Michael Sutherland

Speaker Michael Sutherland

General Manager NSW, Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASM)

Michael Sutherland has lived and worked in the Central West most of his life though he started his professional life working as a geologist in South Africa. Michael has spent 17 years as a farmer and 31years in the mining industry (six years overlapping). 

He earned a Bachelor of Science (Geology/Biology) degree from the University of Sydney (1981) and post-graduate qualifications in Community Relations (Resources Sector) from UQ (2010) and Australian Rural Leadership from JCU (2012). 

Mike is the General Manager NSW for ASX-listed mining and exploration company – Alkane Resources. Mike also works under a service agreement for Australian Strategic Materials Ltd who are developing a rare earth project at Toongi, 25km south of Dubbo. 

Mike has been heavily involved in natural resource management (including cultural heritage) since the early 80s with community leadership roles at local, State and National levels. Mike is passionate about the role that mining can play in building resilience in regional communities through economic activity, employment and training.