Australia’s mining future to be unleashed at AIMEX conference

Technological advancements, workforce changes, community collaborations and environmental challenges are just some of the concepts that will be grappled with when the future of Australia’s mining industry is unleashed at Australia’s largest and longest running mining exhibition and conference in August.

More than 6000 mining industry professionals and over 500 exhibitors are set to take over Sydney Showground across three days, from 27–29 August.

Speakers and key topics for the free-to-attend conference have been announced for Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) 2019 edition, and the line-up for the three-day event will provide visitors with an opportunity to hear from mining innovators and disruptors at the same venue where the technology is on show.

Sponsored by Davey Bickford Enaex, the AIMEX conference has been developed with direct input and consultation from key mining personnel and industry associations, as well as key mining companies.

On the opening day, a panel of speakers from across the mining spectrum will dissect the industry’s image and discuss ways that the mining sector and the community can work more collaboratively together in the future. Mach Energy’s Ngaire Baker, Mark Jacobs from Yancoal, Dr Kieren Moffat from CSIRO and Anna Littleboy from The University of Queensland will lead the discussion.

Baker, External Relations Manager for MACH Energy, said it is crucial that the mining sector demonstrate the value it can offer communities, especially in regional and rural areas.

“I’ve worked and lived in some of Australia’s most remote mines and mining towns, and towns such as Orange, Parkes and Singleton in NSW, and I have experienced first-hand just how vital it is for the mining industry to look after these communities and to do our jobs to the best of our ability so that both parties reap the benefits,” Baker said.

“The mining industry can bring so many benefits to regional areas, and to have the opportunity to discuss these very important issues with experts from all sides of the spectrum at the AIMEX conference is invaluable.

“I have been attending AIMEX since the mid-90s and I make every effort to connect with suppliers and learn about new technologies that will benefit the operation I am working in. To be able to attend the conference as part of AIMEX is invaluable; we are all time poor and this conference is a key part of the three days of AIMEX — it provides me with a rare opportunity to hear from visionaries, engage with my peers and challenge the current mindset.”

A highlight of Day Two will be the panel discussion on how the mining community can reinvent its approach to talent acquisition and retention for today’s agile, digital, mobile, analytical and technologically driven workforce.

Mining Leaders Group founder Brett Cunningham, Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden and Jamie Frankcombe, Whitehaven Coal’s Chief Operating Officer, will lead the thought-provoking discussion that will exchange ideas and share current thinking to prepare for tomorrow’s demands in areas such as recruiting, educating schools, upskilling and diversity.

Other highlights of the conference include Dr John Cronin’s presentation on using telepresence technologies for the safe deployment of wireless mesh networks and underground inspection robots in mines, as well as cross-industry learnings from the oil and gas industry that define and mitigate HMI risk with technology and analytics. The final day’s panel will look at adapting to climate change, emissions and what this looks like for the mining sector.

Embedded within the exhibition and conference, five of Australia’s biggest mining companies — Centennial Coal, Glencore, Mach Energy, Whitehaven Coal and Yancoal — will for the first time come together to create the AIMEX Mining Pavilion.

AIMEX Exhibition Director Brandon Ward said no other mining event gives access to this volume of suppliers and this calibre of speakers for free.

“AIMEX is about pushing boundaries and challenging operations and business to innovate — not just through technology but through workforce practices, social engagement and policy reform,” said Ward.

“This year’s AIMEX conference is our most extensive yet, which means mining professionals have a forum for open and transparent dialogue that will drive the sector forward.”

Attendance to AIMEX is free for both the exhibition and conference, with registrations now open. For a full overview of the AIMEX conference, including session topics and speakers plus a complete list of exhibitors, please visit the event website: aimex.com.au.