About Us
We are a team of seasoned industrial professionals with over 30 years of experience in energy and resource sectors. Having recognized the urgent need for systemic change in how the world generates electricity and extracts resources, we founded Vulcan Catalyst to pioneer sustainable, scalable solutions that will reshape industry, strengthen economies, and create long-term value.
Our Vision
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We are developing a new energy paradigm capable of supplying large quantities of electricity to any location, regardless of weather conditions, with a minimal industrial footprint and significantly reduced waste emissions
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Our goal is to provide diesel fuel—an essential energy source—without reliance on fossil fuels, promoting cleaner and more sustainable alternatives.
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We are establishing a world-class innovation hub dedicated to exploring unconventional ideas and transforming breakthrough concepts into tangible, demonstrable technologies that push the boundaries of what's possible.
VISION
EXCELLENCE
INNOVATION
Dr. Simon P. Michaux
Senior Scientist, Systems Thinker
Advocate for Industrial Transformation
Dr. Simon Michaux has a rich and diverse background in mining, circular economy, and industrial systems, Dr. Michaux brings a unique, systems-based perspective to some of the world’s most complex challenges. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physics and Geology, and a PhD in Mining Engineering from the renowned Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC), University of Queensland. With over 18 years of R&D experience in the Australian mining industry, he later brought his expertise to the private sector with Ausenco.
He then spent three years at the University of Liège in Belgium, conducting research on the Circular Economy and industrial recycling. Dr. Michaux has worked across multiple research units, including a tenure as Associate Professor in mineral processing and geometallurgy before returning to his current role in Minerals Intelligence.
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Driven by a long-term vision, Dr. Michaux is focused on transforming the Circular Economy into a truly functional framework—one capable of guiding industrial society through the dual challenges of critical mineral scarcity and the global shift away from fossil fuels. His work seeks not just to understand the system—but to help humanity evolve it.
Dr. Marcin Ziemski
Innovation, process engineering
energy/emissions, digitisation
& value chain analysis
Marcin is an Engineer, Technologist and Innovation Leader with over 25 years experience in resources, technology, and energy. Skilled in driving holistic value chain improvements, advancing sustainability, and delivering transformative solutions in mining, energy, and digital innovation.
Proven leader in business development, R&D, and operational transformation, with a track record of building global partnerships, guiding technology adoption, and achieving measurable business growth. Recognized for strategic vision, strong communication, and fostering high-performing, diverse teams.
Dr. Dian Kemp
Nuclear chemical engineer
Dr. Dian Kemp is a nuclear chemical engineer with a passion for experimental innovation. He previously worked at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, where he developed a novel plasma-based method for treating monazite to extract thorium. This work evolved into a broader project focused on extracting rare earth elements using various mineral acids.
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With a strong background in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and chemical processing, Dr. Kemp brings a unique blend of expertise to advanced nuclear technologies. He is particularly enthusiastic about contributing to the development of thorium molten salt nuclear reactors—systems that combine nuclear and chemical engineering in ways that align perfectly with his professional interests and lifelong passion.