AusIMM helping to raise the profile of industry and professionals through collaborating with partners in 2021
AusIMM partners with like-minded organisations that share our values and recognise the importance of professionals in shaping the future of the resources sector.
Our partners include mining companies, METS companies, manufacturers, service providers, non-government organisations, universities and governments.
In 2021, AusIMM collaborated with many organisations to raise the profile of the industry and help build a better understanding of AusIMM’s role as the professional home for all people working in resources. Our partners’ expertise was drawn upon to provide a range of insights and professional development opportunities for members including conferences, webinars, short courses, articles and more.
Discussing the future of the sector
A key focus was working with industry and government to help shape discussions on the future of our sector. In 2020 we collaborated with the Victorian Government to undertake research on the key factors that drive youth interest in the sector. The findings from this research were released earlier this year, with the results helping to instruct future government and industry initiatives intended to strengthen and secure the critical talent pipeline for the resources industry. AusIMM and the Victorian Government went on to host the Resources Education Collaboration Summit in October, to examine these topics and other research with industry and education institutions.
Another highlight was working with our partners to explore the future of the sector through our flagship Thought Leadership Series (TLS), where we brought together leaders and experts to discuss ‘Next Generation Mining’. The TLS is a great example of how AusIMM works with partners to deliver insightful content to our community. The TLS featured two hybrid face-to-face and online events in Perth and Brisbane, hosted by Series Signature Partner PwC, with the other events hosted as online fireside chats.
Alison Terry and Fred Chaney speaking during the Thought Leadership Series.
The thought-provoking talks covered the ‘big ticket’ items shaping the work of modern resources professionals: environmental, social, governance (ESG) and social responsibility; the future workforce; technology and innovation; and emerging critical minerals. Members are still able to access all TLS discussions for free – simply register for the sessions through the respective pages here and you will be sent a recording link to watch at your own leisure.
Showcasing professional expertise
A number of AusIMM partners provided relevant industry content for our website and AusIMM Bulletin. Laurence Gottlieb of Austbrokers Countrywide provided an article on professional indemnity insurance; John Vagenas FAusIMM, of Metallurgical Systems, provided an article on 10 questions to ask when choosing a process plant information system; METS Ignited CEO Adrian Beer FAusIMM explored innovation in the Australian METS industry; University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Institute Governance Program Leader Susan Johnston looked at the role of High Reliability Organisations in mining; and Sean Cahill from Yokogawa reflected on how digital transformation should best be approached in the resources industry.
Alongside articles, AusIMM worked with our partners to deliver webinars on a range of topics for our members. Ausenco delivered a series of webinars on environmental, social and governance best practice, including input from AusIMM members Matt Pyle MAusIMM and Grant Ballantyne MAusIMM. Professor Serkan Saydam FAusIMM from UNSW helped facilitate our inaugural International Webinar Series, while Howden presented a webinar on digital innovation and performance optimisation, and Emesent covered the use of mobile LiDAR technology for geotechnical analysis. An upcoming webinar from MathWorks will provide an introduction into Autonomous Mining Systems.
AusIMM also worked with Yokogawa to deliver a masterclass on the Future of Process Automation, discussing the rapid developments in control systems along with how they are becoming digital transformation enablers in the minerals processing industry.
Shaping careers
Working with a number of partners, AusIMM delivered online professional development to our global audience. As Major Events Partner, BHP worked closely with AusIMM to support our program of technical conferences. We also worked with a number of organisations to deliver specific conferences in 2021, including Murdoch University at our Lithium and Battery Metals Conference, CSIRO at our Iron Ore Conference, and the University of New South Wales at our 2021 International Future Mining Conference.
When it comes to helping shape the careers of the next generation, AusIMM is proud to continue its longstanding work with Collaboration Partner Epiroc to award the Epiroc Scholarship to University of Western Australia student Lauren Harding, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this prize. We were delighted to award the Rio Tinto/Sir Frank Espie Scholarships to Josephine Liantono and Robert Colbourne, as well as 17 other Education Endowment Fund scholarships.
Building connections
We were pleased to welcome a number of new partners on board for 2021, including new Major partner Byrnecut group, who are also partnering with AusIMM on diversity and inclusion and our mentoring program. Other new collaborations include Emerson, Emesent, FLSmidth, Fortescue Metals Group, METS Ignited, RPMGlobal and WSP.
Thank you
AusIMM is incredibly proud of the variety of initiatives and opportunities we work on with our partners to support and elevate the profile of resources professionals, build understanding of AusIMM’s role, and support the continued growth of our sector. Thank you to all our partners in 2021, and we’re looking forward to continuing our collaborations in 2022.