October 17, 2024 - The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), now in its 11th year, is seen by industry leaders as one of the world’s most important forums for shaping critical discussions and driving innovation across the global resources sector, event organisers say.

Michelle Ash, Vice President Growth at BHP, says IMARC has successfully positioned itself over the last decade as the premier platform where industry leaders, governments, innovators and stakeholders come together to address challenges and unlock new opportunities in the mining and resource sector.

Ash said: “I have attended IMARC every year since it started, because it is the best forum to understand what is happening in the mining industry and who is leading the pack. Whether you are part of a mining company, supplier, startup, government or just someone interested in the industry, you will find something for you.”

This sentiment is echoed by the Jake Klein, Executive Chairman of Evolution Mining, who says: “Over the past decade IMARC has facilitated an annual forum for important and thoughtful conversations about our industry and its future. This creates opportunities for shared learning and mutual success.”

IMARC’s role in shaping industry discussion

Since its inception, IMARC has framed critical conversations that influence the trajectory of the mining industry. By hosting thought leadership panels, keynote addresses and workshops with the most senior industry figures, IMARC has fostered in-depth dialogues on critical topics, including sustainability, digital transformation and future growth strategies. These discussions have not only set the tone for industry-wide initiatives but have also spurred meaningful partnerships and innovation across – and beyond – the sector.

IMARC Chief Operating Officer, Anita Richards, said: “Over the past 11 years, IMARC has been instrumental in bringing the global community together to discuss both immediate challenges and long-term goals. This event has provided a unique space for experts and leaders to share knowledge and collectively shape the future of the industry.”

Simon Troeth, Manager Government and Industry Affairs at Newmont, says: “IMARC helps Newmont connect with industry peers, stay abreast of the latest developments and hear from other global mining leaders on best practice and fresh perspectives. As the world’s largest gold miner and a substantial producer of copper and other metals, forums like IMARC create a larger arena for the contest of ideas so we can learn from each other and build a bigger and better picture of our operating environment.”

Kimberley Lim, Field Marketing, Mining Division at Hexagon and a long-time IMARC participant, says: “I have been involved in IMARC nearly from its inception and have seen its growth to become Australia’s leading industry event. The focus was clear from the outset: to become the platform for important industry discussion. The IMARC team is incredibly passionate about connecting key mining leaders, technology partners, and the broader mining ecosystem to work towards a sustainable mining future, both in terms of ESG and the continued longevity of the industry as a whole.”

Instrumental in achieving core business objectives

For many organisations, IMARC serves as a catalyst in driving core business objectives. From unveiling cutting-edge technology to forming international partnerships, companies have leveraged the conference to align their strategies with industry trends. As a result, many organisations have achieved significant progress in areas such as operational efficiency, sustainability, and workforce development.

Lim emphasises the unique dual role of IMARC in shaping the future of mining: “IMARC is a platform to share and learn from each other. When a conference like this brings in the heavy-hitters and industry thought-leaders into one place, we all benefit from the collective. Secondly, IMARC is well positioned as the leading technology conference for the mining industry, allowing us to collaborate with like-minded customers and partners who are instrumental in our technology development.”

Global leaders driving industry solutions

One of IMARC’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring together leading figures from not just mining, METS and finance, but other across the globe, including space exploration, AI and robotics. This access to world-leading experts has accelerated the identification and implementation of solutions to the mining sector’s most pressing challenges.

Troeth notes: “As the global mining industry moves to reduce its environmental impact, embrace new technologies and support local communities, IMARC continues to play a crucial role in showcasing best practice, challenging industry thinking and encouraging new perspectives. IMARC drives insightful conversations and valuable reflections on responsible mining and how mining can continue to meet the growing and changing needs of modern society.”

IMARC is also an important marketplace, with resource-rich countries using it to showcase their capabilities and opportunities to collaborate and invest. This is exemplified by Canada’s approach to IMARC, with John Williams, Trade Commissioner Mining Sector at Global Affairs Canada, saying the event is a valuable opportunity to showcase Canada’s attraction as an investment destination.

“IMARC allows us to present our solutions to make mining more efficient, sustainable, and smart on an international stage,” he said. “It attracts key investors by offering a competitive value proposition and showcases the role of leading mining nations in driving the future of the industry. IMARC’s global reach amplifies these opportunities, making it an essential event for those seeking to understand and invest in the next generation of mining advancements.”

As the industry pushes toward decarbonisation, IMARC has been an important forum for nations such as Canada to showcase how the mining sector benefits from competitive tax policies, free-trade agreements, and strong government support and accelerated the development and deployment of sustainable technologies.

Accelerating conversations on First Nations engagement and diversity

While the rights and roles of First Nations communities have become critical issues for the mining industry globally in recent years, IMARC has been championing these global challenges since its first meeting in Melbourne 11 years ago.

As the 2024 program shows, IMARC puts these important conversations around First Nations engagement and diversity in the workplace front and centre on the conference program. These discussions have not only highlighted the importance of inclusivity but have also accelerated the implementation of initiatives aimed at fostering stronger relationships with Indigenous communities around the world and, more broadly, promoting greater inclusion and diversity in the workforce.

CEO of the Australia-Latin America Business Council, Kim Prior, notes: “We are delighted with the way IMARC has consistently pushed for dialogue around First Nations engagement and diversity. The world can learn a lot from the policies and strategies put in place throughout Central America to help break the cycle of disadvantage with First Nations communities. By spotlighting these topics, the event has encouraged companies and government to adopt world-best practices that are more inclusive, respectful, and beneficial for all stakeholders.”

Lim says: “I am very aware there has been deliberate and considerable effort to improve the engagement and diversity of our First Nations stakeholder groups. This is reflected in the conference agenda and promotions on social media.”

As IMARC enters its second decade, it remains committed to driving positive change and shaping the future of the mining and resources industries. The conference continues to evolve, ensuring that the discussions, innovations and collaborations that take place today will lead to a more sustainable and prosperous future for the sector.