X-ray laboratory named in honour of Reiner Kollasch

A special copper plaque unveiled at a surprise lunch held in late January marks the entrance to ‘The Reiner Kollasch X-Ray Laboratory’, a dedication to Reiner in recognition of his exceptional service, industry-wide reputation and a career spanning 50 years at Mount Isa Mines (MIM).

Reiner was greeted by a warm reception from friends, family and colleagues who lined the hallway to the laboratory where he currently works as the Senior Technical Support for the Technical Services Department.

Technical Services Manager Thia Sher said for the past 20 years Reiner’s work has been based in the laboratory where his technical expertise, qualifications and deep institutional knowledge have been invaluable.

“He began his career on 26 January 1976 as an Apprentice Electrical Fitter Mechanic and went on to become a recognised specialist in X-ray and instrumentation systems.”

“It’s a pleasure to acknowledge his contribution and honour his legacy by naming the X-ray laboratory after him,” says Thia.

Throughout his celebrated career Reiner has supported multiple departments across site.

Initially, in his trade as an Electrical Fitter Mechanic, Reiner worked in Surface and Hoisting before moving into the Instruments Department where he discovered an interest in electrical instrumentation.

Reiner said, in the mid-1970s MIM was beginning to embrace new technologies, moving away from pneumatic instrument controls to electronics and was at the forefront of integrating new industrial science applications like X-ray, Atomic Absorption and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). In collaboration with Outokumpu prior to them becoming a global leader in sustainable stainless steel, MIM developed the On Stream Analysis (OSA) application of X-ray under the Research and Development Department.

As a member of the Instruments Department, Reiner worked in the Lead Smelter, Copper Smelter and the Environmental sections performing calibrations and repairs to instrument control elements then moved into Electronics Maintenance in the Engineering Department.

In Electronics Maintenance, he worked on the early implementation of SCADA process control systems and OSA X-ray systems as well as PC Maintenance and Repairs. This is where Reiner found his niche specialising in X-ray and instrumentation equipment.

Reiner says many of the technologies we consider as part of everyday life were first developed or applied industrially here in Mount Isa.

“The technologies we apply continue to evolve and MIM is always looking at where new applications can add value to the business. That’s what I enjoy, and I feel lucky to play a part in that,” he says humbly.

As technology advanced and to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals behind applications, Reiner kept up with developments by completing a Diploma in Engineering building on his expertise and depth of industry knowledge.

Chris Sommerville, Superintendent Laboratory praised Reiner for his very strong industry wide presence, which he says stretches way beyond the bounds of the MIM lease.

“Aside from X-ray and instrumentation he is well known and respected for his expansive knowledge on a very wide range of topics,” says Chris.

 “Fifty years in a single institution is a thing that will rarely be accomplished in our day and age.”

Reiner’s family also has a long history with the company.

Reiner moved to Mount Isa in 1966 at the age of nine when his father came to work as an Instrument Artificer at MIM.

His wife Erin has worked at MIM for over 32 years. The couple met when Reiner was in high school visiting Brisbane as part of a Mount Isa Community Development event.

A few years later, Erin came to live in Mount Isa and started work at MIM in the typing pool before moving to be the Engineering Manager’s Administration Assistant.

In 1984, Erin was awarded an MIM Holdings Employee Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Business at Central Queensland University. She returned as a Graduate Accountant in 1987 and has since worked in the Finance Department and on major projects as the Capital Accountant. Erin currently works at George Fisher Mine as a Master Data Coordinator.

Not to be left out, their son Alex, a Senior Metallurgist, is also part of our MIM family.

General Manager Queensland Metallurgical Operations, Richard Harvey said, “We commend Reiner for his loyalty and dedication to the industry, and for his continued support to the laboratory and Mount Isa Mines.”

“Congratulations Reiner, it’s a privilege to have you on our team.”