23rd - 25th September 2025
Innovation Stage
Welcoming Remarks
Welcome remarks from the Managing Editor of Resources, Paul Hayes.
Future-ready Resources: Technology and Sustainability across the Minerals Value Chain
This presentation will showcase breakthrough technologies from the Mineral Exploration Cooperative Research Centre (MinEx CRC), including a next-generation coiled-tubing drill rig for mineral exploration, advanced data-driven sensors for rapid acquisition of high-quality geological data, and progress within the National Drilling Initiative—a collaborative effort to expand geological knowledge in underexplored regions. Beyond these innovations, the talk explores establishing a framework to assess the sustainability of emerging technologies across the minerals value chain. This framework considers opportunities and barriers to accelerate technology adoption while aligning with ESG goals and respectfully integrating Indigenous knowledge and culture.
Uncovering Hidden Opportunities: Rethinking Water Use in Mining
Mining operations face growing pressure to manage water more sustainably — but some of the biggest savings may come from unexpected places. In this eye-opening session, Darren reveals a commonly overlooked source of water loss and the surprising impact it has on mine sites.
Spotlight Session with Hitachi Digital Services
Session details to come.
Safety Reimagined: Making Safety Smarter
As the mining industry undergoes rapid transformation driven by technology, sustainability imperatives, and evolving regulatory landscapes, the definition of "safety" is being reimagined. This panel brings together innovators, and regulatory voices to explore the future of safety standards in mining.
Strategies for Safer, More Resilient Mining Operations
Effective onsite risk management is critical to maintaining safe, productive, and sustainable mining operations. This panel will delve into practical strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational risks in real time. Industry and safety experts will share insights on integrating risk management into daily workflows, leveraging technology for hazard detection, and fostering a strong safety culture from the ground up.
Welcome Remarks
Welcome remarks from the Managing Editor of Resources, Paul Hayes.
Embedding Safety in Operational Routines
The presentation will share an understanding of the overall problem we want to solve with safety, what sustaining safety improvements mean, how safety is structured and delivered in operational philosophies like the Toyota Business System, and what the role of leaders are in this construct.
Digital Mining
This panel explores how digital technologies—like AI, automation, IoT, and data analytics—are transforming the mining industry. Experts will discuss how these tools improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability, while also addressing the challenges of implementation, workforce readiness, and environmental impact. Discover how digital mining is reshaping the future of resource extraction."
Engineering for Impact: Connecting Education with Industry Challenges
This presentation outlines how The University of Queensland is embedding systems thinking, project-based learning, and student-centred pedagogy across its engineering curriculum to better prepare graduates for complex, real-world challenges. At the undergraduate level, students engage with authentic industry-inspired projects that build technical fluency, teamwork, and systems engineering capability. Postgraduate coursework extends this foundation through a specialised work integrated learning approach in mining engineering, equipping professionals with advanced skills aligned to sector needs. These teaching innovations are supported by world-class research centres which foster deep collaboration with industry partners. Together, these efforts ensure that future engineers, particularly those entering the mining and resources sector, are equipped not only with disciplinary knowledge but also with the systems mindset and collaborative skills needed to lead in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Emerging Green Technologies for Direct Mineral Extraction: Lithium, Rubidium, High-Purity Alumina (HPA), and Beyond
Membrane technologies are rapidly transforming the landscape of mineral processing, offering innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for extracting valuable elements from complex ores and waste streams. This presentation talks about latest developments in membrane technology for mineral processing
Driving Sustainability in Mining
As global expectations around environmental and social responsibility grow, the mining industry faces increasing pressure to operate more sustainably. This panel will explore the critical role of sustainability in shaping the future of mining – from reducing environmental impact and managing water and energy use to supporting local communities and ensuring responsible sourcing. Experts will discuss innovative approaches, emerging technologies, and policy frameworks that are helping companies transition from sustainability goals to measurable outcomes.
Spotlight session with NHD GmbH
Digitalisation is revolutionising contractor management by replacing traditional, manual processes with automated and standardised systems. Challenges such as lack of real-time transparency, paper-based time tracking, manual communication, and error-prone data processing are being overcome by digital solutions. End-to-end software platforms offer companies the ability to seamlessly integrate all phases of project management – from planning to payment
Understanding the Balance: Navigating Safety, Productivity, and Sustainability in Mining
Mining operations today must strike a careful balance between safety, productivity, and sustainability: three priorities that often compete but must ultimately align. This panel will examine how industry leaders are approaching this complex challenge, using data-driven insights, cutting-edge technology, cross-functional collaboration, and innovative practices to find equilibrium. Gain practical insights into how mining operations can thrive by finding the right balance.
Welcome Remarks
Welcome remarks from the Managing Editor of Resources, Paul Hayes.
Monash University – Partnering with Industry to Shape the Future of Mining
Ranked No. 1 in Australia for Mining and Mineral Engineering, Monash University’s Faculty of Engineering is proud to showcase its strong partnerships with the mining industry and government—advancing education, research, and innovation to deliver real-world solutions.
This presentation will highlight:
- The Faculty’s foundation in mining-related education and research
- How the Monash Technology Institute enhances infrastructure monitoring and operational performance in mining
- How the Institute of Railway Technology delivers advanced solutions for rail systems critical to mining logistics
- Its core capabilities and areas of expertise
- Engagement models for industry collaboration
- Examples of successful projects with mining partners
Technology in Mining: Transforming Operations for a Smarter Future
From automation and AI, Digital Twins and real-time data analytics, technology is revolutionising the mining industry. This panel will explore how cutting-edge innovations are enhancing safety, efficiency, decision-making, and sustainability across mining operations. Hear from leaders and professionals as they share success stories, implementation challenges, and the future potential of emerging tools.
Sustainability as Strategy: The New Standard for Mining
As global demand for minerals and metals continues to rise, the mining industry faces increasing pressure to operate sustainably. This panel brings together experts to explore innovative approaches to reducing environmental impact, advancing social responsibility, and ensuring economic viability in mining operations.
Tailoring Solutions to Unique Mine Site Challenges
No two mine sites are the same; each presents its own set of geological, environmental, operational, and cultural conditions. This panel will explore the importance of recognising and responding to the unique characteristics of individual sites to drive safer, more efficient, and sustainable outcomes. Experts will explore how customised strategies, adaptive technologies, and local engagement can be leveraged to meet site-specific challenges. Join the discussion on how understanding the nuances of each mining environment is key to unlocking performance, reducing risk, and ensuring long-term success.
Materials Handling and Minerals Processing
Efficient materials handling and advanced minerals processing are critical to maximizing productivity and minimizing environmental impact in mining operations. This panel will explore the latest technologies, automation strategies, and process innovations shaping the future of ore transport, crushing, grinding, and beneficiation. Industry experts will share insights into optimising throughput, reducing energy consumption, and adapting to evolving ore characteristics, all while maintaining safety and sustainability at the core.
Unlock Operational Efficiency: The 5 Building Blocks of Inventory Management for the Mining Sector
In an industry where downtime is costly and supply chains are complex, optimising inventory is no longer optional—it's critical. This insightful session is tailored specifically for the mining sector, where we’ll explore the 5 Building Blocks of Inventory Management—a practical framework designed to help operations, procurement, and supply chain teams improve service levels, reduce working capital, and enhance visibility across their supply networks.