Christabel established Portable Spectral Services back in 2011 intending to further the use of handheld XRF within the mining industry. From small beginnings, Chris has grown the company from a simple portable XRF hire company to one that encompasses all kinds of spectral technology and service offerings.
Chris works in many capacities within the company. In addition to her role, she has had extensive training from the Bruker application scientists to create matrix matched custom calibrations that guarantee clients are achieving the best results from their Bruker portable XRF’s. As a top-notch scientist and problem solver, Chris can often be seen teaching and supporting staff members with technical applications and troubleshooting.
The large variety of applications that go with the spectral technology is what keeps the job interesting, with each day being different. She says, “one day it is a lithium calibration the next it is seaweed.” She loves working with people from a variety of industries that utilise this technology.
Chris has worked in laboratories for the last twenty-five years, including managing the assay laboratory in the gold refinery in Kalgoorlie.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Science and a Master of Science in Infectious Diseases.
Nigel has been working as a geochemist within the mining industry for 25 years. Nigel offers PSS extensive international experience in diversified environments, strong global expertise in geochemistry and informed independent technical advice.
With the ability to manage all aspects of exploration geochemistry, and extensive experience in QAQC in exploration and mining, Nigel has the ability to advise, mediate and negotiate.
Nigel Specialises in;
Exploration GeoChemistry
Portable XRF Applications
Lithogeochemistry Vectoring
Geometalurgical Processing
Ferrous and non-ferrous mineral exploration
Sampling and Quality control
He is a highly trained and motivated geochemist working initially with WMC Resources (11 years), Anglo American (5 years) before branching out over 15 years ago seeking more prospects within the mining industry, founding Geochemical Services in 2005.
He works regularly with PSS as a Consulting Geochemist, and alongside his work at Geochemical Services.
Nigel holds a PhD from the University of Western Australia.
Shelley comes to Portable Spectral Services with 15 years experience in finance department and office management roles. As a prior business owner, Shelley has worked in a BAS agency, servicing small businesses across Perth in a variety of industries such as real estate, manufacturing, professional services, mining industry consultants/services, business consultants/services, and retail.
As the Senior Administrator at PSS, Shelley is responsible for ensuring the organisation of the company. With Shelley’s ongoing direction, staff are supported in their roles and team and kept accountable for project outcomes. Additional responsibilities also include Payroll, occupational health and safety and ISO Accreditation.
Shelley is a qualified BAS agent and is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting).
James joined Portable Spectral Services in 2022 as a graduate Spectral Geologist. He works closely with the Bruker Micro-XRF’s (M4 TORNADO and M4 TORNADO PLUS), dealing with client samples at the front end, as well as processing at the back end. James works within the Spectral Team and provides elemental data and AMICS mineralogical maps to clients.
James graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2021 with a BSc majoring in Geology. He gained mining experience working at an open-pit iron ore mine before making the move to PSS. Prior to PSS, James was introduced to a variety of Spectral techniques for both academic and practical mining uses, such as SWIR/NIR and pXRF. James is motivated to deliver informative results to and to find Spectral solutions for clients that suit their mode of inquiry.
Hannah joined the team in 2022. Working as an Application Scientist, Hannah’s role involves creating and monitoring custom calibrations, managing pXRF sampling projects, and supporting the service team. She collaborates with clients to devise tailored solutions and analyses pXRF data, delivering clear results that drive project success.
Hannah’s dedication and scientific acumen make her an essential contributor to Portable Spectral Services’ innovative endeavors.
Hannah holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Natalie joined PSS in 2021, coming on board as Instrument Technician. Natalie approaches this role with dynamic enthusiasm. Working alongside Instrument Supervisor, Zeb, the service department engages daily with problem solving, time management, collaboration and maintaining the delivery of high-quality services.
Natalie is well equipped for the demands of this role. Previously she has worked for SGS as an Assistant Geotechnician, analysing soils. She has also completed work experience at ALS in the XRF department. Natalie has previous instrumentation experience, which she applies as a foundational knowledge base in her role at PSS.
Natalie also brings administration, customer service, hospitality, horticulture and industrial manufacturing experience.
Natalie has a diploma in Laboratory Technology from North Metropolitan TAFE.
Zeb joined the Portable Spectral Services team at the beginning of 2022 as the Senior Instrument Technician for the Service Department.
In his role, he collaborates with Instrument Technician, Natalie to manage and maintain PSS’ hire fleet, in addition to delivering client related instrument services.
Zeb began his career as a repair technician in the consumer electronics industry before moving into the mineral exploration sector, managing the pXRF rental fleet at an exploration consultancy, and gaining valuable experience working with a wide range of spectroscopic instruments.
Zeb uses his vast experience with analytical instrumentation and electronics diagnostics to repair both PSS’ fleet and client instruments, as well as to assist clients in troubleshooting technical issues. He greatly enjoys breathing new life into broken technology.
Working as Sales Administrator, Jewel comes to PSS with a wealth of experience in mining administration having worked in her previous role as Accounts, Reception and Warehouse Manager for five years. In this previous role she worked in a team, managing co-worker’s daily tasks, expediting orders, stock management and communicating with clients and external suppliers daily. Jewel even drove a forklift! Additionally, she reconciled accounts, invoices, and payments.
In her role at PSS, Jewel leans on this depth of experience as she enthusiastically engages with PSS clients, providing high quality customer service in person, over the phone and via email. Jewel is proactive in her approach, providing admin support to other staff members. She continues to grow her knowledge in spectral technologies to aid in providing PSS clients with the best experience when utilising our services.
In addition to her work at PSS, Jewel assists with PSS’ sister company Healthy Homes & Gardens, which focuses on the domestic sector.
Zac joined PSS mid 2022 after recently relocating from Melbourne to complete his Masters of Environmental Science (Sensing and Spatial Science Specialisation) at the University of Western Australia (UWA).
As a highly analytical and creative professional, Zac enjoys grappling with complicated issues. Drawing on both his creative and analytic foundations, he can engineer effective solutions by utilising lateral thinking. Also known for his strong communication skills, he is able to convey technical concepts in easy to understand terms.
Zac is excited to share his solid academic foundation and comprehensive experience in overall aspects of Remote Sensing Data Analysis, Database Administration and Technical Support.
In addition to his current studies, Zac also holds an Honours Degree in Fine Art and a Graduate Diploma of Philosophy both completed at The University of Melbourne.
Angela Munez is a technician in our Digital Laboratory. With a diploma in Laboratory Technology from North Metro TAFE and prior corporate experience in the XRF Departments, Angela has cultivated a strong foundation in laboratory operations.
Since joining PSS in April 2023, Angela has been instrumental in the seamless functioning of the laboratory, excelling in her responsibilities with precision and efficiency. Her primary duties include preparing samples for instrumentation, sorting samples for cataloguing, and running samples on various spectral equipment.
Angela’s meticulous attention to detail and proficiency in laboratory techniques ensure that PSS maintains the highest standards of quality and accuracy in its digital laboratory operations. Her commitment to excellence and her collaborative approach make her a valued member of the team, contributing significantly to the success of our projects and objectives.
Portable Spectral Services’ Schedule of Hire, Support Services & Fees is now available!
