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Australia and Canada ‘coopertition’ to be highlighted at IMARC

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Australia and Canada have a lot in common when it comes to mining and resources and are critical to the industry’s global transformation. While both countries are mining super-powers in their own right and are supplying a significant percentage of the resources needed for the global energy transition, they are also using their leadership to guide the global industry’s transition to a sustainable future, according to the organisers of IMARC.

Australia and Canada are recognised as the two largest exploration destinations in dollar value terms, with stock exchanges that reflect the enormous contribution mining and resources makes to each economy.

Similarly, both countries offer substantial and relatively untapped resources, conducive investment environments, supportive governments and well-established plans for the development of the critical minerals needed for the global energy transition.

Because both have a long history of operating in complex environmental and social contexts, they also have extensive experience in sustainable practices and meaningful engagement with First Nations and local communities.

Leading the transformation

This strong shared focus on ESG principles and commitment to contemporary mining practices have seen Canada and Australia emerge in the past decade as key leaders in the global industry’s response to the challenges facing mining globally.

Carl Weatherell, CEO of the Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC), says the leadership of the mature mining countries such as Canada and Australia are critical to achieving the mining industry’s global environmental goals.

“In order to reduce the mining industry’s energy use, water use and environmental footprint by 50% by 2027, the major players have not only an opportunity but a responsibility to work together on innovations that reduce waste, lower costs and mitigate environmental impacts across all aspects of exploration and development,” he says.

“Canada and Australia are global leaders in the mining industry with decades of experience and innovation behind them, so they have a natural role in leading mining’s transformation to a more responsive, sustainable and resilient industry.

“It’s incumbent on the two countries and their companies to work together to redefine and rethink the future of the industry in terms of in terms of how we collaborate, who we collaborate with and what we work together on.

“Coopertition”

Weatherell says while the global mining industry is competitive by nature, it also has a shared destiny, and, by necessity, has pursued active collaboration on shared challenges, particularly around decarbonisation.

“We call this ‘coopertition’ and it is one of the reasons events like IMARC are so important when it comes to pursuing these shared goals.”

He believes Canadian and Australian mining operators and innovators have long understood the need for a cooperative effort toward a more efficient, sustainable industry, recognising these goals can only be achieved if all stakeholders sign up to a clear vision for the future and work towards it together.

“The mining and resources industries in Canada and Australia are leading the way when it comes to embracing the decarbonisation challenge and lending their expertise and experience to countries where they invest,” he said.

“As we like to say, net zero is easy; zero is hard. But through exporting their leadership and best practice globally, Australia and Canada are playing a key role in meeting the challenge.”

The same, but different

From an investor perspective, Canada and Australia are considered low-risk jurisdictions, with policies and regulatory settings that welcome, encourage and incentivise exploration and development, particularly of the resources needed to fuel the global energy transition.

Both countries share a similar legal heritage, providing a level of comfort when it comes to assessing risk and a pragmatic approach to managing the energy transition.

Principal and Founder of BRIDGE©, Siri C. Genik, says while both are young countries who offer investors stable jurisdictions, strong legal frameworks and respect for the rule of law, there are also differences which can impact on the risk appetite for investors.

Genik said: “We certainly see a consistent approach to issues such as health and safety, environmental and stakeholder management, EDI, governance and more broadly sustainability. Both countries demonstrate best practices in respect of human rights and a commitment to managing the industry’s carbon footprint.

“There are common core values and opportunities for greater investment, but there are differences between both countries, including permitting processes and timelines, and different risk appetites and investment approaches.”

She says Australian companies – from mine operators to exploration and METS companies – are looking to Canada as a key source of the critical minerals needed for a renewable future such as copper, nickel, lithium and graphite.

One such company is the Andrew Forrest-backed Wyloo Metals, which is expanding its operations in Canada with a focus on nickel and copper.

Wyloo Metals CEO, Luca Giacovazzi, says the company’s investments, particularly in the establishment of a Future Metals Hub in Ontario, underscore his belief in Canada’s long-term potential to be a globally relevant producer of reliable and responsibly sourced battery metals.

“Canada has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish itself as a major player in the new economy,” Giacovazzi said. “Our proposed Future Metals Hub provides the cornerstone for a globally relevant battery material supply chain in Canada, while creating economic opportunities for local communities to thrive.”

But according to Genik, while investment in Canada is at healthy levels, fewer Canadian companies have been investing in projects in Australia. She said this may be a reflection of a global mining and resources industry in transition, with older investment paradigms being challenged and new alliances being formed, particularly around resource supply resilience.

Despite this, she said the shift in globalisation also represents opportunities for Canadian and Australian companies.

She said: “There are new relationships and alliances being formed as nations are increasingly wanting to stand on their own and – to the extent they can – be more self-reliant and work with partners with shared values.

“It’s not just the Russia-Ukraine situation that is driving this, but you’re also seeing similar trends across Asia and South America, creating new opportunities for investment for countries like Canada and Australia.

“As the EU is striving to ensure increased sustainable value chains for all products being included in the goods they manufacture, it has been an important game changer. They have adopted a number of very stringent sustainability requirements and regulations that all players in the industry will need to meet if they want their products to be included in products manufactured or assembled in the EU.

“Other nations are striving to also meet these requirements, and again, Australian and Canadian companies can talk to.

“The appetite is still there, the investors continue to seek a return on their investment, but not at any cost, and not always seeking instant gratification. Markets are much more fickle today and more complex, with geopolitics creating challenging dynamics for investors. We are seeing investor expectations go beyond the value of the asset and focussing on a wholistic approach to the company. Investors want to make sure that they’re understanding and including these non-technical risks and that they understand what impact and purpose is.

“The opportunity for Canada and Australia is to continue to position themselves as sustainable leaders to be successful in this era of shifting and transition.”

Canada comes to IMARC 2023 in Sydney

Canada will continue its long association with the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) being held in Sydney, Australia this year with a delegation promoting the country’s vision to be the leading mining nation in the 21st century.

The delegation promises to be the largest ever and includes Canadian companies showcasing their products and services to the global mining and resources market, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, and a team from Global Affairs Canada promoting investment opportunities for companies to establish or expand their operations in Canada.

Senior Investment Officer at Global Affairs Canada, Bertrand Raoult, said Canada provides a highly competitive value proposition for investors.

Raoult said: “Canada is a global mining leader, producing over 60 minerals and metals and home to advanced exploration projects for lithium, rare earths and other critical minerals the world needs for a cleaner future. We have strong mineral exploration, mining and mineral processing sectors and these are attracting downstream manufacturing, as we are moving toward vertically integrated supply chains.”

Raoult said Canada is one of the most mining-friendly jurisdictions in the world and supports the sector through generous programs and incentives, competitive tax policies, a rich innovation ecosystem and Free-Trade agreements that give investors access to more than 50 markets.

“But it is perhaps our environmental, social and governance expertise that truly sets Canada apart from competitors,” Raoult said. “Thanks to generous programs, our minerals and metals sector industry is adopting clean and cutting-edge technologies to make mining and processing greener, safer, smarter and more efficient.

“As a result, Canada has one of the lowest ESG risks across global mining projects on average performing particularly well in categories such as water usage, community engagement, conservation and governance.”

The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy highlights the importance of mining and resources to the nation’s global competitiveness and prosperity. The industry accounts for 626,000 direct and indirect jobs and is the largest employer for Indigenous Peoples and 19% of Canada’s total domestic exports, and approximately $47 billion in mineral production come from mines and quarries across all regions.

Raoult said: “Canada’s vision is to responsibly develop its geological resources, including critical minerals, advance the participation of indigenous peoples, ensure sustainable mining and rehabilitation practices, drive world-leading innovation, build community support for sustainable mineral development and attract underrepresented groups to this high-tech sector that is key to a green economy.”

The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) is returning to the ICC Sydney from October 31-November 2, 2023. International Mining is a media sponsor of the event and will be attending.

Australian skills shortage on the agenda at IMARC

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Leaders from the resources sector are aiming to address the chronic and systemic skills shortage facing the Australian mining industry at November’s International Mining and Resources Conference & Expo (IMARC), in Sydney, Australia, the event organisers say.

The Federal Government’s jobs and skills summit will this week work towards addressing Australia’s overall labour shortage but solving that complex crisis within mining will require urgent industry-wide collaboration, according to the leaders.

Over 250,000 people are employed across the mining value chain, making it one of the largest employment industries in the country.

Australia leads the world in exploration and extraction and there is absolutely no reason why it cannot lead in new recruitment strategies as well, the leaders say.

Among those taking part in the IMARC conference is Debbie Smith, National Mining Leader of PWC Australia, who says there is a lot more governments could do to diversify towns like Gladstone, in Queensland, to make them more than just mining towns. This will help attract long-term residents to these areas who are looking to escape the expensive capital cities.

“COVID-19 has had a lot of people assessing work life balance and the importance of family,” Smith said. “We learnt how much can be done from people’s home and there is no reason why those homes cannot be in regional Australia.”

With businesses across Australia currently experiencing financial pressure associated with inflation, supply chain disruptions and the after-effects of border closures, radical reform is required.

Ian Wells, Chief Financial Officer at Fortescue Metals Group, who will also be speaking at IMARC, says due to the tight labour market in Australia, coupled with difficulties in accessing international workers, the industry as a whole is struggling to attract and retain workers.
Fortescue has invested heavily in local talent, including through the Billion Opportunities program which has invested over A$4 billion ($2.7 billion) into Aboriginal businesses since 2011.

Wells says “when the mining industry is strong, all Australians benefit”, with the Western Australian resources sector contributing A$100 billion directly to the national economy in financial year 2022-21.

“The mining sector is a great place to work with many opportunities, and, while our sector is committed to training and developing Australians to be part of the workforce of the future, current acute skills shortages means we must look beyond our borders for additional workers,” he said.

“As an industry, we must and can do more to build on our commitment to developing a diverse workforce that is reflective of society and to foster a workplace culture that truly embraces diversity and inclusiveness. We believe that diversity has been key to our success and we remain strongly committed to increasing female and Aboriginal employment across the business.”

IMARC’s Director of Conference Content & Strategy, Sherene Asnasyous, says the forum in November will provide a crucial platform for conversations about the next steps towards an essential increase in recruitment and retention across the industry.

“IMARC will allow global leaders and emerging game-changers from the entire mining value chain the unique opportunity to come together under one roof and tackle not only the skills shortage but other urgent challenges facing the industry right now including the energy transition, rising costs, social performance and diversity within the resources sector,” she said.

With over 450 speakers across six concurrent conferences covering global opportunities, industry collaboration, the energy transition, investment, innovation and more, IMARC is the most significant in-person gathering of Australian and international mining and resources representatives in almost three years, the organisers says. It will be held on November 2-4 at the Sydney International Convention Centre.

International Mining is a media sponsor of IMARC

IMARC ready to welcome a record number of delegates

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The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) is set to host more than 7,500 attendees from over 100 countries at Sydney’s International Convention Centre from November 2-4, in what is likely to be a record in terms of the number of delegates.

The conference, the largest of its kind in Australia, will provide an opportunity for domestic and international industry leaders to engage, learn, network and most importantly, do business, while addressing the energy transition, rising costs, skills shortages, social performance and diversity within the resources sector, event organisers say.

The event will be held under the one roof across a massive 17,000 sq.m in the new Sydney location.

IMARC Managing Director, Anita Richards, said the response to this year’s event had been overwhelming.

“We’re welcoming a record number of delegates this year, representing 800 mining companies, and with IMARC exhibitors increasing by 85% since 2019, we’ve had to expand the expo floor by 40%,” she said. “The program will see over 450 speakers across six concurrent conferences covering global opportunities, industry collaboration, the energy transition, investment, innovation and more.”

A key theme this year is innovation and technology, with both local start-ups and leading global brands showcasing their latest products and services across automation, communication, safety and sustainability, to create better, faster, safer, and more profitable operations, the organisers say.

“This industry has seen so much change since the last in-person IMARC event, but this November global delegates will finally have the opportunity to connect face-to-face in Sydney, build relationships, forge partnerships and do business,” Richards said.

The mining industry is facing more challenges than ever before, including supply chain volatility, workforce shortages, the rising cost of business, the pressures of ESG, navigating the energy transition and growing social and investor expectations. IMARC, the organisers say, is a key forum that addresses these issues by gathering a wide cross-section of the mining value chain to share learnings, insights and help each other navigate pathways to a sustainable and prosperous future whether in exploration and investment, operational transformation, workforce growth or community engagement.

For example, IMARC’s Balance for Better, Next Gen programs and First Nations partnership initiatives aim to set the tone for a more diverse future for the sector, encouraging attendance from more Indigenous delegates, providing opportunities for young people, and championing equality, with women in leadership positions, community roles, and engineering a key focus across the program.

International Mining is a media sponsor of IMARC 2022

Innovators and disruptors heading to AIMEX 2019

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Technological advancements, workforce changes, community collaborations and environmental challenges are just some of the concepts that will be discussed at Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) 2019 edition, in August.

Focused on the future of Australia’s mining industry, AIMEX is the country’s largest and longest running mining exhibition and conference, according to organisers.

Speakers and key topics of the free-to-attend conference have been announced, with the line-up for the three-day event set to provide visitors with a “unique opportunity to hear from mining innovators and disruptors at the same venue where the technology is on show”, the organisers said.

Sponsored by Davey Bickford Enaex, the AIMEX conference has been developed with direct input and consultation from key mining personnel, 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 the CSIRO and Anna Littleboy from the University of Queensland will lead the discussion.

Ngaire Baker, External Relations Manager for MACH Energy, said it is crucial the mining sector demonstrates 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, combined with towns such as Orange, Parkes and Singleton, in New South Wales; 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, organisers say, 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, CEO of Weld Australia, 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.

The organisers said: “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, cross-industry learnings from the oil & gas industry that define and mitigate HMI risk with technology and analytics, and the final day panel which looks at adapting to climate change, emissions and what does this look like for the mining sector?”

More than 6,000 mining industry professionals and over 500 exhibitors are expected to take over Sydney’s Showgrounds across three days from August 27-29 .

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 you 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,” Ward said.

“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 on the AIMEX Conference including session topics and speakers, plus a complete list of exhibitors, visit the event website aimex.com.au.

International Mining is a media partner of AIMEX.

AIMEX back with a bang in 2019

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As the Australia Federal Election campaign continues to see all sides of politics weighing in on where they see the future of mining heading in the country, the industry is gearing up for one of Australia’s largest and longest running mining exhibitions and conferences.

Registrations for Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) 2019 edition are now open with more than 6,000 mining industry professionals and an additional 2,000 exhibitor personnel set to take over Sydney’s Showgrounds across three days from the 27-29 August, according to AIMEX organisers.

More than 500 exhibitors are expected with the likes of Contitech, ESS Engineering Services, Alfagomma, Cummins, Hitachi and Volkswagen signing up for the exhibition, they said.

One of those exhibitors is global technology leader Cummins. Cummins South Pacific Director of Mining, Oil and Gas Business, Steve Cummins, said Cummins’ involvement in AIMEX during its own 100th anniversary year is very important and it is proud to be involved in the exhibition as a major player in the mining industry around the world.

“A pioneer in power systems technology for 100 years, Cummins has the total power solution for the mining industry – high horsepower Quantum engines to ensure lowest cost-per-tonne, CustomPaks for mine dewatering, and power generation systems ranging from single gensets to turn-key power stations,” Cummins said.

“At AIMEX 2019, Cummins will introduce its innovative HSK78G gas generator series, a completely new design from the skid up providing reliable power regardless of the natural gas source or climate.”

For the second year, a free-to-attend multi-stream mining conference will be embedded within the exhibition providing visitors with a “unique opportunity to hear from mining innovators and disruptors at the same venue where the technology is on show”, the organisers said.

The AIMEX Conference organised by Davey Bickford Enaex, will focus on key themes surrounding the changing of mindsets and how to survive the impact of future technological, social and environmental changes. The conference will also look at the rise of automation and robotics and the use of AR and VR to enhance safety training for staff amongst other topics.

In a first for AIMEX, five of Australia’s biggest mining companies will also come together to create the AIMEX Mining Pavilion. Centennial Coal, Glencore, Mach Energy and Whitehaven Coal will join Yancoal Australia to outline their own enterprises, connect with suppliers and drive their own recruitment strategies.

Centennial Coal’s Executive General Manager Approvals, Sustainability & Corporate Communications, Katie Brassil, said involvement in the AIMEX Mining Pavilion allows the company to promote its initiatives and engage with industry and suppliers more broadly.

“We think it is a perfect opportunity for us to tell our story, not just our story in terms of Centennial and what we do and that we are loud and proud coal miners, but also the story of our communities and our most valuable assets our workforce,” Brassil said.

“Our people look forward to AIMEX. As a company, we encourage and promote innovation and more recently have been on a digital transformation journey. AIMEX provides a fantastic opportunity for our people to experience the latest products and equipment up close and to network with suppliers and industry peers.”

AIMEX Event Director, Brandon Ward, said the newly launched Mining Pavilion along with the conference component of AIMEX adds significant weight to encourage mining professionals to attend the biennial event this year.

“AIMEX is the most important mining industry event in 2019.  During these changing times it is vital that AIMEX provides a platform for suppliers to showcase their latest innovations and to give the industry a chance to come together, explore new technologies and embrace the wider mining family,” Ward said.

“We are delighted to welcome five mining companies onboard this year as part of our first AIMEX Mining Pavilion and excited to bring together our second free to attend conference which will again give attendees the chance to hear from industry experts and challenge them on what the future holds for the sector.

“Every two years, delegates from across the globe continue to make Sydney and AIMEX their home for three days in Sydney in August, and this year’s event is certainly one to lock into your diary now.”

Registrations for AIMEX are now open with full details of topics and speakers for the conference to be announced once they are confirmed. To register and keep up to date with conference news visit aimex.com.au.

International Mining is a media sponsor of AIMEX 2019