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Aaron Walker
Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA
Allan Pedersen
Wood Mackenzie
Andre Winarto
Perth USAsia Centre
Chris Vernon
CSIRO
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Clyde Russell
Thomson Reuters
David Grabau
Cobalt Blue Holdings
David Paterson
Latrobe Magnesium
Demus King
Minerals Council of Australia
Dominic Da Cruz
Zenith Energy
Dr Helen Degeling
Cobalt Blue Holdings
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Dr Vlado Vivoda
University of Queensland
Frank van Rooyen
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
Guy Boggs
CRC TiME
Hayden Bairstow
Argonaut
Jacques Eksteen
Curtin University
Jana Jevcakova
Sodali & Co
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Justin Brown
Element 25 Limited
Lucy O’Connor
Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub
Michael Tamlin
Neometals
Michael Winternitz
WIM Resource
Mohsen Yahyaei
University of Queensland
Nicholas Huffels
Mount Isa Minerals
Peter Nicholson
amicaa | Vytas
Ronan Gillen
Latrobe Magnesium
Rowena Smith
Australian Strategic Minerals
Sarlae McAlpine
Geoscience Australia
Shannon O’Rourke
Powering Australia
Susan Park
University of Sydney
Michael Winternitz
Director of ProjectsWIM Resource
Michael Winternitz is currently responsible for managing WIM’s resource portfolio and downstream international integration, focusing on developing the Avonbank Project. With extensive experience in exploration, resource development, and project management across diverse commodities, Michael has held key roles, including Project Geologist at Iluka Resources, Exploration Manager at Aard Metals Ltd, and Project Geologist at Hill End Gold Ltd. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology, Geophysics, and Geography from the University of Sydney and serves as President and Board Member of the Physics Foundation at the University of Sydney.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening comments from the Chair
Clyde Russell
Asia Commodities and Energy ColumnistThomson Reuters
Clyde Russell is Asia Commodities and Energy Columnist at Reuters Open Interest, the markets and finance commentary platform of Reuters News. He has been a journalist and editor for four decades, covering everything from conflict in Africa to the China-led resources boom. Born in Glasgow, he has lived in Johannesburg, Sydney, Singapore and now splits his time between Tasmania and Asia. He writes about trends in commodity and energy markets, with a particular focus on China. Before becoming a financial journalist in 1996, Clyde covered civil wars in Angola, Mozambique and other African hotspots for Agence-France Presse.
Speaking at
09:00
Critical minerals forecast: evolving trends and a global overview
Sarlae McAlpine
Director, Strategy and AnalysisGeoscience Australia
Sarlae McAlpine is the Director of Strategy and Analysis, in the Advice, Investment Attraction and Analysis Branch at Geoscience Australia. With a strong background in Earth Science and skills in leadership, strategy, organisation, and the integration of data to increase understanding of the Australian continent. Government professional with a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) focused in geochemistry and petrology from the Australian National University.
Speaking at
09:30
Navigating Australia's Critical Minerals Strategy & its impact on Australian businesses & global competitiveness
Lucy O’Connor
ManagerAustralian Critical Minerals R&D Hub
Lucy is the Manager of the Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub, which is hosted by the CSIRO and brings together the expertise from Australia's leading science agencies: CSIRO, Geoscience Australia and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). The Hub is accelerating the growth of Australia's critical minerals industry by coordinating and aligning R&D to industry needs and global trends.
Before joining CSIRO in May 2023, Lucy was a Manager at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) where she advised on trade and investment strategic policy issues, including critical minerals.
Lucy started her career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has more than 20 years international experience focusing predominately on security/arms control issues and Southeast Asia. Lucy’s commercial mining experience includes a period working with an Australian mining company establishing one of the first international standard copper gold mines in Laos. Lucy speaks Thai and Lao.
Speaking at
10:00
De-Risking Critical Minerals Through R&D
Jacques Eksteen
Group Manager, Critical Minerals, Metals & Materials for the Energy TransitionCurtin University
Jacques Eksteen is a Full Professor and Chair of Extractive Metallurgy at the WA School of Mines, Minerals, Energy, and Chemical Engineering at Curtin University. He has held leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer and Research Director at the FBICRC, and Director of the Curtin University Gold Technology Group. With over 30 years of experience in industry and academia, he leads research in sustainable metallurgy, non-ferrous metal processing, and mineral resource optimization. Jacques has authored numerous publications, holds multiple patents, and is actively involved in commercializing innovative technologies like GlyLeach™️ and GlyCat™️ through Mining and Process Solutions.
Speaking at
11:00
Panel Discussion: How should industry leaders & policymakers evaluate and respond to Australia's current critical minerals policies and decisions?
Aaron Walker
Manager of Industry CompetitivenessChamber of Minerals and Energy WA
Aaron is a Policy Manager and Head of Economics at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, with over a decade of experience across macroeconomic, financial and policy roles. He oversees the Industry Competitiveness and Economics (ICE) portfolio which is responsible for advocating for policy settings that make WA an attractive and competitive jurisdiction for resources investment and operations. This includes tax and royalty settings, infrastructure including strategic industrial areas, electricity grid transformation, industrial relations and strategic industry development including critical minerals and green metals. The ICE portfolio also conducts CME’s economic workstreams including our annual Economic Contribution Factsheets.
Prior to CME, Aaron was a Senior Economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia where he led the RBA’s Perth Office for 5 years. He holds a double degree in Economics and Commerce from the University of Western Australia, along with First Class Honours in Economics.
Speaking at
11:00
Panel Discussion: How should industry leaders & policymakers evaluate and respond to Australia's current critical minerals policies and decisions?
Nicholas Huffels
Chief Executive OfficerMount Isa Minerals
Nicholas Huffels is the Executive Director and CEO of Mount Isa Minerals Limited, leading copper exploration efforts in North West Queensland. With over a decade of experience in strategy, transformation, and resource management, he co-founded Sunburnt Country Power, a renewable energy company, and has advised major corporations on business strategy, IPOs, and operational execution.
As an independent consultant, he has worked across mining, energy, and private equity, specializing in digital strategy, performance improvement, and leadership mentoring. Nicholas is known for his expertise in driving business growth, optimizing operations, and delivering long-term value through strategic execution and innovation.
Speaking at
11:00
Panel Discussion: How should industry leaders & policymakers evaluate and respond to Australia's current critical minerals policies and decisions?
David Grabau
Head of External AffairsCobalt Blue Holdings
David Grabau is a seasoned corporate affairs and investment specialist with extensive experience in the resources and energy sectors. Currently Head of External Affairs at Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd, he has held leadership roles at VHM Limited, Arafura Rare Earths, and Austrade, where he facilitated over $3 billion in foreign direct investment.
With expertise in government relations, political risk, and stakeholder engagement, David has advised global corporations, multilateral organizations, and government bodies. His career spans corporate strategy, risk assessment, and policy advocacy, making him a key figure in advancing critical minerals and energy investments in Australia and beyond.
Speaking at
11:00
Panel Discussion: How should industry leaders & policymakers evaluate and respond to Australia's current critical minerals policies and decisions?
Shannon O’Rourke
Chief Executive OfficerPowering Australia
Shannon O'Rourke is the Chief Executive Officer of Powering Australia, a federally funded industry growth centre that is helping to grow domestic clean-tech manufacturing by connecting businesses, accelerating commercialisation activity and building workforce capability spanning solar, wind, industrial decarbonisation, carbon, transport and battery sectors. Shannon is a member of the Advisory Board for the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence (CESNCE) and the State Training Board.
He has previously led the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC) for a period of three years overseeing significant growth in government expenditure in the industry and proposed the development of the National Battery Strategy that was recently delivered by the federal government.
Shannon's career spans over 25 years in the energy sector, having held senior management positions at Woodside and Chevron, as well as contributing to industrial research with Rio Tinto. His career spans both traditional and renewable energy markets, with a proven track record in commercialising research outcomes.
Speaking at
11:50
Mineral sovereignty: strategic trade-offs & implications of on-shore vs off-shore processing and refining
Andre Winarto
Program DirectorPerth USAsia Centre
Andre Winarto is the Program Director at the Perth USAsia Centre, where he leads initiatives focused on fostering partnerships and advancing knowledge in Asia-Pacific energy and resources sectors. He has over two decades of experience, having previously served as EY's Global Energy & Resources Knowledge Leader, advising clients on energy transition, digital transformation, and carbon management.
Andre's leadership roles also include senior positions at Western Power and Optus, where he managed large-scale programs and operations. He is also an experienced board director with expertise in governance, strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
Speaking at
13:40
The US effect: strategies to navigate current US policy and its impact on Australian critical minerals
Dr Vlado Vivoda
Industry FellowUniversity of Queensland
Dr Vlado Vivoda is an expert in the geopolitics of critical minerals, global supply chains, and resource security. With a career spanning academia, policy advisory, and industry research, he has worked extensively on the intersection of critical minerals, strategic industries, and energy transitions. His expertise covers geopolitical risks, defence-related supply chains, ESG considerations, and investment trends shaping the global minerals landscape. Dr Vivoda has published widely on these topics and advises stakeholders across governments, industry, and research institutions on navigating the evolving critical minerals sector.
Speaking at
14:10
The global forecast: working through short and long-term geopolitical headwinds
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Susan Park
Professor – International RelationsUniversity of Sydney
Susan Park is Professor of Global Governance in International Relations at the University of Sydney. She focuses on how international organisations and global governance can become greener and more accountable, particularly in the transition to renewable energy.
She has been a visiting scholar at the London School of Economics, Oxford University, the Technical University of Munich, American University, and the Centennial Centre in Washington DC. Her work has been funded by the Australian, Canadian, British and German governments.
Speaking at
15:30
Developing global supply chain resilience in an era of uncertainty
Demus King
General Manager, Trade, Investment and Investor RelationsMinerals Council of Australia
Mr Demus King joined the Minerals Council of Australia in October 2018 as General Manager Trade and Investment, continuing a career of over 20 years working on resources and energy. Demus now also has responsibility for critical and future facing minerals and has worked with the government to shape critical minerals, trade and investment policies in Australia and the region.
Prior to joining the Minerals Council of Australia, Demus worked with BHP and as a consultant on a range of government relations and regulatory matters, building on a 16 year career in the Australian public service specialising in resources and energy policy and trade issues.
Between 2013 and 2016 Demus was head of offshore oil and gas in the Australian federal government supporting the exploration and development of the resources industry, its economic regulation and investment attraction. During this time he also oversaw environmental regulatory reforms, which reduced burden on industry while maintaining high standards of environmental protection.
Between 2000 and 2013 Demus was responsible for energy market reform, the development of Australia’s resources and energy policy framework, international investment attraction, and an assessment of Australia’s energy security.
Demus has a Bachelor of Economics (hons) from James Cook University and a Chevening Fellowship from Edinburgh University.
Speaking at
16:00
Strengthening your position by building resilient, strategic partnerships with international buyers and investors
Rowena Smith
Managing DirectorAustralian Strategic Minerals
Rowena was appointed ASM Chief Executive Officer in July 2022, having joined the company in July 2021 as Chief Operating Officer. She has over 30 years’ experience in the mining and minerals processing sector, including in a range of senior roles in strategy, operations and commercial. Prior to joining ASM, Rowena was Chief Sustainability Officer at South32, accountable for sustainability strategy, risk management and HSE business processes. Other past roles include Vice President Supply at South32, General Manager BHP’s Kwinana Nickel Refinery, and operational leadership roles within Rio Tinto’s aluminium smelting business.
Speaking at
16:30
Leveraging innovation, investment, and collaboration to address gaps in Australia’s critical minerals sector
Chris Vernon
Critical Minerals LeadCSIRO
Chris has 37 years of experience in applied mineral processing R&D, principally in hydrometallurgy. His experience spans Australia's major mineral commodities, but he has been involved in R&D for what are now known as "critical" minerals for about the last 15 years.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening comments from the Chair
13:40
Panel Discussion: What is the true investment potential of tailings? Opportunities, challenges, and diverse perspectives
Hayden Bairstow
Executive Director, Head of ResearchArgonaut
Hayden Bairstow is the Executive Director and Head of Research at Argonaut, where he leads research initiatives in the resources sector. With over 25 years of experience in financial analysis and resource markets, Hayden has held senior roles at Macquarie Group, CLSA, and Stonebridge Group.
He has expertise in managing research teams and providing insights into major mining companies like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Vale. Hayden's career spans across global markets, including extensive coverage of Australian resources and European steel and mining sectors.
Speaking at
09:00
How investors choose and fund critical mineral projects
Peter Nicholson
Senior Advisor | Non-Executive Chairamicaa | Vytas
Peter Nicholson is a highly experienced mining executive and investment advisor with a career spanning over 25 years in the resources sector. Currently a Senior Advisor at amicaa and Non-Executive Chair at Vytas, he has held leadership roles at Appian Capital Advisory, Ora Banda Mining, and Resource Capital Funds.
With expertise in project development, investment strategy, and operational leadership, Peter has played a key role in advancing mining projects across Australia and Asia. His background includes underground mine development, corporate finance, and private equity, making him a trusted advisor in the critical minerals and mining investment landscape.
Speaking at
09:30
Panel Discussion: How can companies best position themselves to align with investor priorities?
10:20
Unlocking capital for junior explorers
Frank van Rooyen
Senior Director InvestmentsNorthern Australia Infrastructure Facility
Frank has 30 years experience in mining, equities and debt financing and is currently Senior Director Investments at the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, where he’s responsible for NAIF’s investments in the resources sector as well as NAIF’s senior representative in Western Australia.
Prior to joining NAIF in 2021, Frank spent 17 years at ANZ including 7 years as Head of Natural Resources Australia.
Frank also worked at Macquarie Equities specialising in the small and mid-cap resources sector, and started his career as a mining engineer in the WA goldfields.
Speaking at
09:30
Panel Discussion: How can companies best position themselves to align with investor priorities?
Dominic Da Cruz
Executive ESG & Stakeholder EngagementZenith Energy
Dominic Da Cruz is the Executive ESG & Stakeholder Engagement leader at Zenith Energy, where he has been driving sustainable energy initiatives since 2022. With over 15 years of experience in energy, governance, and sustainability, Dominic has held executive roles at Perdaman Advanced Energy and Tjiwarl Katu Power, a majority First Nations-owned power company.
He has a strong track record in business strategy, growth management, and stakeholder engagement, having previously served as Managing Director of Perdaman Advanced Energy. Dominic’s expertise spans across business development, renewable energy, and corporate governance.
Speaking at
09:30
Panel Discussion: How can companies best position themselves to align with investor priorities?
Jana Jevcakova
Senior Advisor, Corporate Governance & SustainabilitySodali & Co
Jana Jevcakova is a seasoned corporate governance and sustainability expert with over a decade of experience advising global organizations. Currently a Senior Advisor at Sodali & Co, she has held leadership roles, including Managing Director, Head of ESG International. Previously, she was Director of Research at CGI Glass Lewis, leading proxy research across multiple markets.
With deep expertise in ESG strategy, investor engagement, and corporate stewardship, Jana has played a pivotal role in shaping governance standards. Her career spans financial advisory and sustainability leadership, making her a trusted voice in responsible investment and corporate governance.
Speaking at
09:30
Panel Discussion: How can companies best position themselves to align with investor priorities?
Allan Pedersen
Research Director, Energy Transition & Battery Materials – LithiumWood Mackenzie
Allan Pedersen is an experienced and motivated marketer and researcher with over 30 years of experience in a broad range of business disciplines, which utilises metrics and analysis to produce strategies which deliver superior organisational outcomes both internally and for external stakeholders.
He provides a unique international perspective from working in Denmark, UK, Belgium and Australia across oil, chemicals, industrial minerals, diamonds and iron ore. Currently considered one of the world's leading experts on the lithium industry, he has excellent stakeholder relations skills as well as interpersonal and communication skills, a high sense of integrity and loyalty and a solid ability to work with people at all organisational levels.
Speaking at
11:20
Overcoming demand challenges to meet the world's move toward decarbonisation
Justin Brown
Managing DirectorElement 25 Limited
Speaking at
12:10
Maximising sustainable mineral production to drive investment in high-value minerals needed for clean energy & advanced manufacturing
Mohsen Yahyaei
Director- JKMRCUniversity of Queensland
Professor Mohsen Yahyaei is the Director of the Sustainable Minerals Institute’s Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) at The University of Queensland. He is a global leader in mineral processing research, specialising in autonomous decision-making for mineral processing circuits. His work combines advanced modelling, simulation, and AI-driven solutions to optimise resource efficiency. With a deep focus on addressing variability in natural materials, Mohsen drives innovation toward sustainable and resilient mining practices. As an advocate for bridging academia and industry, his leadership fosters cutting-edge advancements critical to the future of critical minerals and their role in a sustainable, technology-driven economy.
Speaking at
13:40
Panel Discussion: What is the true investment potential of tailings? Opportunities, challenges, and diverse perspectives
Dr Helen Degeling
Project Acquisition ManagerCobalt Blue Holdings
Dr. Helen Degeling is the Manager of ReMine Plus at Cobalt Blue Holdings, where she focuses on creating opportunities in the battery metals sector, particularly utilizing mine waste. With over 15 years of experience in geological services, Helen has held key roles including Director of Minerals Geoscience at the Geological Survey of Queensland and Exploration Manager at Alt Resources. Her expertise spans GIS, data analysis, exploration planning, and resource sector support, enabling advancements in mineral exploration and sustainability.
Speaking at
13:40
Panel Discussion: What is the true investment potential of tailings? Opportunities, challenges, and diverse perspectives
Guy Boggs
Chief Executive OfficerCRC TiME
Dr Guy Boggs is the Chief Executive Officer of the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME). Guy is committed to enabling a new vision for mine closure and positive post mine transitions through effective stakeholder engagement, research planning and innovative solutions.
Guy has extensive experience providing leadership in innovation, actively working at the interface of industry and research. Guy has led the delivery of large Australian Government funded programs driving knowledge development and industry practice change. An experienced research leader, Guy also has an extensive publication record authoring over 50 books, book chapters and journal articles.
Speaking at
13:40
Panel Discussion: What is the true investment potential of tailings? Opportunities, challenges, and diverse perspectives
Ronan Gillen
Chief Operating OfficerLatrobe Magnesium
Mr. Gillen is a process engineer, project manager and a graduate from Murdoch University. He has over 20 years’ experience in the resources industry in Australia, China, Saudi Arabia, Korea in the areas of Operations, Project Development and Project Management.
Mr. Gillen’s career includes operational roles with companies such as Rio Tinto, Minara Resources and Bulong Nickel as well as project management roles with the major engineering and construction companies, Fluor and Bechtel.
Mr. Gillen has extensive experience in the operational, technical and project management fields in areas such as process engineering, production management, maintenance, project management, engineering, construction, procurement, contracts, commissioning, safety and risk management.
Mr. Gillen joined Latrobe Magnesium as Chief Operating Officer in 2020.
Speaking at
14:50
Case Study: Utilising technology to unlock value through efficient & sustainable production
Michael Tamlin
Head of LithiumNeometals
Michael Tamlin is the Principal of Lithium Advisory, providing strategic and commercial advisory services to the critical materials sector. With extensive experience as a C-suite executive and board advisor, he has led the development of lithium mining, chemical processing, and battery recycling projects.
Previously, he served as Head of Lithium at Neometals, Managing Director at Primobius, and held leadership roles at Frontier Lithium, Galaxy Resources, and Windimurra Vanadium. Michael specializes in project commercialization, supply chain strategy, and technology development, offering expertise in executive transitions, international partnerships, and business growth in the battery materials industry.
Speaking at
15:50
Case Study: Turning technological advances in extraction and processing into greater yields & reduced costs
David Paterson
Chief Executive OfficerLatrobe Magnesium
Mr. Paterson is a qualified non-practising Chartered Accountant and a graduate from the University of Queensland. He is a Director of Europacific Corporate Advisory Pty Ltd and has held an Investment Dealers Licence since 1990.
Prior to forming Europacific in 1990, he was a Group Manager of the Corporate Services Division of Tricontinental Corporation Limited responsible for NSW and Queensland. He also worked for Coopers & Lybrand in their Corporate Services Division. He has been involved in a wide range of corporate advisory assignments and underwritings of both debt and equity for a number of public and private companies involved in the mining and property industries.
Mr. Paterson was a founding partner of the Latrobe Magnesium project in 2000. He was appointed a Director of Latrobe Magnesium on 23 August 2002 and its CEO in 2005.
Speaking at
16:20
From pitch to project to growth
