Dr. Ralph Holmes

• Leading expert in nuclear techniques for mineral sampling.
• 43-year career at CSIRO, pioneering global ISO standards for mining.
• Honored with the Clunies Ross Award and Pierre Gy Gold Medal.

Dr. Ralph Holmes is a distinguished physicist with a specialization in mineral and coal sampling. He holds a BSc (Hons) and PhD in Physics from the University of Melbourne. In 1971, he joined CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), where he became a leading authority in the development and application of nuclear techniques for analyzing minerals such as iron ore, bauxite, and coal. Dr. Holmes’ career spans over 43 years at CSIRO, during which he played a key role in standardizing sampling and analysis methods that are now recognized globally. He contributed significantly to the development of ISO standards for sampling and is regarded as a pioneer in applying these methods in mining. His accolades include the prestigious Clunies Ross Award and the Pierre Gy Gold Medal. Dr. Holmes is also recognized for his leadership in international mineral processing organizations, serving as the President of the International Mineral Processing Council. With over 100 published papers and substantial involvement in international conferences, he continues to be a significant influence in his field.