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President’s message – ensuring a vibrant industry

President’s message – ensuring a vibrant industry

It is extremely pleasing to see a level of positivity return to the mining industry over the past few months.

There is no doubt there are still many doing it tough, but we do appear to be turning the corner, with the investment specialists reporting a shift in the risk profile of mining investment and an increase in IPO activity and merger and acquisition activity expected throughout the year.

Of course, there are still many challenges ahead. However, it is by working through these challenges together we can find a better way of doing things and we become stronger as an industry.

While the market challenges and risks differ between commodities there are many pressing issues common across industry, that we will be dealing with again in 2017.

Digital Transformation – operational efficiency will remain a key driver for the industry this year, and technology set to drive the next round of operational efficiencies. However, that comes at a human capital cost. This is not just a mining issue. Educators are leading the discussion on how we are map jobs for the future and our industry should be at the part of this debate.

Innovation – the mining industry continues to prosper through innovation. By observing what other countries and industries we can continue to learn from them and adapt in our industry.

Leadership – Managing organisational changes created by digital transformation and innovation has become a significant leadership consideration.

Stakeholder Engagement – the basic DNA of why and how organisations engage with stakeholders has fundamentally changed. Companies are increasingly using storytelling and content to engage with their stakeholders. Instead of using advertising, one -way communications and slogans, we have started to appreciate the importance of an ongoing conversation. These conversations are driven by authenticity, social purpose and an understanding of local.

Collaboration – is increasingly part of industry discourse, particularly in terms of innovation and knowledge transfer across industries.

Being a member of the WA Mining Club provides the very best opportunity to meet industry professionals and discuss topical issues, challenges and innovations with others across the spectrum of the Western Australian mining industry.

What you can expect in 2017

We have another great line up of speakers for our monthly lunches for the coming year, regularly attended by more 300 guests, all eager to listen, talk and share information about their experiences with their industry peers.

Last year we introduced our Education Series, and delivered three outstanding sessions, focusing on:

  • Productivity & Innovation – industry initiatives and success
  • Risk Security and Communication: managing in an everchanging world
  • Financing Strategies For The Market Turn

These sessions encouraged open conversations between leading industry commentators and our members.

In 2017, we will be exploring topics including:

  • Lessons from the corporate battlefield
  • Operational excellence – a reality check
  • Maintaining ‘Standards’ across global operations

If you are not already a member of the WA Mining Club I encourage you to join our club and be an exceptional year for the Club and its members. Please speak with Craig Hook or any of the WA Mining Club committee members.

Wishing you all a prosperous 2017.

WA Mining Club President
Kirsty Danby