The 2024 International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) is set to be the largest and most impactful in its history, according to event organisers.

This year’s event will feature an expanded program, bringing together global experts, CEOs, ministers and delegates from over 120 countries. Held at the ICC Sydney on October 29-31, it will showcase the most extensive exhibition of cutting-edge equipment and technology all under one roof, they say. More than 600 speakers, over 9,000 delegates and 20,000 sq.m of exhibition space are the big numbers slated for the event.

In a recent statement, IMARC Chief Operating Officer, Anita Richards, announced that approximately half of the 200 confirmed speakers at the three-day event are women. This, she says, reflects IMARC’s unwavering commitment to Balance for Better, an initiative dedicated to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the mining sector.

“Balance for Better not only highlights the remarkable impact and achievements of women in mining but also underscores the strides being made toward gender balance and the broader benefits of diversity, equity and inclusion,” she said. “We are proud to feature over 150 women in financial, technical, operational and leadership roles, delivering technical presentations, investor insights and keynote addresses. This diversity truly mirrors the evolving landscape of the mining and resources industry.”

IMARC remains Australia’s premier event for leading mining and resource executives, government officials and METS companies, event organisers say.

Richards emphasised that IMARC 2024 will continue its tradition of uniting global industry leaders, innovators and policymakers to tackle critical issues and seize opportunities within the mining and resources sector. “But it is also an essential platform for business,” she added. “IMARC provides Australian OEMs and METS companies with unparalleled opportunities to connect with global supply chain decision-makers. This year, we are also focusing on empowering the next generation of executives responsible for making pivotal investment decisions for their companies.”

Exciting new features at IMARC 2024

The expanded IMARC 2024 program includes several new “co-located” events and streams which will tackle global challenges around the commercial, planning and environmental barriers that are inhibiting the industry’s ability to meet the historic demand for the resources the world needs for a cleaner future.

The event’s central showcase, the Plenary Theatre, is sponsored by Newmont and will be an agenda-setting platform, where major initiatives, products and collaborations are unveiled. Author and business leader, Holly Ransom will serve as the Plenary MC for this year’s event.

Highlights of the plenary sessions this year include:

• Ministerial Addresses: Hon. Madeleine King MP, Australian Minister for Resources, and Hon. Courtney Houssos, NSW Minister for Finance, will deliver key government perspectives on the future of mining.
• Strategic Partnerships and Innovations: Tania Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, will discuss the importance of strategic partnerships and host a series of in-depth Executive Briefings featuring some of the industry’s most recognised global thought leaders;
• A continued focus on ESG and sustainability: Executives from Newmont and Fortescue will share insights on achieving real zero through investments and innovations; and
• Evolving boardroom discussions: Holly Ransom will moderate a keynote interview with industry leaders Jake Klein, Executive Chairman of Evolution Mining, and Leanne Heywood OAM, Non-Executive Director across a range of mining companies, on the top priorities for the sector.

The program

The conference program features sessions covering themes such as digital transformation, mining innovation, energy transition & decarbonisation, mine & project development, global opportunities and ESG collaboration.

The new Mine & Project Development stream will address accelerating project timelines and overcoming industry challenges like access to capital, mitigating project risk, delays and permitting hurdles. The Mining, Metals and the Circular Economy program will focus on the global context of circularity in the mining industry’s supply chain. Additionally, the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE), will host the AROSE Mining & Space @ IMARC program, which will examine the intersection of space exploration and mining innovation, highlighting requirements, capabilities, and collaborations between these two industries.

Notable sessions and speakers include:

• Digital Transformation: Mark O’Brien, General Manager – Digital Technology & Innovation (CIO) at CITIC Pacific Mining, will examine the myths and realities of AI in the mining industry;
• Mining Innovation: Flavia Tata Nardini, CEO and Co-Founder of Fleet Space, will explore the potential of space and AI in end-to-end exploration;
• Energy Transition & Decarbonisation: Sanjeev Gandhi, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Orica, will discuss how the company is managing their own energy transition while supporting its customers journey at the same time;
• Global Opportunities: Dinah McLeod, Director General of the Cobalt Institute, will address global and Australian market drivers of cobalt; and
• ESG Collaboration: Martijn Wilder AM, founder and CEO of Pollination and Chair of the National Reconstruction Fund, will discuss how mining can support a Nature Positive Future and how it should be measured.

Hosted annually by Beacon Events, IMARC convenes a distinguished group of speakers and industry experts, providing Australian companies with invaluable opportunities to network, showcase their products and services and drive business growth.