Event - 2026 April Luncheon – Rob Telford, Talison Lithium

Ever wondered what it’d be like to be the CEO of one of the most important mines on the planet, managing a lithium company amid a volatile price environment whilst simultaneously overseeing a substantial mine expansion,  nestled against native forests and the towns of Greenbushes and Bridgetown in WA’s South West ? Come along to the River Room at Optus on Wed 29^th April to find out, as Rob Telford gives us a personal insight into his world.

We’ll hear about the challenges involved with essentially expanding an industrial complex in close proximity to existing residents, the operational implications of the abrasiveness of the mineral being mined and howe service providers have an opportunity to shine if they can offer solutions, to the infrastructure challenges being faced by an expanding operation (road transport, power and port capacity spring to mind). We’ll also hear some of Rob’s personal thoughts on the increasingly challenging regulatory environment and some thoughts on why we should all be so proud to be working in the resources industry. Will the lithium price skyrocket again, plateau or tank ? You’ll hear a considered opinion on that too. We’ll of course get some personal insights into what’s motivated Rob throughout his stellar career journey thus far and tap him for some timeless leadership wisdom (those that were lucky enough to attend the 2025 WA Mining Club Scholarship Awards Night will know what I’m on about here – you could hear a pin drop in that room, even though it was carpeted).

Greenbushes lithium operation is a unique asset to WA. It’s the oldest continuously operating mine in WA, having started as a tin operation back in 1888 and more recently morphing into lithium operation, producing around 20% of global supply and all within 3 hours of our fair city of Perth. The beating hearts of one fifth of all the lithium ‘Big Energy Storage’ systems and electric vehicles on the road globally owe their existence to the Greenbushes operation. It’s yet another reminder of the stupendous scale and diversity of natural mineral wealth that the geology of our great state has to offer the world.

And finally a vote of thanks to Rob and the kind folk at Talison Lithium for their ongoing support of our Get Into Mining Camps. Talison have hosted 3 site visits to Greenbushes over the past year and a half, with the tour being a real highlight for the students. Talison also graciously accommodated 25 students at their Greenbushes mine operations camp for three chilly nights in July last year, which was a real eye opener for our students (the bain-marie alone may well be responsible for 25 new recruits to our industry ….). We’re looking forward to receiving Talison’s hospitality once again for our July 2026 camp – thank you for your ongoing support for this very important initiative.

Ticket sales close a week before the event, but don’t leave it until then in case it sells out and leaves you scratching at the windows to get in, which is quite tricky when it’s two floors up ….. and note it’s on a Wednesday, not the usual Thursday. Please don’t turn up the day after and wonder why it’s so quiet at Optus …..