Each year, the WA Mining Club takes a select group of students across to Sydney to attend the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC). The students, who were part of the Scholarship Program for that year, are given opportunities to represent the WA Mining Club by speaking on panels, moderating panels and chairing sessions.
Initiatives like this aren’t possible without the support of sponsorship. We would like to thank the following sponsors:
Ches Power Group
Grounded Construction
R-Group International
Resource Super
WATM Equipment
Michael Dyer, winner of the 2025 Eddie Plume Award, summarised the trip to perfection. Here’s what Michael had to say on his LinkedIn page:
This year – “Trends in mining, investment and innovation towards a sustainable future” – had a lot to do with AI and how it is impacting our industry!
A threat to jobs? No! A pivotal technology to help us improve safety, productivity, innovation and find missed resources ready to propel society forward into the future!
DAY 2 – I joined a roundtable, the topic: “Practical Ways to Progress Inclusive Work Practices Effectively that Boost Innovation and Improve Employee Engagement and Retention”.
What an interesting chat! We are all diverse – age, gender, race, religion, background, employment history; it is ALL relevant in our vast industry.
Sometimes we get focused on metrics and targets, when outside of these rigid boundaries, there may be someone who fits your team perfectly and company culture better, but without the paper qualifications or skills – lets not let them slip through the cracks and open our eyes to a wider pool of talented individuals from all walks of life – this is the driver to unlocking a boost in innovation and key to improving employee retention in our diverse industry.
DAY 3 – I was lucky enough to chair a session on “Technology Adoption & Change” in the Convergio Digital Transformation Theatre.
Michael Burns (Rosebery Mine, MMG Limited) spoke about innovations in prediction monitoring and the role of AI in different ground support technologies and having a ‘design to stabilise’ mindset the deeper we go.
Keith Leslie (CSIRO) took a deep dive into Quantum sensors being used to improve resource discovery, diagnostics and navigation. Keith also detailed the brilliant work being performed through CSIRO’s Data61 program.
Brad Ysseldyk (Instantel) spoke about smart vibration and sound monitoring tech.
Then a panel discussion on “Changing Mindsets – From Winning at All Costs to Winning at All Levels”. A great discussion around how technology, culture, diversity, collaboration and common sense all drive growth, tech adoption and change in all aspects of our operations.
AI and other tech innovations are not here to replace us, they are yet another tool to carry with us. Embrace it – Use it wisely! Not only will it create safer more productive operations, but it will help us unlock discoveries and drive innovation in fields we haven’t even imagined.
A shout out to Sherene Asnasyous, Kimberly White and the team at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) for all the work you do backstage!
Thanks again to Brett Wing, Todd Livesley and the team at Resource Super for sponsoring this trip and Barry Upton, Joshua Brennan, Cassandra Brennan and the rest of the WA Mining Club for looking after us – Offering students the opportunity to connect with industry and be curious about what’s possible is invaluable to help shape the hashtagFutureLeaders of the hashtagminingindustry
