OBITUARY

Jim May died on 6/6/2023.

James May joined the ATSE Fellowship in 1994 and was a member of the Victoria Division. He was also a member of the Membership Committee and Publications Committee (1995-1999).

James May began his career as a metallurgist before undertaking future endeavours as a chemical engineer and company director. He also led the Australian Minerals Industry Research Association Limited (AMIRA) between 1968 and 1994 as Chief Executive Officer.

James May also established the ‘AMIRA model’ in which R&D costs and intellectual property were shared with many research bodies and governments worldwide. In the 1990s, AMRIA began to be regarded as “world-leading” in the interaction between industry and the research community, paving the way for the practice of multi-company-sponsored research.

The Australian Mining Hall of Fame recognised Jim’s efforts in 2016, inducting him in the Technologists and Scientists category. He was also awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001 for service to Australian society in mineral science and engineering.

James May died peacefully in Melbourne on June 6 2023, aged 88. Loved and loving husband of Christine; Father of Richard, Stephen, and Annette; Father-in-law of Elaine, Suzzanne, Darren and Sharyn; Grandfather of Matthew, Riley, Alex, Aiden, David, Riley, and Jake. 

In the 25 years he has been foundation Chief Executive Officer of AMIRA, James Nay has played a pivotal role in its highly successful initiation and management of research and development in the Australian mining industry. AMIRA is now the pre-eminent organisation of its type worldwide, currently managing 67 projects with total value $33M, and is the model for similar developments in the UK and Canada. May is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and in 1992 was awarded its highest honour, the Institute .Medal. He has served by invitation on many important government committees.