s notable achievements was his instrumental role as the Director and Treasurer of the Australian Mining Association, which successfully organized the prestigious Asia Pacific Resources Conference (APRC) in Brisbane, following the G20 summit in 2014. This event served as a platform for industry leaders to exchange ideas and forge meaningful partnerships.

In addition to his business prowess, Paul is a member of many professional organizations. He has been a chartered member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) since 1991, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in his field. Furthermore, Paul is affiliated with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA), showcasing his dedication to staying at the forefront of financial trends and best practices. As an Australian Credit License holder with the Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC), Paul’s expertise in finance is undeniable. He was also a registered tax (financial) adviser with the Australian Tax Practitioners Board and a registered Financial Planner with ASIC.

One of Paul’s remarkable qualities is his deep understanding of the nuances between Eastern and Western cultures. This invaluable insight allows him to bridge any cultural gaps and foster effective relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. His exceptional relationship skills have been key in successfully navigating and leveraging these different perspectives.

Paul Qian is an accomplished and respected entrepreneur, possessing a wealth of knowledge and experience in various industries. His impressive track record, extensive network, and commitment to excellence make him a truly remarkable individual in the business world.

George holds a Science Degree in Metallurgy from UNSW, Sydney and has been prominent in the minerals and coal industries in Australia and overseas for over 55 years, including having part owned and operated three export coking coal mines in Australia since establishing his own companies over 40 years ago.

During his Science Degree he did vocational experience working on a mineral sand treatment plant at Byron Bay in northern NSW and later was involved with another beach sand project on Stradbroke Island in southern Queensland. He has been very active in coal preparation, involving use of spirals, shaking tables and magnetic separators as used in mineral sands treatment.

George’s many achievements include:-

• President of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (The AusIMM) in 1995 – they led development of the JORC and VALMIN Codes.
• Chairman of the Energy Council of Australia (from 1993 to 2006).
• Chairman of Standards Australia (from 2000 to 2004), which covered all minerals, including mineral sands and Chairman of its Environment, Materials and Safety Standards Sector Board (from 2004 to 2007).
• Chairman of ASX listed SAI Global Limited, an international certification company, from listing in 2003 until 2008 – had a market cap of $850 million in 2008.
• International Chairman of the Coal Preparation Congress from 1973-76.
• Chairman, Mineral Industry Consultants Association from 2015 until 2018 – awarded its Gold Medal in 2011 (4th awarded since 1982).
• Leader and a Member of four Australian Government-sponsored Missions to South America, USA, India and China.
• Chairman, Advisory Council, Key Centre for Mines, UNSW (from 1993 to 1996).
• Member, CSIRO Coal and Energy Advisory Committee (from 1996 to 1999).
• Undertaken pro bono work for the United Nations Development Programme in ASEAN and South Asia countries, including Bangladesh, in the 1990’s.
• Currently a Director of Everlast Minerals Limited
• Currently Executive Chairman of the Australian Mining Association.
• Chairman and Director of both public and private coal companies, in Australia and overseas over many years.

George’s Professional Affiliations comprise:-

• Chartered Engineer (C Eng)
• Fellow Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD)
• Fellow and Chartered Professional of Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM (CP))
• Member of Australasian Institute of Mineral Valuers & Appraisers (MAIMVA (CMV)).
• Fellow of Energy Institute in UK (FIE).
• Fellow of Australian Institute of Energy (FAIE).
• Life Member of Australian Coal Preparation Society.

George runs his own trading and consulting businesses, principally through Edwards Global Services Pty Ltd in Australia, serving the coal, minerals, energy and other industries worldwide.

George is a Competent Person to do JORC and VALMIN Code reports for coal.

He’s had over 100 major clients worldwide and has authored some 150 talks, articles and presentations in Australia and in 14 countries overseas.

George’s activities have included:-

• Exploring and developing mines overseas,
• Undertaking carbon credit projects,
• Advising on establishment of a Coal Import Division and long term contract formats for Tenaga Nacional Berhard in Malysia,
• Advising Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia on mineral research projects.