When Emesent Hovermap is mounted on a drone or robot, world-leading autonomy enables it to execute missions with little to no human intervention. Emesent technology takes control, making intelligent decisions so users don’t have to, all the while mapping dangerous and inaccessible environments and providing fast and accurate data that keeps teams out of harm’s way.
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Summer is here, and while many industries wind down, mining keeps moving, powered by the same determination that’s defined it all year.
As the Australian summer sets in, the mining industry finds itself in a familiar rhythm, one defined by long days, heathazed horizons, and the steady hum of activity that rarely pauses, even when the temperature soars.
From the Pilbara to the Bowen Basin and beyond, operations continue with the same precision and discipline that define the sector year-round.
For those on site, the coming months are as much about resilience as they are about results. Managing heat stress, keeping equipment cool, and maintaining productivity through the height of summer demands the kind of planning and professionalism that set Australian miners apart.
Summer in Australia is also a time of reflection, a natural moment to look back on the year that was and to recognise how much the industry has achieved.
And what a year it’s been.
In 2025, Australian mining once again demonstrated why it remains the backbone of the nation’s economy. From record export earnings and new project approvals to breakthroughs in technology and sustainability, the sector continued to evolve and deliver.
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Major announcements on critical minerals reshaped Australia’s global standing. The landmark agreement with the US to strengthen investment and supply-chain ties underscored the strategic role the country’s resources play in the clean-energy transition.
Lithium, rare earths and nickel remained front and centre, while traditional commodities like iron ore and coal showed their enduring importance to national revenue and regional employment.
We also saw momentum build around electrification and decarbonisation. Battery-electric haul trucks, renewablepowered processing plants and hybrid
microgrids moved from pilot to practice.
The industry’s collective drive toward net zero now feels tangible, backed by real investment and measurable progress.
Technology continued to transform the mine site, from AI-driven maintenance to autonomous operations and advanced digital twins. These innovations are not only improving efficiency and safety but redefining what’s possible in some of the most remote corners of the country.
Equally, 2025 has been a year of people. Mining’s success rests on its workforce, the operators, engineers, geologists, tradespeople and suppliers who keep the sector running through heat, rain and dust. Initiatives to boost inclusion, upskilling and regional career pathways gained traction, helping to ensure the next generation is ready to carry the industry forward.
As we enter the summer months, it’s also worth remembering the communities that live alongside and support our mines. From local suppliers to First Nations partnerships and regional infrastructure investments, mining’s reach extends well beyond the pit. The sector’s contribution – economic, social and environmental – continues to underpin livelihoods across Australia.
Looking ahead, 2026 will no doubt bring challenges and opportunities. Commodity cycles will shift, policy settings will evolve, and markets will remain unpredictable. But if the past 12 months have proven anything, it’s that Australian mining thrives in dynamic conditions.
Personally, it marks a fresh calendar year and a new start for me on Mining, which has been led by many talented editors in the past. So as the sun beats down and the year draws to a close, take a moment to appreciate how far we've come, and how much potential lies ahead.
Luke Dodemaide Editor
Lowering your emissions with a ‘drop-in’ solution
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1. The ISCC is a voluntary scheme recognised by the European Commissions under the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (RED II) that assesses operators along the supply chain as to whether they meet the sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions savings criteria of the RED II. ISCC is also recognised by the United Kingdom under the renewable transport fuel obligations, under the Japanese Government biofuel mandate and under the Liquid Fuel Supply Regulation of Queensland. For more information see ISCC EU – ISCC System (iscc-system. org) 2. For more information on reductions in regulated emissions as a result through use of HVO see: Frontiers | Evaluation of a Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Effects on Emissions of a Passenger Car Diesel Engine (frontiersin.org) 3. See www.neste.com/sites/default/files/attachments/neste_renewable_diesel_handbook.pdf
Australia’s mining sector grew in significance throughout 2025, shaping the domestic economy and its position in global markets.
The past 12 months have served to underline mining’s central role in Australia’s economic and industrial landscape. Commodity prices remained robust, investment continued to flow, and the sector demonstrated an ability to respond quickly to shifting global demand.
Gold has remained a reliable anchor for the industry, while the rise of critical minerals such as lithium and rare earths has positioned Australia at the forefront of the clean energy transition. International partnerships, trade agreements and policy initiatives have reinforced the nation’s strategic role in global supply chains, providing certainty for investors and companies alike.
Technology and innovation have been equally pivotal. Mining operators have increasingly integrated automation, advanced processing and digital
solutions into their operations, enhancing efficiency, reducing environmental impact and creating safer workplaces.
At the same time, workforce development and regional engagement have ensured mining continues to deliver tangible benefits to communities, providing employment, training and economic growth in areas reliant on resource activity.
Across the Australian landscape, mining is asserting itself as a central force in the nation’s economic and industrial story in 2025. From the bustling iron ore ports of Western Australia to the lithium processing hubs in Queensland, the sector has found a combination of opportunity and resilience, thanks in no small part to rising gold prices, a surge in critical minerals, strategic policy shifts, and investment in technology and workforce development.
The year has been a golden one. The price for the previous metal surpassed the $US4000 per ounce mark for the first time, capping a year in which its price climbed more than 50 per cent. With United Bank of Switzerland (UBS) having forecast further growth by the end of the year, floating a figure as high as $US4200, the Australian market is uniquely placed to capitalise.
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) said gold will soon become Australia’s second most valuable resource export, behind only iron ore. The local spotlight on the commodity is not unprecedented, as gold has formed a key part of the Australian economy for close to 200 years.
This price surge and rising export volumes are forecast to push Australian gold earnings to $60 billion in 2025–26
Gold was one of Australia’s hottest commodities in 2025. Image: imagevixen/stock.adobe.com
and 2026–27, according to the Australian government’s Resources and Energy quarterly report.
Mining companies didn’t miss out on the shining opportunity, with major operators like Newmont stepping forward with ambitious development projects and innovation in extraction processes.
This follows a report from BDO Australia, released earlier this year, declaring that gold will continue its reign as one of Australia’s hottest commodities, with project investment projected to thrive.
“The high gold price has been a significant driver for the increased funding in the [resources] sector,” BDO global leader of natural resources and energy Sherif Andrawes said.
“Gold explorers have thrived, benefiting from the global deflationary fiscal policy and political uncertainty.”
As strong gold prices continued to dominate 2025, it’s no wonder that Australia’s gold-rich regions ended the year on a high.
While gold attracts attention for its immediate value, another revolution is occurring in the realm of critical minerals. Over the past year, Australia’s role in the global supply chain evolved from reliable supplier to strategic partner, as the world looked to secure the materials essential to clean energy and advanced manufacturing. October’s Australia–US critical minerals agreement stood out as the defining milestone. The partnership aims to strengthen cooperation, attract investment and build resilient supply chains across both nations by creating a $US8.5 billion critical minerals pipeline between the two nations.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the watershed deal was founded on the deep trust between the two strategic allies.
“There are no closer friends and allies than the United States of America and Australia,” Albanese said.
The news received an emphatic endorsement from the Australian mining industry.
“It’s … a clear vote of confidence in the capability and credibility of Australian companies and the broader resources sector to deliver the secure and responsible supply chains our allies need,” Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) chief executive officer Warren Pearce said.
The deal also reaffirmed Australia’s position as a trusted global leader in responsible resource development, becoming a supplier of choice for allies.
This commitment extended further onto the world stage, with Australia deepening collaboration with G7 economies to expand trade and strategic alignment in critical minerals.
The momentum from these agreements was reflected in the field. Rare earth exploration and innovation delivered strong results throughout the year. Victory Metals confirmed significant potential at its North Stanmore project and achieved a rare earth production breakthrough that highlighted Australia’s growing capability beyond extraction.
Lithium also played a central part in the critical minerals performance. China may hold greater total resources, yet Australia continues to lead global exports and strengthen production capacity. The commencement of the country’s first underground lithium mine – Kathleen Valley in Western Australia – was another sign of a sector willing to innovate and evolve with changing demand. These developments have elevated Australia’s critical minerals sector. Strategic partnerships with global allies, advances in rare earth technologies and new discoveries have strengthened its role in the energy transition and positioned the nation as a reliable source of highperformance materials for years to come.
Global trade shifts have also created new dynamics for Australian miners, with the US imposing 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum. Even in this complex environment, the sector has adapted, finding opportunities in rising commodity
agreements highlight Australia’s strategic position as a supplier of critical and high-quality minerals. Companies capable of delivering sustainably produced materials are being rewarded with longterm contracts and strengthened supply chains. This not only supports corporate profitability but also reinforces Australia’s standing as a reliable partner in modern global markets.
Election year debates also brought mining into sharper focus than usual. Industry leaders strongly emphasised the sector’s critical contribution to the overall national economy, highlighting its important role in technology development and regional growth right alongside export performance.
Policy clarity around critical minerals, taxation and infrastructure incentives has given companies the confidence to pursue investment and expansion. Fortescue Metals Group also welcomed a landmark tax incentive supporting renewable energy and mineral processing, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of mining, industrial policy, and the energy transition.
A dip in momentum last year hasn’t shaken confidence in Australia’s mining industry, with a new forecast projecting further growth and thousands of new jobs through to 2030. These positions span traditional extraction roles and emerging opportunities in technology, safety, environmental compliance, and mineral processing. For young professionals and regional workers,
the positive effects of mining growth. Expanded operations, infrastructure development, and value-chain projects contribute to sustained economic stability. Companies are prioritising workforce training, diversity initiatives, and inclusion, ensuring that opportunities are accessible and that the sector remains resilient in the face of evolving challenges.
Investment in the mining sector remains strong. BHP, Rio Tinto, and other operators have announced multi-milliondollar projects for iron ore, copper and port expansions. Queensland also launched a new campaign to attract significant investment through strategic infrastructure and policy measures.
The sector’s contribution to national productivity and gross domestic product (GDP) continues to grow. The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) estimates that mining delivered $59.4 billion in support of Australia’s economy in 2025, underpinning essential services, regional development, and broader industrial capability.
MCA chief executive officer Tania Constable said the sector’s contribution to government revenues has totalled an extraordinary $394.6 billion over the past decade, including $227.5 billion in company tax and $167.1 billion in royalties.
“This enduring contribution helps fund national priorities such as the NDIS, AUKUS, healthcare, and education,” Constable said.
“It highlights the importance of a strong, competitive mining industry to Australia’s long-term prosperity.”
Shared infrastructure projects, particularly in the Pilbara, are also poised to help mines reduce costs and improve efficiency according to a report published by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).
Coordinated transport and energy solutions aim to save up to $30 billion, illustrating how sector collaboration can enhance profitability and sustainability.
“The Pilbara is one of Australia’s economic powerhouses, and it now has a critical opportunity to lead the nation’s industrial decarbonisation,” CEFC chief executive officer Ian Learmonth said.
“This report confirms that smarter, shared infrastructure delivers both climate and economic wins,” Learmonth said.
“It is the kind of solution that strengthens Australia’s position as a future energy superpower.”
Innovation and the road ahead Leadership changes and operational innovations signal what lies ahead for the industry. At the end of this year, Newmont Corporation will welcome its first female CEO in the company’s 104 a milestone that reflects progress and renewed ambition.
Meanwhile, Rio Tinto has introduced a streamlined operating structure, and Fortescue and BHP have invested in projects that integrate resource extraction with sustainability initiatives.
These combined efforts are driving efficiency, technological advancement, and environmental stewardship, positioning Australia to meet global mineral demand while managing domestic growth responsibly.
This year has been a year of growth and opportunity for Australian mining. Gold continues to perform strongly, critical minerals are increasingly central to the global economy, trade negotiations are creating challenges and openings, and policy frameworks support investment and regional development. Workforce numbers and diversity are growing, and the sector has been contributing meaningfully to national prosperity.
The past 12 months have made it clear that mining is not only extracting resources; it is also fostering communities, supporting technological advancement, and ensuring Australia retains a strategic position in the global mineral economy.
As 2025 draws to a close, mining has demonstrated its ability to provide both economic stability and the building blocks for a sustainable future.
Achieving net-zero mining is about more than technology; it’s about building smarter systems that connect projects, people and data to accelerate decarbonisation across the value chain.
By Eric Croeser, Accenture ANZ managing director and mining and metals lead APAC region.
Mining sits at the heart of the net-zero transition in Australia.
The sector provides the critical minerals and metals underpinning everything from renewable energy infrastructure to the rapidly expanding network of data centres that support a surge in demand for artificial intelligence (AI).
We’re seeing these critical materials go beyond being vital to progress, increasingly becoming strategic assets tied to national security itself. At the same time, mining is facing unprecedented pressures: growing energy demand and the urgent need to decarbonise operations while achieving profitability.
Despite a growing range of technologies and solutions, most net-zero projects in mining are still delivered in isolation. Capital projects are often managed as standalone efforts, with little integration or knowledge transfer between them.
While this approach can provide shortterm results, it can be inefficient and lead to higher costs, project delays, and missed opportunities to scale successful solutions across the business.
The good news is that there is a more effective path forward. As shown by Accenture’s ‘Powered for Change’ report, mining and other heavy industries can accelerate decarbonisation and reduce costs by shifting to a multigenerational approach. This means moving from isolated projects to repeatable systems,
where each deployment builds on previous experience.
Technology companies have long benefited from standardised platforms that scale across different products and services. Mining can achieve similar gains by designing infrastructure and processes to evolve across multiple project cycles.
The lessons learned at one site can be captured and applied to the next, so each project is delivered faster and better than the one before it. But how can mining companies make this work in practice?
In mining, the construction of low-carbon infrastructure depends on reliable, scalable supply chains. Yet our research shows that up to 74 per cent of heavy industry executives expect supply chain volatility to disrupt large capital projects by 2028.
Long lead times and fragmented supplier networks threaten to stall decarbonisation efforts before they even begin.
This challenge is especially significant for projects that rely on rare earth elements. Fragmented supply networks and a lack of standardisation mean teams often have to start from scratch with each new deployment, leading to increased costs and slow progress.
According to our study, companies have limited visibility beyond their Tier 1 suppliers, with fewer than 20 per cent monitoring Tier 2 and 15 per cent
for Tier 3 suppliers. Without this visibility, companies restrict their ability to manage their Scope 3 emissions and anticipate supply disruptions.
Mining companies need to treat supply chains as strategic and longterm assets. Building diversified and resilient partnerships with suppliers and customers allows for standardisation of key components and less project variation.
A simple start would be to strengthen regional supply chains. Investing in and promoting local manufacturing hubs and industrial clusters not only helps increase supply predictability but reduces geopolitical risk and enhances cost competitiveness. Integrating resilience into supply chains transforms isolated initiatives into a scalable route to achieve net zero.
Even the most technically sound projects can fail due to a lack of stakeholder support. Mining companies operate in close proximity to communities, regulators and customers, meaning early engagement is not optional.
Permitting delays, regulatory hurdles, and local opposition can push back project timelines by years, eroding cost advantages and investor confidence.
In mining, community opposition has already delayed major greenfield projects, while permitting bottlenecks
Decarbonisation demands new skills and approaches to working. Image: Art_You/stock.adobe.com
continue to further slow the deployment of renewable-powered smelters.
Our research shows that 52 per cent of executives in heavy industry anticipate that lack of stakeholder engagement will negatively impact capital projects in the next five years. Misalignment between decarbonisation goals and local benefits, such as employment or environmental improvements, only amplifies these risks.
Mining companies can address this by making engagement a core part of project design. Early and open communication with community leaders and regulators helps build support and speed up project approvals. For example, collaborating with local governments on renewable energy initiatives can mitigate permitting delays and deliver clear economic and environmental benefits.
Aligning projects with local priorities creates momentum for faster adoption of low-carbon infrastructure.
As companies strengthen external partnerships, they must also look inward to ensure their people and systems are equipped to deliver on decarbonisation goals.
Decarbonisation involves more than just technical solutions; it demands new skills and approaches to working. Mining companies need to develop talent and build flexible decision-making structures to scale carbon-reduction solutions. AI is already driving change in industry,
supporting better decisions and predictive maintenance. However, gaps in talent and knowledge management continue to slow progress.
Companies need to ensure they retain skilled workers and share knowledge across projects, updating outdated processes as they move forward. These are all critical for continuous improvement.
In practice, this could involve developing talent roadmaps that anticipate skills gaps, ensuring a steady pipeline of expertise and integrating workforce development into broader sustainability initiatives.
The goal is to build a strong, data-driven talent pipeline that supports continuous learning. By integrating training into daily work, mining teams can quickly adopt new technologies, share insights between sites, and improve operational and environmental performance.
This approach makes workforce transformation a driver of efficiency and sustainability.
The final lever, and perhaps the most enabling, is a strong digital core. Many projects stall because of outdated or fragmented digital systems that fail to capture lessons learned. Without an integrated digital foundation, companies miss opportunities for ongoing improvement.
capture and apply lessons from one site to another, standardising workflows and improving productivity across capital projects.
Consider developing a centralised digital platform and deploying AI agents to consolidate real-time project data. A strong digital core captures institutional knowledge and creates compounding benefits that help make decarbonisation faster, smarter and more repeatable over time.
The benefits are clear. Projects are completed faster and at lower cost, and each iteration brings further improvements across the asset portfolio. For mining, this means fewer delays, lower emissions and a quicker path to operational and financial resilience.
Mining is central to Australia’s energy transition, technological advancement, and now, even national security. The coming decade will decide if it stays competitive. By focusing on four levers, leaders can implement net-zero strategies more quickly, cheaply and effectively. Companies embracing this will lead the low-carbon economy, turning sustainability from a regulation into a driver of efficiency and growth.
The importance of supporting mining through the Australian summer. The heat of summer can add stress across a mining operation. Image: Alen thien/shutterstock.com
With the Australian summer well and truly here, mining operations across the country face heightened challenges.
For service providers – from maintenance crews to logistics specialists, contractor workforces to emergency response teams – the season demands more than usual. High ambient temperatures, extreme weather events such as tropical storms or cyclones, and heavy rainfalls all conspire to increase pressure on the equipment, people and supply chains that keep mine sites running.
It is in these conditions that mining services play a critical role in ensuring productivity, resilience and above all safety.
When summer heats roll in, so do mechanical risks. Engines, hydraulic systems and electronics all run hotter, and the added stress of dust, humidity and high workload can accelerate breakdowns.
Equipment service companies report a surge in demand for preventive maintenance, cooling-system upgrades and emergency repairs as sites attempt to stay ahead of unscheduled downtime.
For mining operations, even a brief stoppage of a major crusher or mobile fleet in the peak season can cascade into significant setbacks. Maintenance providers step in not just reactively but with scheduled interventions: coolingsystem inspections, hydraulic-hose replacements, fan-upgrades and even
redesign of ventilation systems for enclosed plant areas.
A recent safety bulletin from Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) underlined the fact mines operate in environments where heat is a recognised hazard and requires controls such as work-rest regimes, shaded refuges and modified scheduling.
“With seasonal heat already being experienced across Queensland, persons with safety and health obligations are advised to review how workers’ exposure to heat is being managed to ensure risk of injury to any person resulting from operations is at an acceptable level,” the bulletin stated.
“If the body has to work too hard to keep cool or starts to overheat a worker begins to suffer from heat-related illness.”
During summer, maintenance services often coordinate closely with operations planning teams to re-schedule heavy tasks like major overhauls, shovel servicing or bulk conveyor renewal to cooler times of day or after predicted storms. That avoids disruption and also reduces risk to the workforce.
The people who keep mine sites operational are themselves exposed to the full force of summer. Fitters, drillers, electricians, plant operators and service crews face the same hazards: heat stress, fatigue, dehydration and more.
According to the NSW Government’s fact sheet, ‘Stay heat safe on mine sites’, heat becomes dangerous when wet-bulb temperatures exceed 27°C in underground or surface operations, and this risk intensifies during high physical exertion.
Mine sites don’t stop running in the heat, so operators and service providers must be prepared. Image: Kings Access/stock.adobe.com
Service providers therefore implement enhanced hydration and rest-policies, acclimatisation programs, rosters adjusted for temperature and even additional contractor crews brought in when rosters are disrupted by weather events such as flooding or cyclone warnings.
As one the RSHQ observed, “heat is a hazard” that must be managed actively. A well-managed service provider makes human-risk exposure an operational priority rather than an after-thought.
But summer is not just about heat; it’s about storms, heavy rainfall, flooding, cyclones and extreme conditions that disrupt roads, airstrips, rail lines and ports.
Mining services providers in logistics are acutely aware of the need for contingency planning: alternate routes, stockpiling of critical spares, ensuring service crews can still be transported, and coordinating with operators when access becomes limited. For example, flooded access roads may prevent service trucks from reaching the pit, or regional airstrips may close after heavy rain, forcing companies to bring in parts or personnel via charter at short notice. Similarly, port delays caused by storms or high winds demand close coordination between logistics providers and mine clients to reschedule shipments or re-routing materials.
The work of service providers is invisible until something goes wrong. But in summer, it is arguably their most important job.
As the thermometer rises, so too does the demand for emergency-response readiness. Bushfires, storm damage, heat illness and moisture-related hazards all place pressure on the safety and emergency ecosystem.
Service providers run specialised summer-readiness programs, providing additional training in heat-related illness prevention, fire-suppression readiness, tailored medical-response drills, and environmental-emergency contingencies for tailings or water breaches after heavy rainfall.
The providers often coordinate these programs in conjunction with mine operators to ensure first-responder capabilities, mobile medical units, refugezones, shade-structures, rapid transport plans and regular drills are in place. Their role is to convert worst-case-scenarios into rehearsed and managed responses rather than surprises.
Summer places specific demands on certain service disciplines. Dry, windy months increase dust generation on
haul roads and stockpiles, meaning dust-suppression contractors ramp up application of water sprays, misting systems or additives to maintain air quality and regulatory compliance.
Meanwhile, wet-season conditions raise the risk of runoff, erosion, tailingspond overflow and water-quality issues. Environmental-monitoring service
providers are able to step in, increasing sampling frequency, deploying flowmonitors, remote sensing and real-time water-quality detection. Rehabilitation contractors may accelerate works once heavy rainfall subsides to ensure sites are compliant under environmental licences.
The seasonal nature of the work requires companies to scale their
workforce, mobilise specialist equipment and respond rapidly when weatherwindows open.
Productivity, resilience and safety Mining has undoubtedly made major safety improvements in recent years. But even with those gains, mining remains one of the more hazardous industries in Australia.
What is emerging now is the recognition that summer service-support functions are strategic. When the heat is on, equipment breaks sooner, living conditions become more challenging, access becomes complicated, fatigue rises and disruptions cost far more than just downtime.
The service providers who maintain equipment, manage logistics, protect lives and assure compliance become missioncritical players in the mining lifecycle.
Summer-ready services help operators stay ahead of the calendar, the climate and the risks. By scheduling maintenance before the hottest months, by ensuring contractor teams are shaded, hydrated and protected, by routing logistics around weather-impacted infrastructure, by drilling emergency-response rehearsals and by deploying dust-suppression or watermonitoring systems proactively, mining becomes resilient rather than reactive.
The best mining services companies don’t wait for the heatwave, they plan for it. They partner with mine operations, share weather data models, co-develop crew-rosters aligned with seasonal peaks, invest in mobile cooling units, remote maintenance technology and even dronebased inspections that avoid sending crews into inhospitable conditions.
These partnerships help to deliver measurable benefits: fewer emergencies, lower unplanned downtime, better worker wellbeing and a smoother production curve through the summer.
Rather than playing a supporting role, service providers in the Australian mining industry are strategic allies in keeping operations going, people safe and production flowing even under extreme conditions. As the season of higher ambient temperatures and increasingly volatile weather rolls on, the companies that invest in summer-specific services will be those that maintain continuity, protect their people and hold the competitive edge.
When the mercury rises and the storms come, the machinery, workforce, supply chain and safety systems all rely on the service-ecosystem behind them.
At Australian Power Equipment (APE), we deliver more than high-voltage power solutions – we deliver peace of mind. From brand-new transformers to expertly refurbished equipment, we help industries stay switched on with smarter, faster, and more sustainable options.
Our circular economy model means we don’t just supply power – we give old equipment new life. By refurbishing quality assets from decommissioned sites, we minimise waste, reduce lead times, and keep urgent projects moving. It’s better for business and better for the planet.
But our commitment doesn’t stop there. We actively support wildlife conservation and rewilding efforts across Australia – because powering progress should never come at the cost of our environment.
With a nationwide network and a lean, responsive team, APE sources and delivers critical equipment when and where it’s needed most. Whether it’s mining, infrastructure, or renewables, our clients trust us to keep operations running and downtime to a minimum.
Backed by decades of experience and a clear vision for the future, we’re proud to be shaping a more sustainable tomorrow.
AGENTS FOR
CQUniversity recognises the crucial role the mining industry plays in the Australian economy.
With supply chain resilience an increasingly critical priority amid extreme weather, a timely new book maps the road to next-gen solutions.
Every Australian summer tests the limits of mining operations. From heatwaves and bushfires to flash floods and cyclones, the season shows potential vulnerabilities in even the best-planned supply chain systems. Disruptions such as halted logistics networks or damaged equipment don’t just delay operations, they threaten safety, productivity and profitability.
As climate change accelerates, these seasonal challenges are becoming more frequent and severe, demanding a new level of preparedness for organisations. A major component of that preparedness – and, ultimately, resilience – in the face of challenging weather is an organisation’s strategic use of digital transformation. More than just a tactic for driving efficiencies, this solution provides foresight, flexibility and the ability to adapt in real-time.
The strategic opportunities of digital technologies are central to the work of Dr Reza Akbari, Associate Professor of Management and head of CQUniversity’s Graduate Certificate in Strategic Supply
Chain Operations course. His work explores how digital tools and strategic frameworks can help industries like mining build supply chains that are not only efficient, but climate-ready.
“Supply chain resilience is no longer optional; it’s the foundation of performance,” Akbari said.
In his most recent book, The Road to Outsourcing 4.0: Next-Generation Supply Chain, Akbari offers a timely and insightful lens on how outsourcing has evolved through from a focus on cost-cutting to improving efficiency and quality, and fostering strategic partnerships and innovation.
In the book The Road to Outsourcing 4.0, Akbari explains that outsourcing has evolved significantly over time. It started with Outsourcing 1.0, which was focused almost purely on cost-cutting by moving tasks overseas.
That initial stage evolved into Outsourcing 2.0, in which the goal shifted to improving efficiency and quality by building stronger relationships with suppliers. Following that, Outsourcing 3.0
marked a move toward strategic partnerships, which allowed suppliers to play a much larger role in innovation and service delivery.
Finally, Akbari believes the industry is now entering Outsourcing 4.0, a new phase that aligns with the digital transformation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which revolves around flexibility and real-time coordination.
This shift reflects a broader move away from reactive, linear supply chains toward intelligent, connected systems that can anticipate risk and adapt quickly to change.
Bringing together the latest research in the field, as well as analysis of global trends and case studies, the book provides a useful update on best practices in supply chain operations.
For the mining sector, this means using predictive analytics, automation and data visibility to forecast disruptions and coordinate fast responses. It also means aligning logistics, procurement and sustainability strategies into one coherent system that protects people and productivity. It requires professionals who can think systemically and act strategically, leveraging digital tools such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, artificial intelligence (AI)-based demand planning and blockchain tracking.
And while books such as these are valuable for professionals who are
keen to understand not just what is changing, but why it is changing, and how to respond; the sheer breadth and depth of topics relevant to supply chain professionals means that a more formal, structured approach to learning is often useful for professionals looking to upskill.
As the academic lead for CQUniversity’s Graduate Certificate in Strategic Supply Chain Operations, Akbari continually brings his research insights, such as those from his book, into his teaching.
This helps to ensure people can apply theory and best-practice relevant to realworld scenarios as they explore advanced risk mitigation, scenario planning, sustainability frameworks and the design
of adaptive, data-driven supply networks.
Strategic Supply Chain Operations helps professionals navigate the evolving supply chain management landscape with clarity and confidence. Students are equipped with the tools to improve performance,
Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety
Time is fast running out for Western Australia’s statutory supervisors to complete the mandatory accreditation process and comply with the State’s work health and safety legislation.
There are dozens of educational materials on the WorkSafe WA website. There are hundreds of open spots at the Bunbury, Kalgoorlie and Perth examination venues. There are thousands of successful candidates who’ve passed the test—most of them at the first attempt.
Human nature means there’s likely to be a last-minute rush before the four-year transitional period ends on 30 March 2026. Don’t postpone until tomorrow what you can accomplish today.
Visit www.worksafe.wa.gov.au/mspp for more information about mines statutory positions, certificates and exam schedules.
professionals, with flexible study options (full time or part time).
The next intake commences Term 1, March 2026 with applications open now.
Emesent’s Hovermap LHD solution provides fast 3D visualisations of underground environments in zero-light conditions.
By giving underground operators 3D vision, Emesent is helping to solve a decades-old problem of “working blind”.
Toiling away in the darkness, a load-haul-dump (LHD) machine is among the most critical assets in an underground mine. These multi-million-dollar giants are essential for transporting ore and waste, yet they often operate with a severe handicap: their operators are functionally blind.
“Traditionally, operators have worked with severely limited visibility,” Emesent co-founder and chief strategy officer Dr Stefan Hrabar said, emphasising that operators often rely on a minimal field of view in unlit environments.
While remote control and automation have improved safety, these systems are often hindered by poor visual data. In these deep underground conditions, LHDs and their remote operators have commonly relied on 2D cameras, usually producing grainy, inadequate footage.
With out-of-sight hazards like loose rocks, overlays and unstable ground, the stakes are high.
A single LHD can cost $2–3 million and take years to replace. And should an LHD become damaged or incapacitated, the costs can throw an entire project into jeopardy – production downtime is estimated at $30,000 per hour.
While Emesent’s technology has been quickly embraced by mining companies for mapping hazardous stopes, Emesent has recently partnered with Mining Plus to drive development of an extension to the original solution: Hovermap, This led to the creation of Hovermap LHD, a
real-time spatial awareness solution that uses light detection and ranging (LiDAR) to generate a high-fidelity 3D point cloud with a range exceeding 300m.
“We provide comprehensive 360° visibility using point cloud visualisation, even in zero-light conditions,” Emesent’s co-founder and chief strategy officer Stefan Hrabar said. “This allows for fast risk assessment, enabling identification of loose rocks, geotechnical hazards and dangerous rill angles instantly so crews can respond.”
At the heart of the solution is an advanced, simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM)-based LiDAR scanner that captures survey-grade point clouds, whose strengths include its simplicity.
Mounted to the LHD’s cab or bucket using magnetic feet, the operator scans as the equipment moves. Data is automatically transferred via onboard Wi-Fi and the mine’s network. The remote operator then reviews a complete 3D point cloud of the stope on a dedicated tablet.
“Because it doesn’t require specialist training, scans can be performed by nonsurveyors at any time, 24–7,” Hrabar said. This “plug-and-play” operation shatters the old bottleneck.
"What used to take days to scan and assess can now be captured and visualised in just 10 to 20 minutes."
This process differs significantly from the age-old cavity monitoring system (CMS), which could be slow
and cumbersome, requiring specialist surveyors who are typically only available during the day, a dependency that can create critical delays.
The Byrnecut success story
Leading global underground mining contractor Byrnecut, partnered with Emesent and Mining Plus to test the solution, aiming to enhance safety and productivity with real-time 3D data.
The results were transformative. Byrnecut crews can now conduct near-real-time stope hazard and volume assessments around the clock.
The 3D scans instantly identify these hazards and others, like oversized material, allowing operators to avoid danger and prevent equipment damage. The enhanced safety protocols also reduce liability.
The financial impact was immediate. In a typical operation, an LHD getting stuck can mean one to two shifts of lost production. Hovermap LHD proved it could pay for itself within two or three hours of downtime prevention. This rapid return on investment (ROI), combined with increased stope turnover, led Byrnecut to expand its use, with
Hovermap LHD likely to be implemented in mines in Africa and the Americas.
“No drone. No CMS. Plug in, start, stop, and you have survey-grade scans,” a Byrnecut spokesperson said. “Anyone can do it.”
Hovermap LHD delivers value across the entire mining operation. Engineers gain access to faster survey-grade data, freeing up the survey team. The system is also highly versatile, easily mounted on a backpack, a drone, or a vehicle, or lowered into shafts in a cage.
This flexibility includes autonomous mapping which removes direct human presence from hazardous areas, expanding its applications throughout the mine.
Mine managers see major safety gains from remote hazard assessment, while the reduction in equipment downtime and faster production turnover creates a strong financial case.
The system is designed to prevent the costly loss of multi-million-dollar LHDs, thereby extending equipment life and optimising energy use.
Emesent’s Hovermap solution is seeing broad adoption well beyond the Byrnecut success. It’s now deployed in over 40 countries, with growing interest in mining and construction.
“At Emesent, we’re pushing the boundaries of automated data collection and analysis in underground environments,” Hrabar said. “I’m proud to be part of this amazing team.”
The mining industry is poised for unprecedented change over the next decade, and PwC sector experts suggest Australia is in a prime position to capitalise.
For the world’s top miners, recent financial reporting told a familiar, if somewhat fragmented, story.
According to PwC’s ‘Value in Motion: Mining’ report, the global energy transition is vulnerable to being dominated by a small number of markets.
This dynamic was also recently reflected in the performance of commodities. While gold was the soaring success story, other critical commodities had a tougher time. One notable decline was the drop in lithium-related transactions, as well as a (M&As) lack of mergers and acquisitions, which made the broader business landscape less vibrant.
Key data points revealed that the Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for 76 per cent of global cobalt, while China holds 92 per cent of all rare earth element processing. The PwC report said this poses a problem that can be summed up in two words: “concentration risk”.
The current hegemony is perceived as a security concern, as evidenced by the record copper price spikes in 2025 and China’s targeted export restrictions on rare earth elements. To counter that,
the Western world is in need of a secure, stable, and reliable alternative.
“Geopolitics and government policy are reshaping where we operate and into which markets we sell,” PwC Australia energy, utilities and resources industry leader Kerryl Bradshaw told Mining
Positively, this has positioned Australia as a critical partner, underscored by high-level talks from the White House to the G7 Summit, presenting a generational opportunity.
PwC’s analysis points out that Australia holds 16 per cent of global cobalt reserves but accounted for just one per cent of global production in 2024. This statistic highlights a gap between potential and output.
According to Bradshaw, however, the solution is already emerging.
It lies in “mid-tier firms collaborating to grow supply, establishing partnerships with global customers, and making joint investments”.
This restructuring is expected to yield broader value pools.
“We’re witnessing a structural reconfiguration of the global industrial system,” Bradshaw said. “The mining and quarrying sector will expand from $3.28 trillion in 2023 to $4.23 trillion by 2035.”
This growth is driven by a fundamental shift, which PwC describes as industries transforming “from vertical chains into domains centred on fundamental human needs”.
Bradshaw said this new reality demands a significant change in mindset.
“The future belongs to miners who think beyond traditional commodity sales and position themselves as problemsolvers across the full value chain, from raw materials for manufacturing and infrastructure to the energy transition,”
Bradshaw said. “Those who embrace this integrated approach will capture the extraordinary value pools opening up this decade.”
Vast opportunities will present themselves for Australian miners in the coming years. Image: Parilov/shutterstock.com
This new role requires miners to integrate more deeply with partners, ranging from chemical and industrial manufacturers to tech companies.
This shift to becoming a ‘problemsolver’ does not necessarily come naturally to the historically risk-averse mining industry.
The data shows that over the past five years only 28 per cent of global mining CEOs have competed in new sectors. That figure is 10 percentage points lower than their peers in other global industries, highlighting that mining can traditionally be more insular.
However, some Australian miners are already providing a blueprint by embracing technology and collaboration.
“Leading miners are investing in automation and investigating how AI [artificial intelligence] will redefine extraction, safety and efficiency,” Bradshaw said. “BHP’s partnership with Microsoft to harness AI for copper grade recovery at Escondida [Chile] shows the pathway.”
Bradshaw also pointed out that Fortescue is pursuing a green energy joint venture with OCP in Morocco, and that Lynas is investing in rare earths processing in Kalgoorlie to connect with Southeast Asian supply chains.
But this kind of collaboration must extend beyond just joint ventures. Bradshaw said the winning model involves “supporting downstream R&D [research and development] like platinum group metal producers backing hydrogen initiatives”, as well as “partnering with the tech sector and universities to attract digital natives”.
“This approach also means working with host communities on mutually beneficial infrastructure, embedding the industry’s success within the community,” Bradshaw said.
“Due to mining’s capital-intensive, longlifecycle nature, large-scale technology changes should be implemented at new mines first, then adopted at existing operations where economics justify it.”
This disciplined approach, Bradshaw said, is the only way to strike a balance between the urgent need for innovation and the practical realities of long-term investment cycles.
Sustainability is another key pillar of this industry transformation.
“Miners are contributing toward Australia’s 2050 net-zero commitment by investing in clean energy and infrastructure to decarbonise production,” Bradshaw said.
She said this also involves “exploring roles in iron air batteries and green iron and steel”, which is an approach that “positions Australian minerals as sustainably and ethically sourced with a strong safety record”.
This strategic pivot is also reflected in how companies manage their portfolios.
“Strategic M&A is also reshaping the sector,” Bradshaw said. “Major enterprises are evolving from core operations into commodities of the future, like iron ore majors diversifying into emerging growth minerals and lower-carbon energy.
“Meanwhile, pioneering mid-tier firms are moving beyond pure plays to pursue critical minerals exploration where supply opportunities are abundant.”
The Asia-Pacific region, with its rapid urbanisation, is at the centre of global growth. PwC’s analysis suggests Australian companies should deepen relationships in emerging markets, such as India, Vietnam and Thailand.
Capitalising on this potential, however, requires navigating complex regional dynamics.
“Australian mining leaders must contribute to collaborative government regulation and deepen regional economic ties,” Bradshaw said.
Ultimately, Bradshaw believes the route to success in this new landscape requires a complete change in perspective.
“The pathway is clear: broader horizons, fostered collaboration, and prioritised innovation,” she said.
Bradshaw urged Australian miners to integrate with diverse sectors and align with national critical mineral strategies
to “redefine their role in the global economic landscape”.
The scale of this specific regional opportunity is vast. PwC’s research breaks down the gross value added (GVA), which is the total market value miners can capture, into specific growth areas for the Asia-Pacific region.
For example, the ‘make domain’, which involves supplying minerals for manufacturing, electronics and industrial production, represents a $US555 billion opportunity today and is set to climb to $US773 billion by 2035.
Similarly, the ‘fuel and power domain’, which supplies minerals for batteries, renewable energy and traditional power generation, is forecast to grow from $US407 billion to $US567 billion. Finally, the ‘build domain’, which covers minerals for construction and public infrastructure, is expected to expand from $US24 billion to $US33 billion in the same timeframe.
To seize this potential, Australia’s miners must act decisively.
“The future belongs to miners who think beyond commodity sales and become problem-solvers across the full value chain,” Bradshaw said.
“Australian companies must act now: collaborate strategically, integrate AI and automation, and position our sustainably sourced critical minerals as the foundation for global decarbonisation.
“The opportunity is extraordinary, but the window to lead is closing.”
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How Tyrecycle is helping the mining industry clean up one of its most persistent waste streams.
a wide variety of industries.
Tyrecycle, as its name might suggest, has long been dealing with end-of-life tyre recycling, but the company’s latest move into conveyor belt recycling marks a significant new chapter, particularly for Australia’s mining sector.
According to Tyrecycle chief executive officer (CEO) Jim Fairweather, the decision to expand into this space was driven by a clear gap in the market.
“We looked at unmet needs in the market,” Fairweather said. “We saw this as a problem for the mining sector, one that hadn’t been solved.”
On top of its existing work with off-the-road mining tyres, Tyrecycle is now partnering with Fenner Conveyors to tackle one of the most intractable rubber waste streams in mining: conveyor belts. The collaboration leverages each company's strengths and signals a longterm commitment to support sustainable outcomes in mining.
“We’re looking at both conveyor belts and OTR mining tyres at the same time,” Fairweather said, referencing Australia’s Port Hedland facility and the company’s partnership with Fenner Conveyors. “The mining industry has been crying out for solutions for both.”
rubber into new conveyor belts, we are starting with use in road surfacing, which helps ensure an open-loop recycling pathway that still delivers strong, measurable sustainability outcomes.
The environmental importance of this initiative can’t be overstated. Historically, end-of-life conveyor belts have been stockpiled in vast quantities on mine sites or left to accumulate.
“That doesn’t do the market or mining companies any good,” Fairweather said. “It doesn’t promote trust with the public around recycling and how mining companies are handling their waste.”
remains optimistic.
“Some mining companies have been far more progressive than others,” he said. “We applaud them for that and hope the rest will follow.”
With hundreds of thousands of tonnes of mining tyres and conveyor belts reaching end-of-life each year, rivalling the volume of passenger, truck and bus tyres, the scale of the problem is enormous. But Fairweather believes Tyrecycle is well-positioned to lead the charge.
To address the challenge at scale, Tyrecycle has developed a process that handles end-of-life conveyor belts sustainably and efficiently at its East Rockingham and Port Hedland sites in WA. The first step involves pre-processing the belts based on which location delivers the most carbon and costefficient result for the customer.
“Once they’re processed, we can shred them effectively at any of our nine national locations, reducing them to a more consumable size,” Fairweather said.
The shredded material then either becomes crumbed rubber for roads or is converted into micronised rubber,
By offering a solution that provides full chain of custody and tangible recycling outcomes, Tyrecycle aims to be a reliable partner for mining operators seeking to do the right thing.
“It’s imperative that we do our job,” Fairweather said. “Mining companies deserve a reputable, reliable supplier that can handle this material responsibly, socially, environmentally, and economically.”
They’ve been asking for a solution, and we’ve given them one.”
Initial feedback has been positive, with many mining companies now assessing how to incorporate the service into their
The expansion into conveyor belts complements Tyrecycle’s core mission and builds on its position in the tyre recycling sector. The company already operates as the largest tyre recycler in the Southern Hemisphere.
“We see ourselves as a one-stop shop for customers,” Fairweather said. “We take our role as a market leader, and therefore an innovator, really seriously.”
While recovery rates for passenger and truck tyres sit at 98 per cent, the collection rate for OTR tyres remains at just 10 per cent, and only one per cent of mining tyres are currently recycled. Conveyor belts face similar challenges, making them a high-priority area for intervention.
“This is the environmental issue that still faces waste rubber in Australia,” Fairweather said.
“With us and Fenner, you’ve got two industry leaders with complementary expertise,” Fairweather said. “We’re not coming into this fresh; we’re established, reputable businesses.”
As the partnership evolves, the goal is not just to reduce environmental harm but to also build trust, improve site safety, and provide genuine circular economy outcomes for Australian mining.
“We’re looking forward to working with mining companies in a collaborative and high-functioning way,” Fairweather said. “This is just the beginning.”
Energy powerhouse Viva Energy has unveiled a fuel-efficient new logistics route in WA that dramatically reduces long-haul travel time and lowers the environmental impact.
The new facility enables the direct shipping of lubricants from Singapore to Dampier, a port located near Karratha.
Viva Energy has unveiled a new lubricants facility in Western Australia’s Pilbara region designed to streamline the transportation of lubricant products, improve efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and underpin timely and reliable deliveries.
Viva Energy is the licensed Shell lubricants macro distributor in Australia, and the more than $25 million plant at Karratha demonstrates its commitment to providing customers with a trusted supply of quality products to support its operations, which include some of Australia’s most remote mines and offshore facilities.
The initiative results in more than 2.4 million litres of on-site lubricant storage capacity, while an additional purposebuilt grease facility has been tailored to support the needs of local industry.
The opening of the facility represents Viva Energy’s significant commitment to the Pilbara economy.
The transportation of lubricants to the Pilbara has traditionally involved a complex, 6500km journey, beginning with a voyage by ship from Singapore to Fremantle and concluding with a 1500km trek by truck to Karratha.
With the new facility, products will be
delivered directly from Singapore to the Port of Dampier, just 19 minutes by road from Karratha. This cuts the sea journey by more than 1000km and bypasses the road travel from Fremantle. On road freight alone, that is a reduction of more
than 450,000km travelled every year.
Viva Energy general manager of resources and lubricants Karry Watson said by shortening the supply chain and reducing the kilometres travelled, the company is implementing a much more efficient supply chain for customers.
“As an added bonus, Viva Energy is also reducing associated transport emissions by cutting the distance travelled by around 30 per cent,” Watson said.
“This initiative contributes to lowering the environmental impact of our logistics operations and supports the company’s commitment to operational efficiency. It also reflects sustainability priorities shared by Viva Energy and many of our regional customers.”
Shell SEA macro distributor lubricants general manager Steve Quila said the new terminal reflects Viva Energy’s commitment to strengthening the Shell lubricants brand in this critical mining region.
“Having a dedicated lubricants facility enables direct shipping from Shell’s regional lubricant blend plants to the Pilbara mining region, streamlining logistics by offering reduced transit times, enhanced supply certainty and the ability to rapidly respond to customer demand,” Quila said.
Supply Capabilities
Karratha Lubricants Facility
Commissioning September 2025 Viva Energy
Supply Chain Improvement
2.4 ML Lubricants storage capacity
Dedicated grease facility
Reduction in road freight exposure of over 450,000km per year
Decarbonisation
~30% reduction in road freight
Increased shipping route efficiencies into Dampier
What it means for customers
Improved delivery speed in key regions
Logistics based savings Stronger, more resilient supply chain
“This initiative contributes to lowering the environmental impact of our logistics operations and supports the company’s commitment to operational efficiency. It also reflects sustainability priorities shared by Viva Energy and many of our regional customers.”
With a historic bilateral deal unlocking billions in investment and fresh exploration across the nation, Australia is strengthening its role as a trusted partner in powering the world’s clean energy and defence industries.
With a historic agreement signed with the US and growing investment in exploration and processing, Australia is positioning itself as a cornerstone of the global supply chain for the minerals powering modern technology and clean energy.
The landmark critical minerals agreement between Australia and the US marks one of the most significant collaborations in the history of the two nations’ alliance.
Signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump and, the deal will see a joint investment of US$2 billion over coming months, shared equally between both countries.
The total package will support an US$8.5 billion pipeline of critical minerals projects across both economies.
Under the framework, projects such as Alcoa and Sojitz’s gallium recovery project in Western Australia and Arafura’s Nolans rare earths project in the Northern Territory will be among the first to benefit.
Together, these operations are expected to contribute a meaningful share of the world’s gallium and rare earth supply, bolstering energy transition industries and advanced manufacturing.
Albanese said the agreement represents “a significant new chapter” in the long-standing partnership between the two allies.
“Cooperation on critical minerals and rare earth supply chains is testament to the trusted partnership between Australia and the United States as strategic defence allies,” he said.
“Australia is home to much of the periodic table of critical minerals and rare earth metals that are vital for defence and other advanced technologies.”
The partnership underlines a shared goal of strengthening the resilience of supply chains for minerals that underpin everything from batteries and wind turbines to semiconductors and satellites.
The agreement was met with strong support from across the mining sector, with key industry bodies widely acknowledging Australia’s role as a trusted global supplier.
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) said the deal will unlock Australia’s vast critical minerals resources and reinforce its position as a reliable partner for the world’s major economies.
“Australia’s rich geology, strong mining and processing capabilities, and reputation for reliability and transparency make it a trusted partner in global supply chains,” MCA chief executive Tania Constable said.
“We are well positioned to meet the growing needs of our long-standing partners in Asia, the US and Europe.”
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) also praised the agreement as a “landmark step forward”.
“This new bilateral commitment opens a pathway to greater collaboration on the exploration, development, and processing of Australia’s critical minerals and rare earths,” AMEC chief executive officer (CEO) Warren Pearce said.
“It reflects a shared recognition of the vital role these materials play in powering clean energy technologies, day-to-day devices, and essential defence capabilities.”
South Australia is among the states set to benefit directly. The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) has welcomed the inclusion of Nyrstar’s Port Pirie operations as part of the project pipeline under the new framework.
In mining, many safety protocols are well established and rigidly enforced. Components that fall under this critical scope include helmets, hi-vis jackets, and steel-capped boots – all of which are visible markers of a protectionfirst culture.
Yet beneath these more common safety concerns lies an equally critical, but often overlooked, risk factor: the seat cover inside the vehicle cab. It’s a detail that might be seen as minor, but it’s one that has direct consequences for operator safety, particularly when airbags come into play.
When they’re most needed, airbags deploy in milliseconds, with their life-saving potential hinging on seamless operation. Any interference – from seams sewn incorrectly to the wrong type of thread or fabric – can delay or prevent deployment.
Specifically designed for vehicles equipped with airbags, each cover incorporates seams engineered to yield without a hitch when the airbags inflate. These seams are crafted with specialised machines, with the thread developed to avoid resistance during airbag deployment.
translate from blueprint to final product.
“This layered quality control ensures that what is engineered to be compliant is also consistently manufactured to that standard,” Virgin said.
More than a simple aesthetic attribute, Black Duck’s seat covers are subjected to rigorous independent testing aligned with Australian Design Rules (ADR).
“[This gives] fleets peace of mind that critical safety systems will function exactly as intended,” the company’s business development manager Victor Virgin told Mining
But, according to Virgin, certification is just the starting point.
Black Duck integrates quality control at every stage of production. Experienced supervisors scrutinise each cover at every
The seat cover’s role extends beyond airbag compatibility. Mining operators endure long shifts under harsh conditions rife with heat, dust and vibration – all of which can put a strain on concentration and posture. By preserving the original ergonomic shape of the seat, Black Duck’s covers help reduce fatigue, supporting operators through demanding hours behind the wheel.
Constructed from military-grade canvas, these covers are as durable as they are effective. They are designed to shield interiors from dirt, spills and UV exposure, with the result being extended seat life and reduced maintenance downtime, a crucial consideration for fleet managers balancing operational efficiency with duty-of-care obligations.
Expanding on the capabilities of the seat covers, Virgin said the core belief that safety in mining is not just about what’s worn outside the cab is stitched into their seams.
“In mining, safety doesn’t end with PPE [personal protective equipment]; it extends into every cab, every shift and every airbag,” he said.
“By choosing airbag-compliant, Australian-made seat covers, fleets can be certain their operators are protected and their vehicles perform as intended, no matter how tough the conditions.”
From decarbonisation to digital transformation, WA Mining 2025 revealed a sector moving from discussion to delivery, as delegates examined practical solutions for the challenges shaping modern mining.
The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre buzzed with energy in October as Western Australia’s mining industry gathered for WA Mining 2025. The event brought together more than 5500 delegates over the two-day program, an indicator of the deep engagement and evolving ambitions of the state’s resources sector.
From the moment the doors opened on October 8, it was clear this was more than another trade show. The exhibition floor was sold-out well in advance,
signalling the appetite for connection, innovation and new pathways for miners, as well as mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies and their supply chains. More than 150 companies took part in the exhibitor line-up, demonstrating technologies that are already being deployed in real world mining settings.
The conference’s opening underscored the scale and strategic importance of WA’s mining sector. State Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael opened proceedings by reminding the audience that WA’s resources industry posted sales of $223 billion last year, a figure that sets the scene for what many called a “lead moment” for the state.
Michael described mining not simply as a pillar of the economy, but as “a platform for innovation, a driver of development and a force for global change, especially in this era of decarbonisation and energy transition”.
That comment was more than rhetoric: it aligned with the many sessions and exhibits that followed, which showcased how mining operations, equipment vendors and service providers are adapting for a new era.
Other keynote contributions reinforced the message that industry must evolve beyond business-as-usual.
Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration deputy director general, resource and environmental regulation
Andrew Chaplyn stressed the importance of diversifying the industry, respecting cultures and working through negotiation and process more consciously.
“It’s very important that when we are doing those negotiations and discussions, that we respectfully understand cultures and how we work through those processes,” Chaplyn said.
One of the standout features of WA Mining 2025 was how concrete many of the conversations were. On the exhibition floor, the exhibiting companies were showing technologies tackling real-world mining challenges now.
In fact, the descriptions of the conference highlighted “scalable solutions” and how the “decarbonisation efforts are reshaping” mining operations.
The sessions didn’t shy away from operational detail. Topics such as material handling, sustainable mining policy, site safety, regulatory compliance, workforce development strategies and digital tools for maximising asset performance featured prominently.
For many delegates, it was not just about listening but about seeing. Live demonstrations and hands-on visits to tech showcases gave attendees a chance to evaluate equipment, ask detailed questions, and compare supplier offerings sideby-side The conference session from Fortescue Metals Group referencing its commitment to accelerate decarbonisation globally was among the most popular presentations.
WA Mining 2025: Key take-aways
Collaboration drives progress
WA Mining 2025 reinforced that the industry’s future depends on collaboration across operators, suppliers, and government. From approvals reform to joint research initiatives, the sector’s next phase of growth will be achieved through partnerships rather than competition.
Technology is moving from pilot to production
Battery-electric fleets, digital control systems, and advanced energy management tools featured prominently throughout the event. Many projects once considered experimental are now operating in active mines, demonstrating that decarbonisation and digitalisation are well underway.
Policy and sustainability are converging
Sessions led by WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael and other regulators underscored a shift toward integrated policy frameworks. Environmental responsibility, cultural engagement, and social inclusion are now treated as strategic enablers.
The METS sector is stepping up
More than 150 exhibitors showcased solutions that directly address operational challenges, from material handling and safety systems to electrification and AI-based asset management. The event confirmed WA’s METS community as a vital source of innovation and technical capability.
Mining remains a national cornerstone
With $223 billion in sales last year and record exploration spending, WA continues to anchor Australia’s resources economy. WA Mining 2025 highlighted how the state’s leadership in technology, sustainability and production is shaping the global mining narrative.
Meanwhile the expo floor featured not only major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) but also smaller, agile companies and service providers offering niche solutions tailored to WA’s remote and rugged mining environments.
There was a strong sense throughout WA Mining 2025 that the state is not only a site of production but a supply-chain hub. The converging interests of miners, METS companies, service providers and technology innovators created a crosspollination of ideas and opportunities. The concept of “leading the future” of mining in WA wasn’t used lightly.
Looking across the exhibitor list, largescale representation from companies addressing everything from dewatering to electrification signalled that the regional and operational challenges of WA are driving innovation.
In an era where mines are not simply extracting but integrating energy systems, digital controls and remote-asset management, WA’s geography and skills base has become an asset. Delegates used the event as a platform to assess how to apply new technologies, partner with local METS companies and mitigate risk for remote site operations.
Beyond the exhibition floor, the conference program reinforced the value of putting practice alongside policy. The economic outlook presentation by Chamber of Mines and Energy WA’s Anita Logiudice highlighted market trends and recent regulatory developments.
The discussion on mental health and peer-support through the ‘Resourceful
Mind’ program (a collaboration between Lifeline WA and CMEWA) added another dimension, reminding attendees that human-factors remain central to high performance in mining workplaces.
Speakers and panels highlighted that achieving operational gains, emissions reduction and digital transformation cannot happen in isolation: they require coordination, cultural awareness, regulatory alignment and workforce readiness. That holistic framing was a highlight of the event’s conference track and underscores why the industry has used this forum to benchmark its readiness.
When Prime Creative Media show director – mining events Rebecca Todesco reflected on the two days, she described the event as having “exceeded all expectations”.
The high delegate numbers, sold-out exhibitor spaces and strong session attendance were tangible outcomes. But, more importantly, the tone across sessions and interactions suggested that WA’s mining sector is actively engaging with technological change, regulatory shifts and supply-chain evolution.
That engagement shows itself in several ways: companies leveraging the event for sourcing new capabilities and forming partnerships; suppliers gaining insight into mining companies’ evolving priorities; policymakers observing the ground-level needs of operators; and the broader
ecosystem recognising WA’s status as a commercial and innovation node.
For the state’s mining industry, WA Mining 2025 will likely be remembered as a bellwether event.
Firstly, the scale of engagement underlines that the stakeholder ecosystem – from miners to METS companies to regulators – is showing up in force.
Secondly, the spotlight on tangible technology rollout, rather than just concept or exploration, suggests the industry is increasingly moving from experimentation into mainstream execution.
Thirdly, the presence of government, regulators and industry bodies throughout the event signals a convergence of priorities.
Mining companies want to optimise assets, reduce emissions, ensure sustainability and be globally competitive, while regulators and governments want to ensure responsible development, inclusive engagement and long-term value-creation.
WA Mining 2025 provided a platform for alignment, momentum and action.
The mining and resources sector in the state is dealing with the complexity of issues like remote infrastructure, decarbonisation imperatives, digital transformation, supply-chain constraints, workforce change and regulatory evolution. Yet the industry is shifting
from defining those challenges to addressing them.
The conversations were rich, the relationships active and the technology
real. As attendees return to mines, offices, and sites around the state – and beyond – they carry with them not just ambition, but concrete readiness to act.
Australian miners are embracing artificial intelligence faster than their global peers, using digital tools to boost productivity, safety and sustainability amid rising operational pressures.
Anew EY report reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is a top priority for investment in the mining sector, with one in five executives planning to increase AI spending by more than 20 per cent in the next year.
The ambition behind this growing adoption is clear: to lift productivity, enhance safety and improve cost efficiency.
The latest EY ‘Top 10 Business Risks and Opportunities’ survey shows Australian miners leading the AI charge, with 55 per cent of local executives planning to increase AI investment over the next 12 months, four percentage points above the global average.
“As miners move up the AI maturity curve, they should remain focused on making sure the technology allows the right people to work together, and that it is used responsibly to boost productivity, safety and sustainability,” EY global mining and metals leader Paul Mitchell said.
The benefits of AI and digital transformation have so far been most evident in core operations. However, the EY report notes that the greater potential lies in developing an end-to-end approach based on unified data and AI foundations. Successful digital initiatives must align with company strategy, be supported by strong governance, and be built on clear, interconnected technology systems.
“AI isn’t something you just set up and forget about in mining,” Mitchell said. “The companies that will get ahead are those that align digital initiatives, invest in good people, and build strong foundations for new ideas.
“It’s about building a workplace where technology helps people do their jobs better and brings real results across the business.”
“The companies that will get ahead are those that align digital initiatives, invest in good people, and build strong foundations for new ideas.”
EY’s top 10 business risks and opportunities
1. Operational complexity
2. Rising costs and productivity
3. Capital
4. Resources/reserves
5. License to operate
6. Workforce
7. Geopolitics
8. Digital and innovation
9. Sustainability
10. Changing business models
EY’s Paul Mitchell believes companies should focus on ensuring technology allows the right people to work together.
Elsewhere in the survey, it was revealed that Australian miners were also markedly more confident than their global counterparts in achieving their net-zero goals, with 55 per cent “very or extremely confident” in meeting targets, compared to 44 per cent globally.
Australia is one of several markets where Indigenous workers remain a largely untapped talent pool. The report suggests that roles in areas such as sustainability, where values align, could improve mining’s appeal to Indigenous talent.
With more than 100 new projects set to launch in the next five years, a 10 per cent rise in Australia’s mining workforce is anticipated.
The EY report reveals that “operational complexity” has emerged as the number one business risk for miners in 2026, as companies shift their focus from longterm strategic concerns to short-term operational pressures.
Polling 500 senior mining executives worldwide, including 60 from Australia, the report shows a pivot from external challenges to immediate factors affecting productivity and cost. Capital, which topped last year’s list, now ranks third, while rising costs and productivity concerns sit in second place.
Mitchell said the risk of operational complexity stems not only from economic uncertainty but from the sector’s recognition that “it must disrupt traditional ways of operating to win”. Reliance on conventional mining methods remains a barrier, prompting miners to rethink site design and explore alternative approaches such as in-pit crushing, ore pre-treatment, and smallerscale equipment.
“As mines age or are replaced, complexity will inevitably increase,” Mitchell said.
“But miners that use this moment as an opportunity to accelerate innovation, including through the utilisation of digital and AI, will position themselves for growth when certainty returns.”
With greater emphasis on short-term performance, predictable output is vital for maintaining shareholder confidence and securing capital.
“With big-ticket mergers and acquisitions proving difficult, miners are instead focused on getting the most out of existing assets, enhancing productivity, capital discipline and technology adoption to meet demand and take advantage of higher commodity prices,” Mitchell said.
The industry is also exploring joint ventures and alternative financing models, including royalties, streaming, sustainable finance, and government incentives.
While miners work through internal pressures, ‘license to operate’ (LTO) remains a critical priority, ranking fifth on the 2026 EY list. The report notes this focus is intensifying amid higher expectations from communities, investors and governments.
“In some markets, ESG [environmental, social and governance] issues have slipped down the agenda, but miners cannot let this compromise their commitment to LTO, particularly their relationships with local communities,” Mitchell said. “LTO is not a siloed issue but one that shapes everything, from regulatory approvals to workforce to capital and growth.”
Amid sector-wide operational pressures, Australia’s miners are proving that innovation, not inertia, will define the industry’s future. By pairing responsible AI adoption with a continued commitment to community trust and sustainability, they are positioning themselves to turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s opportunities.
As the digital wave continues to wash over mining operations, Bürkert is stepping up as a key partner to help companies sail through successfully.
Australia’s mining sector is at a critical juncture. The race for critical minerals is accelerating, but so too are the pressures of decarbonisation, water scarcity, and evertightening environmental regulations.
Mines are located in remote, harsh environments, where skilled labour is scarce and operational downtime is costly. In addition, mining companies today must do more than extract resources efficiently. They must also demonstrate environmental stewardship, ensure safety, and deliver transparency to regulators, investors, and local communities.
This shift is driving widespread adoption of automation and digital technologies, enabling mines to optimise processes, predict failures, and control operations remotely.
An essential partner
Bürkert has worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Australia’s leading mining companies for decades, developing solutions that enable mines to thrive. The company’s deep understanding of mining’s unique pressures means it designs intelligent valve, sensor, and automation solutions that deliver measurable outcomes where they matter most.
Its robust range of smart valves, sensors, and automation systems is purpose-built for the abrasive, high-dust, and remote conditions typical of Australian mines.
Its technology delivers outcomes through a range of factors including its flow, pressure, and level sensors that provide real-time data for water, slurry, and chemical dosing systems, integrating with SCADA and IoT platforms.
Bürkert also provides digital, networked, pneumatic valve banks and process automation systems that enable remote monitoring and control, reducing the need for on-site intervention and improving safety, especially in hazardous or hard-to-access areas.
Its digital control units with built-in diagnostics empower operators to anticipate maintenance needs, preventing costly failures and unplanned downtime.
In addition, the company’s pneumatic valve positioners are bleed-free, consuming zero air in hold position, directly contributing to reduced site energy costs and Scope 1 emissions. Where an air supply is unavailable, its EVA Series Electric Control Valves offers high-precision, energy-efficient actuation with no pneumatics required.
As digitalisation and decarbonisation reshape the mining landscape, the industry’s leaders will be those who turn data into action, safely, reliably,and sustainably.
Bürkert is ready to partner with Australia’s miners on this journey, offering not just products, but proven expertise and innovative solutions tailored to their most pressing challenges.
For those companies who are ready to unlock the full potential of digital transformation in their entire mining operation, Bürkert has one important message: “Let’s shape the future of mining, together.”
Most modern software assumes perfect, constant connectivity, a luxury that doesn’t exist in an open pit mine. Instead, ARKANCE takes an offline-first approach.
The true business of mining doesn’t happen in boardrooms. It happens in open pits, on remote haul roads, and in underground drives where Wi-Fi is often a distant luxury. In this frequently disconnected environment, critical data gets stranded on paper, creating a frustrating information gap between field operations and head office decision-makers.
While other industries adopted cloudbased software and constant connectivity over the last quarter-century, mining’s realities present different challenges.
This is something Groupe Monnoyeur, a 115-year-old company with extensive experience in construction, energy, and manufacturing, witnessed firsthand through its work in demanding industrial sectors. Leveraging its industry understanding, Monnoyeur’s software subsidiary, ARKANCE, believes the solution lies in acknowledging mining’s specific constraints, not forcing generic tech solutions.
“Being part of Monnoyeur gives us a unique vantage point,” ARKANCE senior manager Nemetschek Products Steven McDonald told Mining
“An online-first system assumes perfect conditions: constant connectivity and seamless cloud access. Mining simply doesn’t work that way.”
This industrial-first mindset is what separates ARKANCE from a typical software developer.
McDonald notes that Monnoyeur’s history as one of the world’s longeststanding Caterpillar dealers directly informs its digital design philosophy.
“ARKANCE was created to extend that legacy into the digital landscape, bringing the same focus on reliability and performance to connected digital ecosystems,” McDonald said. “The technology we deliver reflects that: fast, reliable, and built for purpose. If it doesn’t make the job safer or faster, it doesn’t belong on site.”
This philosophy is why ARKANCE champions its “offline-first” approach, centred around two best-in-class solutions: GoCanvas and BlueBeam. Instead of forcing a solution that relies on a perfect, live connection, this approach empowers crews with digital tools designed to function seamlessly without an internet signal. GoCanvas is a mobile
platform that replaces paper forms, such as safety checklists, inspections, and compliance reports, with a simple app.
Field crews can capture data, photos, and signatures on their tablets or phones, even when completely offline.
BlueBeam, in turn, is a powerful software solution for marking up and managing technical documents. Engineers and supervisors can use it to review complex file formats like DWGs or PDF blueprints, add precise comments, and track revisions directly on a device, removing the reliance on paper drawings in the field.
McDonald points to a workflow that extends beyond simple inspections, illustrating how this digital ecosystem creates a closed loop between field crews and headquarters.
“A good example is something as simple and critical as dragline bucket maintenance,” McDonald said. “Supplier engineers design the ground-engaging tool components and produce detailed PDFs that show weld patterns, tolerances, and wear limits. Those drawings are stored digitally and shared across the supply network.”
This digital foundation is key. Weeks later, when a site account manager is in the pit, disconnected from any network, they can spot abnormal wear on a bucket tooth.
McDonald said. “Once connectivity is restored, the report syncs instantly to both the mine operator and the supplier’s engineering team.”
The loop closes when that field data returns to the office. The supplier’s
“The
engineers overlay mark-ups of the actual wear against the original design and annotate potential causes,” McDonald said. “Because the file lives in a connected environment, the mine operator can see those updates in
real-time, compare them with historical data, and make faster procurement or maintenance decisions.”
The most advanced workflow is not useful if crews won’t adopt it. McDonald said ARKANCE’s industrial heritage also informs this part of the transition, focusing on practicality over disruption.
“We start where people already are in their digital journey,” McDonald said. “Our consultants digitise the exact forms crews use today, pre-starts, toolbox talks, service logs, so the digital version feels instantly familiar. Once they see the benefit, fewer errors, faster signoffs, cleaner records, the adoption takes care of itself.”
This approach solves what ARKANCE calls the “data-visibility gap”. When a subcontractor completes a safety check or a supplier reports equipment status, the data is captured accurately the moment the work occurs. That data is also secure; all field data is encrypted locally and verified through transaction based syncing, ensuring only complete and validated records are uploaded.
This combination of secure, reliable data capture provides the foundation for the ultimate goal: auditable compliance. Compliance is built on traceability, and traceability depends on data quality.
“Every inspection, safety report, or environmental check submitted through GoCanvas or Bluebeam is automatically time-stamped, geo-tagged, and archived, giving auditors a complete digital trail of activity,” McDonald said.
Crucially for mining industry leaders, this level of transparency directly supports ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), and ISO 14001 (environmental management) by creating consistent, verifiable evidence at every stage of the operation.
“It’s a closed-loop workflow, from design to field performance and back again, built on reliable, traceable data,” McDonald said.
For operators who want to see that traceability in practice, McDonald said the first step is a simple and practical one.
“We find the most popular next step is a free, no-obligation demo with our experts,” McDonald said.
“We can build a company’s first field form on the spot, demonstrating how GoCanvas and BlueBeam can streamline the compliance and auditing process.”
Australian Power Equipment played a powerful role in ensuring a New South Wales mine could restart operations on time.
In the demanding world of mining, reliable power is more than a technical requirement, it’s the backbone of safety, productivity, and profitability. For Australian Power Equipment (APE), meeting those expectations goes beyond supply and service. It is also about innovation, sustainability, and fostering genuine partnership.
When operations face critical time or budget pressures, APE’s agility sets it apart, with a recent undertaking for a project in western New South Wales setting a perfect example.
APE was engaged by a gold mine preparing to restart production and needed custom solution of step-up substations (415/11 kilovolt) and substation (1500kV-ampere 11/1kV), a neutral earthing resistor with compliant protection system, a distribution board, and 11 kV and 1 kV cable solutions.
All engineering documentation underwent formal review and received registered professional engineer sign-off, confirming adherence to Australian standards and safety obligations.
The mine presented two key challenges. First, the entire power system had to be engineered for underground transport, demanding compact, nonstandard dimensions. Second, the project required a cost-effective solution that would still deliver reliability and compliance. Leveraging its warehouse inventory, APE re-engineered existing second-hand assets to meet both design and budgetary requirements, demonstrating the value of its in-house refurbishment capability.
APE’s engineering and operations teams adapted stock equipment through rapid redesign and modification, ensuring full compliance with site specifications.
Through close coordination between engineering, logistics, and delivery partners, APE successfully met the brief. All components arrived precommissioned, allowing the client’s installation crew to complete setup with minimal downtime.
“The size of the equipment in this case was critical,” APE director Andrew Cockbain said.
“The gold mine had specific space limitations underground, and meeting those constraints was a real engineering challenge, but also an exciting opportunity to show how adaptable our team can be.”
The mine’s new power system was commissioned smoothly, achieving reliable operation on time, on budget, and with no compromise on quality or safety. The final configuration included bunded designs to mitigate environmental risk, underscoring APE’s integrated approach to sustainable engineering.
Even in rapid-response situations, APE’s projects maintain a strong sustainability lens.
Key initiatives in this project included refurbished and repurposed equipment, reducing the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new assets; mobile bunded systems, ensuring high environmental protection standards; and pre-commissioning and minimal rework, reducing resource consumption and site impacts.
“Across the mining and infrastructure sectors, we’re seeing far greater emphasis on sustainable procurement,” fellow-director Abby Crawford said. “Our circular-economy model gives clients a practical way to meet their ESG goals without sacrificing performance or delivery speed.”
From urgent turnarounds to long-term infrastructure programs, APE’s mission remains clear: to keep critical industries powered while advancing sustainable, responsible practices. The gold mine project reinforces APE’s reputation for technical agility, engineering excellence, and environmental accountability – the pillars that will continue to guide its work across Australia’s energy and resources landscape.
Across mining, construction, and infrastructure, ARKANCE helps industry leaders connect their digital ecosystems — from design to delivery, and from pit to project office. We unify data, workflows, and teams across leading platforms, creating visibility and traceability at every stage of an operation.
Backed by 115 years of industrial heritage under Groupe Monnoyeur, hundreds of specialists worldwide, and a strong local presence across ANZ, we help businesses get more from their technology.
Scan the QR code to learn more and book a demo today.
When it comes to WorkSafe WA exams, you can get ready in a way that suits you.
The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety’s WorkSafe WA team has developed a suite of educational materials to help Western Australia’s statutory supervisors complete the mandatory accreditation process and comply with the state’s legislation.
Statutory position holders – essential workers in WA’s mining industry – must meet role-specific criteria to satisfy the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 and Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022 before the conclusion of the four-year transitional period, which ends on March 30, 2026.
By the beginning of October 2025, six months before the accreditation deadline, more than 17,000 people had passed the work health and safety (WHS) legislation examination, the WHS knowledge test that is the common element in the process.
The majority of WA’s statutory position holders have punched their tickets well ahead of time. To assist the remaining candidates in their preparations, the department has created four animations, with the short YouTube-hosted videos – three to five minutes in duration –
about the WHS legislation exam and providing sound advice on navigating the relevant laws, creating healthy study habits and overcoming test anxiety.
One of the most prevalent misconceptions about the WHS legislation exam is that candidates are failing the test because they must memorise thousands of pages of new information, navigate trick questions and score 90 per cent or higher on their first attempt.
The mythbusting animation explains that candidates can refer to their markedup copies of WA’s WHS legislation throughout the open-book exam of 55 multiple-choice, true-false and fill-in-theblank questions as they strive to achieve the benchmark score of 80 per cent, with opportunities to retake the test if they do not pass.
To help candidates get to grips with WA’s active WHS legislation, which came into force in March 2022, two five-page guides are available on the WorkSafe WA website.
Among other educational materials relating to the WHS legislation exam are testimonial videos in which successful candidates talk about how they tackled
using the Mines Statutory Positions Portal – the system that powers all aspects of the accreditation process –and sample questions that users answer in that online environment.
WorkSafe WA Mines safety director Tony Robertson told Mining that the regulator was making every effort to support WA’s statutory position holders in the lead-up to the March 30, 2026 transition date.
“People learn in all kinds of different ways,” he said. “Some people are visual learners, some people are auditory learners, some people are tactile learners and some people are reading/ writing learners.
“We’re catering for all learning styles because we want people in supervisory positions on WA mine sites to have the information, knowledge and training they need to meet the WHS requirements that underpin a safer WA mining industry, which is the purpose of the process.
“I strongly encourage anyone thinking about applying for a statutory position to go to the WorkSafe website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au and check out the videos and other
On the precipice of a demand surge that could net $60 billion in 2026, two CSIRO scientists have developed technology for more efficient gold recovery that reduces the use of cyanide.
Australia’s gold sector is glittering, with process hitting record highs amid forecasts it will become the nation’s second-highest value export in 2025–26, overtaking liquefied natural gas and coal.
Gold has become further entrenched as a central part of the Australian economic story, with its place in the national consciousness stretching back to the gold rushes of the 1850s, which briefly made Melbourne the richest city on earth.
Now the world’s second-largest gold producer, Australia generated nearly 300 tonnes of gold in 2024, valued at more
It has been a remarkable period for the commodity, whose price has jumped 20 per cent from May to October last year. Wall Street powerhouse JP Morgan has credited part of this to “stagflation anxiety”, defined as the fear of high inflation amid a stagnant economy.
In addition, geopolitical shifts are trending in Australia’s favour as buyers seek stable supply chains away from China, the world’s top producer. With global demand also tipped to increase, some forecasts predict annual earnings in Australia could soon reach $60 billion.
However, this surge in local production relies heavily on traditional cyanide leaching methods. While effective, sustainability experts believe this practice needs refining to better protect the environment, which requires a rethink of cyanide as the go-to solution for dissolving gold from crushed rock and separating it from other minerals.
Cyanide is widely favoured for gold extraction because it readily and selectively binds to gold and silver, facilitating separation from the ore. But its high toxicity poses environmental and
public health risks if released through irresponsible practices or a disaster.
History’s most infamous cyanide incident occurred in Romania in 2000, when a tailings dam rupture spilled millions of cubic feet of cyanidecontaminated waste into major rivers, poisoning water supplies hundreds of kilometres downstream. Such was the scale that the name of the closest city, Baia Mare, became a calling card for ecological disasters.
In the decades following that environmental disaster, modern industry has reduced risk by destroying residual cyanide in tailings before discharge. However, the dangers have not been eliminated entirely.
CSIRO’s sustainable solution
With this in mind, a pair of Australia’s most pre-eminent gold and minerals experts, CSIRO principal research scientists Dr Paul Breuer and Dr Xianwen Dai, went to work on finding a solution.
Breuer boasts more than 25 years of experience in gold hydrometallurgy, including cyanide analysis, deportment and speciation, while Dai has worked with CSIRO since 2006, leading research capabilities in thiosulfate technology development as an alternative to cyanidation.
Together, they developed what the pair coined “sustainable gold cyanidation technology”, enabling more efficient gold recovery while reducing the total cyanide required. Breuer and Dai have been working on a new cutting-edge process to further cut toxic compounds.
“This technology enables the recovery of cyanide and other toxic compounds, some base metals and valuable soluble gold that typically remains unrecovered in cyanidation tailings,” Dai said.
“At the same time, it reduces environmental risks and costs linked to cyanide use, transport, tailings storage, and potential dam failures.
“Our process surpasses the commonly practised cyanide destruction technology, and we are now ready for pilot-scale demonstration in the field.”
This is not the first time Breuer and his team have made a breakthrough on the gold front. In 2014, his team won an Australian Mining Prospect Award for replacing cyanide with the non-toxic alternative thiosulphate with a project called “going for gold”.
Sustainable gold mining company Clean Mining utilised the technology at the Barrick Gold Goldstrike mine, which operated from 2014 to 2024 and processed up to 13,000 tonnes of ore per day.
After a month of lab-scale testing, the new “sustainable gold cyanidation technology” has reached technology readiness Level 4, the stage prior to “validation is achieved in a relevant environment”, and is now set for scale-up.
“The technology can deliver much greater economic and environmental benefits beyond what is possible with current cyanide recovery and recycling technologies,” Breuer said.
“With sufficient interest, we will be able to progress to pilot and demonstration in the field, which will hopefully lead to improved gold yields, environmental outcomes and sustainability for the gold industry.”
No commodity conjures up as much imagery as gold in the Australian imagination, but Breuer and Dai are urging the industry not to lock into the irresponsible practices of yesteryear.
Gold extraction processes shouldn’t settle for second-best.
The Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition will be held at the Mackay Showgrounds, where the best that the industry has to offer will take centre stage once again.
The 2026 Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) is set to be another blockbuster, with the event showcasing the best in supplier innovation across the country and highlighting the world-class capabilities of Mackay and the broader Central Queensland region.
QME 2026 will be held at the Mackay Showgrounds, which will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of its historic grandstand in the same year.
Situated within the heartland of the North Queensland mining hub, the Showgrounds are the ideal host site for the event that will take place from Tuesday, July 21, to Thursday, July 23.
Multinational giants such as Hitachi Construction Machinery, Eaton, Sime Darby Group, and XCMG, will be present on the exhibition floor, as well as Australian industry leaders including Flexco, Busch ANZ, ATOM, Hidrive, Radical Torque Solutions, MATO Australia, and Hoses24.
QME’s exhibitor lineup will again spotlight solutions that help miners meet environmental, social and governance goals while improving operational efficiency, as well as featuring the cuttingedge technology driving change and productivity throughout the industry.
Another focus of QME will be the free-to-attend Leadership Series, where experts explore Queensland's most pressing issues, including workforce and safety, innovation, sustainability, and critical minerals.
The Bowen Basin Mining Club (BBMC) is returning as a key supporter for QME 2026. In the spirit of continuing to champion and connect the resource sector across Queensland, the BBMC will also host the Queensland Mining Awards in Mackay that week, contributing to the significance of QME.
BBMC director Jodie Currie said in a statement that these events are significant not just for the region, but for the entire sector.
“QME is always such a significant celebration of the mining industry, so hosting our awards in the midst of that celebration helps to elevate QME even further,” Currie said. “This is the biggest event for the Queensland mining industry, not just for Mackay.”
Established 30 years ago, QME regularly attracts thousands of visitors and hundreds of suppliers.
Currie said the awards will once again recognise outstanding innovations and productivity improvements by mining companies, contractors, and suppliers.
“We always say that the Queensland METS sector leads the way globally for innovation and technology,” Currie said.
“For us to be able to showcase that innovation in Mackay, one of the biggest METS incubators in Queensland, is important for the region, and it’s also important for the industry.”
Key industry decision-makers will be on-site in Mackay during the week, with the awards capturing national media coverage.
“For us, it’s all about really getting them out there and showcasing our finalists to every person that comes through the door, to show how innovative they are and how other mining companies or projects might be able to use the innovation on their site,” Currie said.
The bumper week in north Queensland is expected to create unparalleled networking opportunities, with Currie noting there is already strong interest in the 2026 event.
The last edition of QME drew more than 5350 attendees. Of these, 13 per cent were engineers, exemplifying how the event reaches its target market.
The audience was predominantly local, with 89 per cent of attendees from Australia and 11 per cent travelling from overseas.
QME is now open to the industry. Lock in your prime positions now at queenslandminingexpo.com.au/ getinvolved
From frontier uranium discoveries to Indigenous empowerment programs and cutting-edge digital technologies, the 2025 Australian Mining Prospect Awards showcased a sector that continues to evolve and excel.
Australia’s mining industry recently took centre stage at Adelaide Oval, as leaders, innovators and changemakers gathered to celebrate the 2025 Australian Mining Prospect Awards.
Hosted as part of AIMEX, the Prospect Awards are recognised as the most prestigious national awards program for the mining and minerals processing industry. The event brought together the country’s top talent to recognise those who exemplify excellence across every corner of the mining value chain.
Across 11 categories, stories of grit, creativity and determination stood out, each one proving that Australian mining is not only meeting challenges head-on but setting new standards in the process.
Winner: Alligator Energy – Big Lake Uranium Project
Alligator Energy’s Big Lake uranium project has emerged as a breakthrough discovery in South Australia’s Lake Eyre Basin. The company’s inaugural drilling program intersected broad zones of anomalous uranium
mineralisation within the Namba Formation’s palaeochannel sands, with chemical assays confirming substantial uranium content. The results mark a significant step forward in frontier uranium exploration.
Sponsored by Australian Resources & Investment
Winner: Robson Civil Projects – Mt Arthur Coal Rehabilitation and Land Management
Robson Civil Projects delivered one of New South Wales’ most significant progressive rehabilitation programs through its work at BHP’s Mt Arthur Coal Mine. Since 2022, the company has reshaped and revegetated 297 hectares of land, including a record 145 hectares in the 2023–24 financial year (FY24), the largest single-year rehabilitation achievement at the site. The program included bulk earthworks, drainage, topsoil amelioration, seeding, pest control, and biodiversity restoration, with more than 14,000 seedlings planted in FY25.
Sponsored by Pump Industry
Winner: BHP – Yandi Seed Propagation Project
BHP’s Yandi Seed Production Area has redefined what’s possible in large-scale ecological rehabilitation. Addressing challenges of seed scarcity and climate variability, the project offers a pragmatic yet ambitious template for restoring native landscapes. It demonstrates that mining companies can be leaders in ecological innovation.
Sponsored by Quarry
Winner: Hancock Iron Ore – TrackDefectX TrackDefectX represents a leap forward in mining infrastructure maintenance. Developed by Hancock Iron Ore, the cutting-edge system uses advanced image processing and deep learning algorithms to detect and categorise track defects such as squats, spalling, and gauge corner checking. By identifying issues early, TrackDefectX improves safety, reduces downtime, and significantly lowers maintenance costs across rail networks.
Sponsored by ifm
Winner: Hancock Iron Ore – Brilliant at the Basics
Hancock Iron Ore’s Brilliant at the Basics (B@TB) initiative has become a blueprint for safety leadership in mining. Launched in 2024, B@ TB focuses on the consistent, highquality execution of fundamental safety routines, the everyday actions that build a culture of care and accountability. Combining critical safety processes, leadership behaviours, and shared values, the program is driving measurable improvements in health, safety, and wellbeing across the company.
Sponsored by Safe to Work
Winner: Rio Tinto – Aboriginal Training and Liaison (ATAL) Program
Rio Tinto’s ATAL Program represents a step-change in Indigenous employment readiness. Co-designed with Traditional Owner groups across Western Australia, ATAL’s three-phase model – community-based learning, on-site experience and post-placement support – helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants build confidence, skills and lasting careers. The program moves Indigenous engagement from transactional to transformational, embedding cultural integrity and community leadership at its core.
Sponsored by Sandvik
Winner: Dredge Robotics – Zero Entry Robotic Dredging System
Dredge Robotics has reimagined how mine site water assets are maintained with its Zero Entry Robotic Dredging System, a remotely operated, no-entry solution that eliminates the need for workers to enter hazardous or confined spaces. The system allows operations to continue without costly shutdowns while delivering safer, more efficient maintenance of ponds, tanks, and tailings facilities.
Sponsored by Mining
Winner: Craig Pedley – CEO, MAX Plant and Striker
Few careers reflect the spirit of Australian mining like that of Craig Pedley. From apprentice fitter in 1984 to founder of Striker and MAX Plant, Pedley’s four-decade journey has
reshaped the crushing, screening, and mineral processing landscape. His vision – to design equipment shaped by the voices of those who use it – turned a small idea into a globally respected business. His leadership, innovation, and mentorship continue to inspire the next generation of mining professionals.
Sponsored by Australian Mining
Winner: Gold Fields – Agnew Gold Mine
Gold Fields’ Agnew Gold Mine has raised the bar for operational excellence. With the installation of a new Sandvik crushing and screening plant, purpose-built to meet Agnew’s specific production and safety requirements, the site has achieved increased throughput, greater efficiency, and improved safety performance. The project underscores how collaboration between miners and suppliers can deliver transformative results.
Sponsored by Bonfiglioli
Winner: Dale Harris – Chief Operating Officer, Hancock Iron Ore For Dale Harris, safety leadership is personal. As Hancock Iron Ore’s chief operating officer, Harris has embedded a culture of care through initiatives like My Commitment, Brilliant at the Basics, and Safer Summer. His approach combines strong leadership with genuine concern for the wellbeing of others, setting a new benchmark for what it means to be a safety advocate in modern mining.
Sponsored by Fortescue
Winner: Gold Fields – Agnew Gold Mine
Taking out the night’s top honour, Gold Fields’ Agnew Gold Mine stood out for its excellence in operational improvement and innovation. The site’s new Sandvik plant has revitalised production, addressing ageing infrastructure and enabling higher throughput across its expanding underground operations. Agnew’s success is proof that even well-established mines can redefine what’s possible through innovation and collaboration.
Sponsored by SEW-EURODRIVE
Mark your calendar with AusIMM’s upcoming mining conferences across Australia, driving conversations on technology, sustainability and industry trends.
From April to November in 2026, AusIMM will host a raft of essential mining conferences that are set to shape the industry's future. These gatherings serve as the primary platform for leaders to unveil trailblazing technology, share expert knowledge, and form crucial cross-sector partnerships.
international experts, and the next edition promises to be the biggest yet.
Global Resources and Innovation Expo 2026 (GRX26)
May 5–7, 2026 | Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
The industry’s brightest minds attend, including geologists, engineers, METS innovators, and executives. Together, they explore the latest advancements across everything from maximising orebody value and sustainable practices to operational safety and strategic planning.
The 2026 conference calendar also introduces an innovative format in Perth, with the Iron Ore Conference 2026 and the Open Pit Operators Conference 2026 set to run simultaneously in June.
With powerhouses like BHP and Rio Tinto continuing to break records in iron ore production, the strategic growth of Western Australian mining will also be a hot-button topic.
Across the calendar year, these blockbuster conferences arrive at a pivotal moment for the mining industry. The spotlight has never been brighter on the critical minerals sector, spurred by the landmark agreement between US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which will feature in the geopolitics discussion at Critical Minerals 2026. The Perthbased event is renowned for attracting
Similarly, gold has been a staple of industry headlines over the last 12 months, with the commodity rising to its highest price in history in October, eclipsing a 40-year-old mark. How this impacts the future of gold mining, and sustainable “green gold” technologies will be discussed by industry icons at the Global Resources and Innovation Expo 2026 (GRX26).
By securing your attendance at these conferences, you can be part of the conversations shaping the future of mining.
Mining Geology Conference 2026
April 21–22, 2026 | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
The 14th International Mining Geology Conference will be held at the Brisbane Convention Centre from April 21 to 22. The program will feature insights on sustainable practices, maximising ore body value, and improved decision making.
The 2024 conference in Perth was a bumper edition, with conference chair Daniel Howe saying that its “thoughtprovoking keynote presentations, a highquality technical program and bustling exhibition floor” provided an excellent opportunity to “learn, collaborate and expand professional networks”.
After its landmark debut in Brisbane, the Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX) returns in 2026 with even greater momentum and global impact.
This time, Perth will host the world’s most forward-thinking mining companies, METS innovators, policymakers, and researchers to explore the future of mining technology, sustainability, and global collaboration.
Co-hosted by Austmine and AusIMM, GRX26 is where cutting-edge technologies are unveiled, and crosssector partnerships are forged.
The inaugural 2025 edition brought together some of the biggest names in the sector, including Geoff Pryde (chief technical officer, PsiQuantum) and Marita Cheng (founder and chief executive officer, Aubot and Robogals).
June 23–25, 2026 | Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Since its humble beginnings in 2002, the Iron Ore Conference has been a vital global forum where industry leaders address the most pressing technical and management challenges. Its reputation is built on insights from world-class speakers, including Australian experts such as Paul Zulli (ARC Research Hub
The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre will play host to a number of key events.
Image: Alexander/stock.adobe.com
for Australian Steel Innovation), and international authorities like Chenmei Tang (Central South University, China).
Past speakers have also hailed from Germany and Zimbabwe. The 2026 conference in Perth continues this legacy with a program focused on technological innovation, health and safety, and geopolitical updates.
June 23–25, 2026 | Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Held concurrently with the Iron Ore Conference, the Open Pit Operators Conference will also take place at the
Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, creating a unique and vibrant experience.
The event is renowned for its highquality technical programs, featuring experts such as Jonathon Nortier (principal mining engineer, AMC), who previously delivered a paper on determining plant capacity through strategic analysis.
Other keynote speakers have included digital operations and solutions specialist Pieter Lottering (principal, asset consulting, Deloitte) and Dr Koji Saito (executive advisor for research & development, Nippon Steel Corporation, Japan).
Nicole Rooke spoke about her experience as the CEO of the Mineral Research Institute of WA.
The dual 2026 event will offer two distinct programs and a shared exhibition hall for networking. Abstract submissions are now open for both conferences.
September 20–23, 2026 | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
As global demand for critical minerals grows, leaders from across the mining, finance, and government sectors will convene in Brisbane for AusIMM's premier Critical Minerals conference.
The event is a vital forum for discussing the next steps toward net zero and has a strong legacy of attracting the industry's brightest minds.
Past lineups have featured Australian leaders, including Nicole Roocke (chief executive officer, Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia) and Professor Ian Satchwell (adjunct professor, Sustainable Minerals Institute), alongside global innovators such as Gerard Barron (The Metals Company), a go-to expert on critical minerals for CNN. Program details and registration will be announced in due course.
October 5–7, 2026 | Pan Pacific Perth Join industry leaders at the Mine Health & Safety Conference 2026 to shape a safer future for the resources sector.
Held from October 5 to 7 at the Pan Pacific Perth, this vital event transcends traditional compliance to address today's most pressing challenges. The program will tackle important themes, including psychological safety, leadership culture, and the integration of technology to proactively manage risk.
Combining high-level strategy with practical case studies, the conference serves as an essential forum for professionals dedicated to ensuring every worker returns home safely.
October 19–21, 2026 | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
From its beginnings as a regional gathering in Mount Isa in 1978, the Mill Operators Conference has grown into a premier global event for the minerals processing industry. Now approaching its 17th iteration, this biennial conference continues its legacy of excellence and innovation. The 2026 edition, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, will once again serve as a global hub, with over 600 metallurgists, engineers, and industry leaders set to explore the latest advancements and emerging trends in mill operations.
November
Strategic Mine Planning 2026 is a threeday international symposium focused on the latest advances, practices, and challenges in the field.
As the mining landscape has evolved, the 2026 program will address the major
September 2026
EXHIBIT IN 2026. BE SEEN. BE HEARD. BE CHOSEN.
As thousands of delegates filled Sydney’s International Convention Centre for the 2025 International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), one thing was clear: the Australian resources industry is entering a new phase of confidence.
From exploration juniors to major producers, the mood was unmistakably upbeat. Amid a complex global environment marked by shifting markets, decarbonisation pressures and evolving trade dynamics, IMARC 2025 became a showcase of resilience, innovation and collaboration.
Across exhibition floors and conference halls, conversations went beyond projects and commodities to headier ideas like industry transformation. Mining leaders discussed how technology, partnerships and people are redefining what’s possible for the industry in Australia and beyond.
For an industry that often contends with cyclical headwinds, the tone at IMARC was markedly forward-looking. Speakers emphasised the central role mining must play in the global transition to cleaner energy.
“Australia’s rich geology, strong mining and processing capabilities and reputation for reliability and transparency make it a trusted partner in global supply chains,” Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable told attendees.
That reputation, combined with the country’s world-class mining ecosystem, is attracting renewed investment and attention. From lithium to rare earths, copper to magnesium, the focus is firmly on building the capacity to deliver the minerals that power modern technologies, and doing it in a way that significantly strengthens Australia’s long-term prosperity.
One of the most striking messages from IMARC 2025 was the rapid pace of innovation transforming mining operations.
Automation, data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) were everywhere, from exploration targeting to real-time equipment monitoring and remote operations.
Australian companies are investing in ways to extract and process resources, lowering costs, improving safety and reducing environmental impact.
Exhibitors demonstrated drones that can map inaccessible terrain, autonomous haulage systems capable of operating in extreme heat, and sensors that allow operators to optimise every tonne of ore.
This focus on innovation was about adaptability as well as productivity. In an increasingly competitive global market, the ability to respond quickly to new technologies, policies and customer expectations is becoming a defining advantage for Australian miners.
The mining services sector, often described as the industry’s “quiet powerhouse”, also played a leading role at IMARC. Companies providing engineering, maintenance, logistics and environmental management solutions are now indispensable to keeping mines running safely and efficiently.
Service providers are helping operators manage complex challenges, from improving water use and emissions control to navigating extreme weather events and maintaining equipment in harsh conditions. As demand for critical minerals and sustainable operations grows, so too does the importance of these companies in the broader mining value chain.
The Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector now employs tens of thousands of people and generates billions in export revenue, a reminder that the future of mining success depends as much on partnerships and service innovation as it does on ore bodies.
Exploration, the foundation on which future mining success is built, is also benefitting from the industry’s renewed energy. Investors and explorers discussed how a more stable policy environment, coupled with growing demand for critical minerals, is opening the door to new discoveries.
In New South Wales, for example, state initiatives to accelerate critical minerals
exploration have already positioned the region as a potential global leader in new-age resources. The Latrobe Valley’s magnesium potential also drew strong interest from US-based investors, further highlighting Australia’s attractiveness for next-generation mining projects.
The result is a pipeline of activity that promises the possibility of not only new production but also regional development, jobs and downstream processing opportunities.
The optimism at IMARC was about collaboration as much as it was about individual projects. Mining companies, governments and research institutions are increasingly working together to solve shared challenges, from cuttingedge decarbonisation to workforce training and technology adoption.
This spirit of collaboration was echoed in almost every panel and networking session. Attendees spoke about building sustainable, long-term supply chains; sharing data to improve operational transparency; and ensuring Australian mining continues to set global standards for responsible resource development.
In an era when environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance is as important as production volume, that collaboration is proving essential.
As IMARC 2025 drew to a close, delegates left instilled with the
While IMARC’s themes stretched far beyond geopolitics, the announcement of a new Australia–US critical minerals agreement helped underscore just how central the nation has become to global supplychain strategy.
The landmark pact, valued at around $US8.5 billion in potential investment, reinforced confidence in Australia’s ability to deliver the minerals needed for electric vehicles, batteries and defence technologies. But at IMARC, industry voices were clear that the opportunity extends much further than one agreement. Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) chief executive Warren Pearce summed up much of the mood.
“We hoped for a high-level agreement. What we got was that, plus commitments to investment,” he said.
There was a sense that this deal is more a catalyst that an endpoint, one of several signals that capital, capability and global attention are converging on Australia.
knowledge that the Australian mining industry is enjoying an enviable period defined by innovation, resilience and global relevance. Policy support, technological advancement and investor confidence are combining to create conditions for sustainable growth. Whether through METS sector expansion, new exploration frontiers, or partnerships with allies, the outlook is bright.
Mining operators are embracing technology and smarter processes to unlock new levels of productivity across Australia’s resource sector.
The shortage of skilled labour in Australia's mining sector has been elevating the importance of another organisational metric: productivity.
To meet current and future production targets, mining companies need to produce more without increasing on-site labour, making productivity a critical factor for competitiveness in heavy industries.
That raises a seemingly simple question: how can mining companies be more productive?
Some of the most effective strategies or technologies on which mining operators have long focused to enhance operational efficiency include improving the reliability and availability of core plant and mobile assets, from haul trucks to crushers. Over the past two decades, these efforts have laid the foundation for more streamlined functioning on sites.
More recently, however, the introduction of autonomous and remotecontrolled equipment has allowed sites to maintain production even during shift changes and operator handovers.
David Rotor, a partner at global management consultancy Argon & Co, said the broader impact of these technologies is especially notable.
“It is not a pure efficiency gain, as these systems require much more technical and engineering support, but that is largely good as it moves labour bottlenecks out of the sites,” he told Mining
According to Rotor, a tangible example of how these efficiency improvements can transform day-to-day workings comes in the form of Rio Tinto’s autonomous rail operations, which have significantly reduced downtime previously caused by crew changes every 10–12 hours.
Considering a typical round trip from the mine to port and back can take around 40 hours, this automation had a "substantial" impact for the mining giant.
Alongside machinery improvements, Rotor notes that data analytics is playing an increasingly central role in productivity.
“Data analytics improves operations quite broadly, but a simple example is getting a better mine plan, where to mine, what grade you will get, what the blast pattern and charge should be to optimise each shift,” he said.
At the same time, productivity gains are aligning more closely with sustainability initiatives. Electrifying haul fleets and integrating renewable energy sources not only reduces emissions but also cuts fuel costs and enhances long-term energy security. Supply chain partnerships focused on reducing emissions frequently result in improved reliability and lower operating expenses.
Rotor highlighted the importance of prioritising initiatives that deliver real impact.
“From our work, the biggest gains come when companies focus on a few material priorities and embed them into daily operations. Using structured roadmaps, we help translate ESG [environmental, social and governance] requirements into practical efficiency improvements that strengthen resilience and long-term growth,” he said.
Rotor expects the trend toward autonomous and remote-controlled operations to continue into the future, further reducing reliance on on-site labour.
By integrating technology, data and renewables, Australia’s mining sector is enhancing productivity while strengthening sustainability, ensuring competitiveness today and resilience for the future.
Autonomous and remotecontrolled equipment has allowed sites to maintain production around the clock. Image: VideoFlow/ stock/adobe.com
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