Program Committee Chair
Professor Michael Hood is an internationally-recognised leader developing and commercialising new mining and energy technologies. He was a tenured academic at UC, Berkeley, moving to Australia to take up a new role, CEO of CRCMining. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) and a Foreign Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE).
AI co-chair
Sue is the CEO of Queensland AI Hub following her role as Research Director for Cyber-Physical Systems at CSIRO’s Data61. Starting her career as a geologist, she moved into research management and led the development of Australia’s first Robotics roadmap, outlining how robotics and automation will impact on every sector of the Australian economy.
AI co-chair
Melinda is the BHP Fellow for Engineering for Remote Operations at the University of Western Australia. She is on the leadership team for the Australian Research Centre for Transforming Maintenance through Data Science and a Visiting Fellow at the Alan Turing Institute and NIST. Her focus is developing NLP and ontologies for maintenance texts and also asset prognostics.
Autonomous Systems co-chair
Ross is the Head of the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering and Professor of Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Queensland. He leads a research group in field robotics that is focused mining equipment autonomy. Over the past 20 years this team has partnered with global mining companies and equipment manufacturers to automate mobile mining equipment including excavators, trucks, and bulldozers.
Autonomous Systems co-chair
International Minerals and Mining career, active across a range of countries and cultures. Past President of the International Professional Body, the Institution of Chemical Engineers. Ex Rio Tinto Head of Innovation, he led the successful effort to deliver industrial implementation of significant technological change. Extensive dealings with Political, Commercial and other Representative bodies spanning a range of countries and cultures. Advocate for Safety and pursuit of the principles of Sustainable Development
Autonomous Systems co-chair
Mohsen is an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland and he leads the Advanced Process Prediction and Control (APPCo) program in Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC). The program objective is to transform unit process modelling and simulation by deploying novel sensor technologies, and maximising use of on-site data with advanced process control, computational analytics and modelling techniques. He is a member of AusIMM and a professional member of Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME).
Critical Minerals co-chair
Ian’s career spans metallurgy, manufacturing, management and board directorships across global metals corporations, technology suppliers, startups and universities. He helped establish Australia’s Industry Growth Centre for Mining Equipment, Technology and Services and guided its technology clustering, scale-up accelerators and customer-driven research to become part of the new national priorities of resources technologies and critical minerals.
Critical Minerals co-chair
Massimo is the Director of the European Raw Materials Alliance (erma.eu) at EIT RawMaterials. ERMA was launched by the European Commission to make Europe economically more resilient by diversifying its supply chains, creating jobs, attracting investments to the raw materials value chain, fostering innovation, training young talents and contributing to the best enabling framework for raw materials and the Circular Economy worldwide. Massimo leads the EIT team with responsibility for creating and implementing ERMA’s strategic agenda and for all its operations. Prior to joining EIT RawMaterials, Massimo was an academic in the School of Earth Sciences at The University of Queensland.
Decarbonisation co-chair
Fiona is Vice President, Sustainability and Climate Change at BHP. She leads the design and implementation of BHP’s climate change strategy and advises the Board on emerging climate change trends. Fiona is a Member of the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and is Deputy Chair of the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute (GCCSI).
Decarbonisation Chair
Andrew Scott, National Cluster Development Manager, METS Ignited; Executive Chairman, Queensland Robotics and Director and Secretary for Hydrogen Queensland (H2Q). With a long history in technology innovation, Andrew has over 30 years of experience in the resource industry working wIth Placer Dome and Barrick Gold. He studied biotechnology and computer science at the University of Queensland. Andrew is part of the founding team for the Global Mining Guidelines collaboration group (now in it’s 12th Year of operation). Queensland Robotics (a member of Robotics Australia – growing the robotics Industry globally), is a competitive cluster where Industry, Researchers, Government, Entrepreneurs, Startups and Venture capitalists are working together to grow the Australian robotics industry through collaboration, trust and innovation. METS Ignited is a Industry Growth Centre for the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services Sectors and is focused on technology commercialisation and is very active in competitive cluster development. Andrew is interested in deep symbiotic collaboration to stimulate, promote and realise positive outcomes for humanity and the planet earth.
Environmental & Sustainability co-chair
Ian is emeritus professor of science, technology and society at Griffith University and past president of the Australian Conservation Foundation. He has published widely, held many advisory roles to all levels of government in Australia, reviewed major international reports and advised mining companies about environmental issues. He has received many awards for his work and been a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering since 2005.
Environmental & Sustainability co-chair
Anna works to deliver sustainable development outcomes throughout the resources sector. Specifically her work is aimed at minimising energy and water usage in an industry that produces less waste and delivers resilient ecosystems and livelihoods through the mine lifecycle and beyond. She has led large research portfolios at the University of Queensland, at CSIRO and in the UK. Recently Anna helped to establish a new multi-million CRC that will help transform mining economies that face mine closure. She is a Fellow of the Minerals Institute, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Global Agenda Council on Responsible Minerals Development. She is a recipient of a CSIRO medal and a Strategic Award for Business Excellence and has authored several book chapters and articles in the field of global sustainability and mineral futures.
Environmental & Sustainability co-chair
Nadja is Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair in Mine Water Management and Stewardship (NSERC Tier II) within the School of Public Policy & Global Affairs and the Norman B Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Her research aims to mitigate the risks associated with the mining sector’s use of water from the perspective of diverse actors.
Future Workforce & Education co-chair
Bruce Hebblewhite is Emeritus Professor at UNSW. He has over 46 years of international mining experience; including 3 years in the UK; 17 years in consulting and research in the Australian mining industry; and 26 years in academia at UNSW, 12 years as Head of the School of Mining Engineering. Bruce’s specialist interests are - underground mining systems; geomechanics; mine safety/risk management and mining education. He has received a number of international awards and most recently was awarded the 2020 Institute Medal from the AusIMM for contributions to education, training and research.
Future Workforce & Education co-chair
Diana is a metallurgical engineer with 30+ years’ mining industry experience in production, engineering, research and consulting. Her principal passion is technology transfer and education and she draws on her practical experience to develop and deliver targeted education programs for early-career professionals in Australia and overseas. She chair the IMPC (International Mineral Processing Council) Education Commission which is overseeing a global review of Mineral Processing education. She is a Fellow of AusIMM; she served on its board of directors from 2014 to 2020 and chaired the Metallurgical Society from 2012 to 2015.
Geosciences & Discovery co-chair
Chris was the Chief Executive Officer of Geoscience Australia, the national geoscience agency, from 2010-2017. In this role he was the architect of several major programmes. Currently he chair the exploration CRC MinEx, and AuScope (Australia’s provider of research infrastructure to the earth and geospatial science community. He is a member of CSIRO’s deep earth imaging panel and the Australian space agency advisory board.
Geosciences & Discovery co-chair
John partners in a consulting business based in Vancouver, BC, focused on exploration, mining, innovation and sustainability. He combines academic experience – current Professor of Responsible Resources at the University Bristol and prior Wold Professor of Environmental Balance for Human Sustainability at Cornell University, and industry experience – 35 years in mining and exploration including current board and advisory roles for exploration, technology, and venture capital companies.
Geosciences & Discovery co-chair
Rob was appointed as the Director of CSIRO Mineral Resources in December 2021 to work closely with industry across the value chain to grow Australia’s resource base, increase minerals industry productivity and to drive environmental performance.
Rob and his leadership team bring together research with global partners in academia, government, and industry to tackle short, and longer-term challenges to the sustainability of the Australian minerals industry. This includes leading Mission directed research to support Australia’s role in how Critical Minerals can support the global energy transformation and grow new manufacturing opportunities.
Another priority is research and technology to decarbonise the minerals industry including pathways to green steel. He is a key CSIRO leader for the Australia-India Research Partnership.
Rob has over 25 years’ experience in applied research and research leadership. A geoscientist, with a BSc from the University of London and a PhD from the Open University (UK), he has published widely and was recently recognised for his research leadership with the Gibb-Maitland Medal for 2022.
Health, Safety & Wellbeing co-chair
Susan has spent several decades working to improve mining industry safety and health – chairing major safety inquiries; holding global, and national, senior safety positions within the industry; and advising governments on safety and health issues. Susan currently heads the Governance and Leadership Program at The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute.
Health, Safety & Wellbeing co-chair
Trish is Director of IChemE Safety Centre. She is a professional process safety engineer. Trish spent several years working in project management, operational and safety roles for the oil, gas and chemical industries. Trish has represented industry on many government committees related to process safety.
Mining Science & Engineering co-chair
Charlie worked as a mining professional and senior executive for more than 30 years in the global mining industry, culminating in a role as CEO of Xstrata Copper, one of the world's leading copper companies. Over the past decade Charlie has taken on non-executive director roles in various Australian and international listed companies and not-for-profit organisations. He is a Fellow of the AusIMM and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.
Mining Science & Engineering co-chair
Alice is Deputy Director for strategy at the SMI University of Queensland. She has over 35 years expertise spanning exploration, geoscience, mining engineering, mineral processing and research. Formerly Alice was chief geologist at Mt Isa Mines. She is a past Director of the JKMRC and the BRC Research Centres at UQ, an Honorary Fellow and past President of the AusIMM, and a Commissioner on the NSW Independent Planning Commission. Alice is passionate about developing new approaches to meet the demand for minerals needed to enable a sustainable future.
New Mining Frontiers co-chair
Jonathon is a Senior Principal Research Engineer who leads CSIRO’s strategic R&D to address complex challenges in the mining industry. He is also responsible for establishing CSIRO’s new space mining activities in the area of In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) to support Australia's emerging space industry. His expertise in roadmap development and engagement have influenced industry leaders to advance the robotics and automation in areas including longwalls, continuous miners and driverless vehicles. He is also leading new science development in integrated architectures to support the zero-entry, fully digital mine.
New Mining Frontiers co-chair
Chad is a Principal Research Engineer at CSIRO and a senior member of the IEEE. He leads a team that specialises in the development of R&D solutions for materials characterisation and autonomous sensing challenges in the resources sector, with a particular focus on the logistics domain. His core research expertise includes radar modelling and sensing technologies for the implementation of advanced automation and characterisation applications. He is also deeply engaged in key technology developments for the emergent Australian space mining sector.
Processing & Refining co-chair
Ralph is an Honorary Fellow with CSIRO Mineral Resources and is recognised internationally for his work in iron ore processing and sampling mineral commodities. He is an Honorary Fellow of the AusIMM (Chartered Professional – Metallurgy) and President of the International Mineral Processing Council (IMPC). Ralph has chaired more than 15 international conferences and currently Co-chair of IMPC 2022.
Processing & Refining co-chair
Joe has 40 years’ experience in minerals research, operations management, and development and commercialisation of new technologies for mineral processing, smelting and refining. He has served on numerous research and industry-collaboration Boards. He strives to improve interactions between unit processes for better overall efficiency and environmental outcomes of metal production.
Social Performance and Governance co-chair
Deanna is the Director of the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM), part of the Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) at the University of Queensland (UQ). She leads an international programme of work with a team of over 30 applied social researchers. Deanna has worked in mining and social performance for twenty years, in corporate, operational, consulting and research roles. Her CSRM research focuses on company-community conflict, displacement and resettlement, and human rights and development challenges. Deanna serves on the International Council of Mining and Metals (ICMM) New Member Review Panel, the Board of Trustees for the Institute for Human Rights and Business and is a member of the International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA).
Social Performance and Governance co-chair
David was appointed inaugural Director of the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) at SMI in 2001. From 2012 until retiring in 2016 he was an SMI Deputy Director. He has conducted research, taught and consulted on mining-related issues in Latin America, South Africa, The Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Mongolia and New Zealand, as well as in the main mining jurisdictions of Australia. He has also undertaken work, either through UQ or in a private capacity, for bodies such as the World Bank, the Australian and Queensland Governments, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), and several leading mining companies. He continues as professor emeritus at UQ to research and consult on corporate social performance in the mining sector.
Technology & Operations co-chair
Ian has more than 38 years’ experience primarily in the Australian coal industry, with technical mine planning, mine management and senior executive experience. For the past 5 years Ian has been the Executive Director of Australian Coal Research Limited, responsible for managing ACARP, the Australian black coal industry Research & Development program.
Technology & Operations co-chair
Xing is a Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Mineral Resources. He leads a research team in developing excavating and drilling technologies to address the mining industry’s challenge in mechanical hard rock excavation. 30 years of experience in R&D have seen him collaborate with many global mining companies, equipment manufacturers and R&D organisations. Xing has co-chaired several international forums and is an editorial board member for several international journals.
Mine Closure & Post-Mining Transitions Special Symposium Chair
Tom Measham is Research Director at the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME). With a background in human geography, he has over 25 years’ experience in designing and delivering integrated research programs focused on regional communities, the resources sector and transition. He provides expert advice to governments and industry on a diverse range of social and economic issues. He has over 100 publications including more than 50 scholarly articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney, a Master of Environmental Science from James Cook University and a PhD from the Australian National University.
Sustainable Construction Materials Special Symposium Chair
Daniel Franks is a Professor and Deputy Director (Research) at the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute. He is known internationally for his work on the interconnections between minerals, materials and sustainable development, with a particular focus on the role of minerals in poverty reduction. Originally trained as a geologist, Professor Franks began his career as a field geoscientist, later retraining in political and social sciences. He previously held the position of Chief Technical Advisor at the United Nations Development Programme, where he ran a programme focussed on the sustainable development of construction materials for the European Union and Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States. In 2018, he Chaired the International Conference on Artisanal and Small-scale Mining and Quarrying and oversaw the historic Mosi-oa-Tunya Declaration on Artisanal and Small-scale Mining, Quarrying and Development. He is a member of the scientific board of UNESCO’s International Geosciences Programme, and an advisor to the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme on mineral sustainability issues.
Executive Director, Growth, CSIRO
Jonathan Law leads CSIRO Growth with responsibility for customers, strategic partnerships, program delivery partnerships, and investment. He is a geoscientist with 15 years’ experience in the minerals industry and has passion for the role of science in driving practical benefits through innovation. Jonathan has held a variety of leadership roles in over 20 years of service at CSIRO, most recently as Director of CSIRO Mineral Resources. Growth teams work in partnership with all CSIRO business units to maximise the impact of our science and maintain a healthy revenue mix. The team hosts a range of organisational resources including intellectual property management, business development, legal and contracts, commercialisation, global footprint and the delivery of CSIRO’s Mission Program. CSIRO missions are large-scale, impact focussed, scientific and collaborative research initiatives that leverage the power of the broader innovation system including research, government and industry to deliver targeted outcomes.
Executive Director of Environment, Energy and Resources, CSIRO
CSIRO has one of the largest minerals research and development groups in the world, with a proud track record in delivering innovation and solutions across the mineral resources value chain. We apply our expert knowledge and specialised research to deliver innovation that solves the challenging, complex problems faced by minerals companies, mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies, government, and other industry stakeholders. Our innovation unlocks the value of Australia's natural resource base and delivers a more productive, lower cost, socially and environmentally responsible global minerals industry.
As CSIRO’s Executive Director of Environment, Energy and Resources, Dr Peter Mayfield has responsibility for approximately 1400 researchers in CSIRO’s Mineral Resources, Energy and Environment Business Units. These researchers provide science and technology solutions that will enhance the value Australia derives from its vast energy and mineral resources while maintaining and enhancing the sustainability of the atmosphere, oceans and continent. Peter has worked in research and development for more than 25 years in both the resources and processing industry and government, including extensive experience in research management.
The Treasurer of Australia
Jim Chalmers is the Treasurer of Australia.
He has been the Member for Rankin in the House of Representatives since 2013, proudly representing the people and suburbs of southern Brisbane and Logan City where he was born, grew up and made a home with Laura, Leo, Annabel, and Jack.
He served as Shadow Treasurer from 2019 to 2022, and Shadow Minister for Finance from 2016 to 2019.
Prior to Jim’s election to Parliament, he was the Executive Director of the Chifley Research Centre and Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer.
He has a PhD in political science and international relations from the Australian National University and a first class honours degree in public policy from Griffith University, and is a qualified company director.
Jim’s most recent book, Changing Jobs: the Fair Go in the New Machine Age, was co-authored with Mike Quigley and published in 2017. His earlier book about the Global Financial Crisis, Glory Daze, was released in 2013.
