Tag Archives: AusIMM

Building trust, improving transparency key mining sector focus areas, IMARC panel says

Communications in mining, Environmental, Mining events, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , ,

On the final day of The International Mining and Resources Conference and Expo (IMARC) 2024, in Sydney, Australia, industry leaders turned the focus on building public trust and improving transparency.

A panel exploring ‘How to Improve the Public’s Perception of the Mining Industry’ discussed practical steps for mining companies to strengthen accountability and better connect with communities, spotlighting the sector’s key role in Australia’s sustainable future.

Caoilin Chestnutt, Head of Corporate Technical Services at Thiess, spoke about the importance of addressing past challenges while meeting today’s higher standards for ESG and net-zero goals.

“As a mining industry, we’re tackling legacy issues,” she said. “We didn’t always get it right, and it takes a long, long time to rectify those things.”

To build trust, Chestnutt noted that listening to community needs is essential, sharing an example in which her team set up an education program for a community but soon found that more immediate needs, like access to clean water and sanitation, were a priority.

She explained: “If you can invest in sustainable, diverse economies that run in parallel, so that’s sustained long after the resources in the ground are depleted, then you really leave a legacy behind, and to me, that is what this net positive is all about.”

Panellists also agreed that transparency is also vital in this space.

Helen Degeling, Manager of ReMine Plus at Cobalt Blue, pointed out that while the industry has often kept information private to protect intellectual property, this approach needs to shift to demonstrate its commitment to responsible practices and sustainable development.

“Transparency is a cornerstone of public trust,” she said. “For too long, the mining industry has kept certain operations confidential but to build trust, we need to be more open about what we’re doing and why.”

Steph Byrom, General Manager of Decarbonisation at Loop Decarbonisation Solutions, highlighted the importance of social licence, describing a project that ended in “community revolt”, because they weren’t included from the beginning.

“We ended up with 1,500 complaints a year compared to our neighbouring mine which had 17 that year because we did not include community impact in the mine plan,” Byrom said. “I mean how simple is that to do? It’s almost like you can get more tonnes out if you get people on side. This is not a one or the other.”

Byrom also addressed the value of fostering a diverse workforce to change public perception – beyond crucial gender diversity.

“How do we include local communities, people of colour, diverse backgrounds, not just women?”

Looking to the future, the panel stressed the importance of engaging younger generations too.

Chestnutt urged the industry to bring these conversations into schools and homes, saying, “we need to take these conversations out of our boardrooms and meeting rooms and into our living rooms and into the schools.”

Michelle Lawson, Non-Executive Director of AusIMM, added: “How we communicate our values and our achievements plays a significant role in building trust and accountability. As we look ahead, the voices of emerging professionals are critical in shaping the future of mining.”

ICMM welcomes AusIMM as 40th association member

Careers in mining, Mining events, Mining industry recognition, Mining services, , , , ,

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has welcomed the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) as a new association member.

Founded in 1893 and celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, AusIMM is a member-based, professional association leading the way for people working in the resources sector.

Representing 15,000 members in 100 countries, AusIMM showcases leadership, upholds industry standards, creates communities, and shapes careers through world-class professional development including online courses, technical conferences and thought leadership events, AusIMM says.

Rohitesh Dhawan, CEO and President, ICMM, speaking at the World Mining Congress, said: “We are delighted to welcome AusIMM as our newest association member. We’ve a very positive history of working collaboratively with AusIMM to promote leading practice on environment, social and governance issues in our industry. I’m looking forward to building on this partnership even further as we co-develop the tools needed to help industry professionals continue to responsibly produce the critical minerals and metals required across the globe.

“This cements an already strong and collaborative relationship between our organisations. This will enable us to share insights and drive leading practice to make our industry safer and more sustainable.”

Stephen Durkin, CEO, AusIMM, also speaking at the World Mining Congress, said: “Both the ICMM and AusIMM are committed to responsible resource development. The AusIMM’s expertise in sustainable mining practice and professional education courses such as in ESG & Social Responsibility will be enhanced by working more closely with ICMM. For example, our upcoming new Professional Certificate on Integrated Mine Closure will be based on ICMM’s Good Practice Guide.”

AusIMM has become ICMM’s 40th association member, joining 25 company members, which represent one third of the global metals and mining, and 39 associations that represent different commodities, national jurisdictions and professional groups.

IMARC 2022 to tackle the mining sector’s gender divide

Careers in mining, Mining events, Mining industry recognition, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Closing the gender gap in mining is not only a matter of equity, it also makes business sense, according to five Australian experts who will be addressing the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney in November.

As a whole, the mining industry is trying to address the under-representation of women in mining. Statistics highlighted by WIMnet (Women in Mining) NSW shows that women make up less than 20% of the mining workforce. Unfortunately, at an executive level it gets worse, with 6.7% of mining CEOs being female, compared with the national average of 19.4%.

IMARC organises say it will shine a light on the incredible contribution women bring to the mining industry, hosting a three-day event that will feature 111 female speakers.

Reflecting on the gender transformation sweeping the industry, Chair of WIMnet NSW, Lucy McClean, believes opening the door to more women represents an enormous opportunity for the industry to capitialise on the proven benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce.

“The statistics are very clear, and they tell us that workplace diversity creates more inclusive supporting work environments, enhances teamwork, makes us more effective in service delivery as well as increasing productivity,” she says.

MinterEllison Partner and Head of Perth’s Workplace Law team, Kathy Reid, says: “We need to increase the presence of women in mining, but the industry is facing significant challenges and there’s not one easy answer. Improving mining for women will require significant and consistent cultural shifts across the industry but getting there will be difficult.”

Reid refers to this issue as the chicken and the egg conundrum: “You can’t really make women feel more comfortable in the mining industry until you’ve got greater numbers, but you can’t get greater numbers unless you make them feel more comfortable.”

METS Ignited General Manager, Kylah Morrison, agrees some great strides have been made to make mining more appealing to women, highlighting the power of leveraging tech and innovation.

“Equipment manufacturers are leading the way by breaking down barriers to entry, from simple things like hi-vis gear that is made for women, to major capital investments in heavy equipment,” she said. “Rather than the traditional burly bloke on the frontline, maybe it’s a remotely managed machine, which adds even more to the potential inclusiveness of mining.”

“Inclusivity is important, and that’s where innovation and technology is really exciting because it does make it more of an even playing field.”

AusIMM Independent Consultant, Giulia Savio, says it is clear the mining industry recognises the need to make the workplace more inviting for women, not just by moving away from a “male-only” culture, but by using innovation to create new opportunities in rewarding, highly paid and long-term careers.

However, Savio says the trend within the industry is positive, and applauds the fact that IMARC 2022 is taking a strong focus on the development of female leadership in the sector, and will feature record numbers of female delegates, speakers and panellists.

“We’re not there yet,” she says. “To have true diversity and to realise the value of that diversity, you need inclusivity. In order to improve the industry, leaders need to look at making the sector more friendly and inviting for all. This might mean greater diversity in teams, equipment that can be used by someone with a disability, or more opportunities for flexibility in office based or site-based roles.”

Agnico Eagle Vice President of Corporate Affairs in Australia, John Landmark, echoes this sentiment, outlining the need to tap into a far broader spectrum of talent to shift the idea of the industry being male dominated to being an industry that is in touch with society’s expectations.

“We’ve got to change this, and we’ve got to get this right,” Landmark said. “We must make the workplace more attractive for women and society as a whole.

“I am so excited that these challenges are such a major focus at IMARC and gives us an opportunity to improve the industry for everyone. The ideal workplace is where everyone can be themselves and contribute to the team environment – people of all diverse backgrounds and makeups.

“Frankly, if you make the industry more attractive to women, you improve the industry for all.”

IMARC, organisers say, is the most significant in-person gathering of Australian and international mining and resources representatives in almost three years and is a key forum to addressing the most challenging issues facing the industry. The conference will be held November 2-4 at the Sydney International Convention Centre and will feature over 450 speakers across six concurrent conferences covering the energy transition, rising costs, skills shortages, diversity within the resources sector and more.

International Mining is a media sponsor of IMARC 2022

AusIMM and METS Ignited look to improve METS sector productivity, competitiveness

Automation, Careers in mining, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining industry recognition, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , , , ,

AusIMM has announced a new partnership with industry-led, Australian government-funded industry growth centre, METS Ignited, to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the mining equipment and technology and services (METS) sector.

AusIMM will work with METS Ignited to build recognition of innovation in the resources sector and highlight a shared vision of industry growth, it said.

AusIMM CEO, Stephen Durkin, welcomed the collaboration between two major representative bodies in the Australian resources sector.

“With over 300,000 people directly employed by the METS sector in Australia alone, this workforce is at the forefront of Australia’s contribution to the global mining industry,” he said. “This partnership ensures that AusIMM can support the careers of professionals working in the METS sector, providing them with the leadership and development necessary to sustain a booming national industry.”

As part of the partnership, METS Ignited CEO, Adrian Beer, will feature as a panellist during AusIMM’s Thought Leadership Series.

Beer said: “METS Ignited welcomes the formal partnership between our Industry Growth Centre and AusIMM to deliver greater collaborative opportunities between the resources sector and Australia’s leading tech innovators from the METS sector.

“The AusIMM Thought Leadership Series provides a significant platform to promote the technology and innovation coming out of the sector that addresses our future industry needs, such as low emissions technology, social and environmental responsibility, the future skills for our resources workforce, and capitalising upon the emerging critical minerals demand.”

Byrnecut partners with AusIMM to support, mentor and up-skill workforce

Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining industry recognition, Mining people, Mining services, , , , ,

AusIMM says it has officially launched a three-year major partnership with renowned underground mining contractor Byrnecut.

Introduced as part of AusIMM’s Underground Operators Conference in Perth, Western Australia, which hosts an audience of 1,200 mining representatives and professionals, the partnership will focus on supporting, mentoring and up-skilling Byrnecut professionals, as well as engaging in prominent diversity and inclusion initiatives for the industry, AusIMM said.

Byrnecut Mining, established in 1987, has developed a reputation for professionalism and reliability, growing to employ thousands of people and operate a multimillion-dollar fleet of specialised underground mining equipment, it said.

AusIMM CEO, Stephen Durkin (left), welcomed the opportunity to combine efforts with Byrnecut to better support mining professionals as their careers grow.

“In taking a consolidated approach through our partnership with Byrnecut, we are excited to rollout a well-planned and strategic series of initiatives to provide greater advantage, impact and value for professionals at Byrnecut and the wider industry,” Durkin said.

Byrnecut Group Executive Chairman, Steve Coughlan (right), said that the organisation was looking forward to using their extensive experience and knowledge of the sector to work with AusIMM in supporting, mentoring and up-skilling their workforce.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Australia’s peak body for the resources sector,” Coughlan said. “Building long lasting relationships with our employees and our partners is a key part of our culture and Byrnecut are looking forward to working with AusIMM over the next three years.”

From compliance to commitment: a key opportunity for the global mining industry

Automation, Communications in mining, IoT, Mining events, Mining people, Mining safety, Mining software, , , , , ,

In the lead up to the AusIMM Underground Operators Conference in March, Roy Slack, immediate past President of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) and Underground Operators keynote speaker, has shared his insights on the future of underground mining and the positive impact technology can have on safety.

With 35 years of global experience in mine construction, design and development, Slack is passionate about securing the mining industry’s place as a global leader for change.

“Our industry is on a journey from compliance to commitment,” he said. “From a state where we strive to just meet regulatory requirements, to a place where we meet and far surpass those requirements – not because we are legally required to do so, but because it is a moral imperative.”

Slack discusses how young professionals have an exciting opportunity to build the future of underground mining.

“Today’s youth are entering the industry, or have the opportunity to enter our industry, at a time of great change,” he said. “Change in technology, change in how we deal with people, change in the overall business model that is mining.”

As the mining industry rapidly transforms with new technologies and exciting innovations, Slack believes the whole sector needs to get on board with a fresh way of thinking.

“We need people that thrive on change, that embrace and know what to do with it.”

After such a challenging year, Slack is confident in the resiliency of the mining industry.

“What we continue to see during this pandemic is our industry recognised as an essential service, and mining companies taking the lead when it comes to establishing protocols to protect their people from the virus,” he said.

The industry’s reaction to COVID-19 displayed its agility in adjusting to circumstances, Slack says.

“Productivity did not suffer, and employees were able to better deal with work and home needs.”

Slack has been active in numerous safety initiatives over the years, as well as being appointed to the Province of Ontario’s first Prevention Council, advising the government on workplace safety. He also chairs the CIM Safety Committee.

He says new technologies will create a real sense of support and safety in the workplace for all professionals.

“I am excited about the huge potential of emerging technologies to make our workplaces not just safer, but safe,” he said. “Technology has always been an important part of safety, but the more recent applications of the technology available to us add a whole new perspective on our journey to zero injuries.”

Slack looks forward to the positive and safer benefits technology can create for on-site workers, with the pandemic in some cases speeding up the implementation of automation, remote operations and more.

Ultimately, Slack sees best practice in safety as a three-part equation: “Process, culture and technology; together protecting our people and ultimately achieving a safe workplace,” he said.

AusIMM’s Underground Operators Conference will be held from March 15-17, 2021, via a hybrid format, which offers an opportunity for delegates to attend face-to-face in Perth, Australia or online.

Find out more at https://www.ausimm.com/conferences-and-events/underground-operators

International Mining is a media sponsor of the event

AusIMM signs MoU with Global Mining Association of China

Base metals, Careers in mining, Energy minerals, Gem stone mining, High tech minerals, Industrial minerals, Mining events, Mining policy, Mining services, Mining techniques, Precious metals, Steel and iron ore, Water management, , , ,

The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Global Mining Association of China (GMAC).

The MoU, signed at the China Mining Conference and Exhibition 2018, is a landmark development for Chinese resources professionals, AusIMM said, providing them with access to Australian professional development and mining credentials.

With a focus on enhancing excellence in the resources industry, the MoU will give members of both organisations opportunities for networking, access to key industry events as well as world-class seminars and training.

AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin (pictured) said the MoU showcased the international collaboration taking place in the mining industry when it came to best practice.

“Sharing knowledge and professional development opportunities is core business for the AusIMM,” Durkin said. “Ensuring that the workforce of the future across Australasia is equipped with the resources and tools to be adequately credentialed and educated by Australian standards brings enormous opportunities for national and international investment as well as for professionals.”

AusIMM was formed in 1893 and is a leading organisation representing more than 65,000 resources sector professionals in the Australasian region (including New Zealand), across industry, government and academia.

GMAC is the representative body for both companies and individuals within the international mining community in China. GMAC’s main goals focus on advocacy, networking, representation and support of its members in the international mining community in China.