The managing director of a leading Yorkshire-based engineering company has been appointed to the board of a national group which serves as a global centre of expertise on sustainability and the environment.

Inprotec MD Chris Oldroyd, whose company specialises in the design and supply of plant used to recover lead and precious metals, will sit on the board of the prestigious Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining Sustainable Development Group (SDG). The role will see him act as the representative for the Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy division.

The SDG, which is internationally recognised, serves as a focus group where leading experts from a broad range of disciplines can exchange ideas and information on sustainability matters. It engages and networks with a range of organisations and provides expert counsel, influencing activities such as the UK Government’s and the European Commission’s Resource Efficiency Action Plan.

With expertise in a range of applications, from automotive through to construction and materials design, the group promotes whole life cycle thinking and feeds into wider global initiatives, such as the circular economy, sustainable cities and climate change mitigation and adaption.

Commenting on his appointment to the board, Chris said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help shape the future of an enormously important and influential group, which is hugely respected and admired all over the world.

“There has never been more focus on the need for a sustainable, truly circular economy, and the SDG has a huge role to play in ensuring governments and senior decision makers within industry remain informed and blessed with the most up-to-date, forward-thinking intelligence possible when it comes to sustainability matters.

“It’s a challenge that I’m hugely excited about and I’m looking forward to working alongside the talented board and members to build on current momentum, as we strive to achieve a truly circular economy.”

In January, Chris was made a fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in recognition of his significant contribution in a senior management role to the metals and process equipment industry.