Our first Miners Mingle of the year was a full house—packed with energy, laughter, and sharp insights from some of the best minds in the business. What Will Thrive in ’25 wasn’t just a question, it was the theme of a lively panel discussion that brought together industry legends, curious professionals, and future leaders for an unforgettable evening.
With WA Mining Club regulars knowing the drill, the vibe was electric from the moment the doors opened. Our charismatic resident MC, Matty Michael from the Money of Mine podcast, kept the conversation rolling with wit and pace, leading a high-calibre panel that didn’t hold back.
What’s out, what’s in, and what’s coming next?
John Welborn, Executive Chair of Fenix Resources, gave a sharp update on the state of iron ore—from the looming presence of Simandou in Guinea to the resilience of the Pilbara. While Simandou is often billed as a “Pilbara killer,” John offered a more grounded view. Yes, it’s a significant development with strong Chinese backing, but the sheer scale, infrastructure challenges, and long timelines mean WA’s iron ore sector remains well-positioned.
He also highlighted Fenix’s nimble business model—a lean, low-cost operation focused on high-margin, direct shipping ore from WA’s Mid West. In contrast to the mega miners, Fenix is agile, quick to adapt, and built for sustained profitability even in volatile markets. It was a strong reminder that innovation, efficiency, and strategic focus can thrive—regardless of global noise.
Then came Sean Russo, Principal & Managing Director at Noah’s Rule, with a masterclass on gold. He unpacked the drivers behind the current record-breaking gold prices and offered a look ahead into the risks, strategies, and surprises likely to shape the next 12 months. His perspective on hedging, market volatility, and financial discipline was both sobering and inspiring.
The Verdict?
The mining sector is in for a ride—and those who stay curious, adaptable, and strategic will come out on top. Themes of innovation, financial discipline, global market shifts, and geopolitical risk dominated the discussion, all delivered with a good dose of banter between Sean, John, and Matty that had the crowd laughing as much as learning.
Thanks to all who joined us for this sold-out event, and especially to our speakers for bringing their A-game. What Will Thrive in ’25 set the tone for what promises to be a big year for the WA Mining Club’s Young Professionals and broader community.
Keep your eyes on the calendar—our next event is just around the corner.
