Resource Estimation in the Face of Future Mining Challenges
We’re pleased to introduce Kerry Turnock, Head of Geoscience Excellence at BHP, as a keynote speaker at the 2025 Mineral Resource Estimation Conference. With over 30 years of experience in the resource sector, Kerry will explore the challenges facing resource estimation as mining methods evolve to address deeper, more complex orebodies. Her keynote will cover key topics such as ESG considerations, advancements in technology, and how these changes impact the future of mineral resource estimation.
Keynote address: Resource Estimation in the Face of Future Mining Challenges
Could you provide a brief overview of your keynote address?
This keynote will explore the challenges for resource estimation driven by the evolution of mining and processing methods in response to deeper and more complex orebodies. As demand for resource extraction grows, companies must adapt to stricter requirements for product quality, impurity quantification, and sustainability practices. The need for selective mining and optimised processing becomes paramount as we face productivity headwinds from lower-grade deposits and the complexities of planning for deeper operations.
Key topics will include the accelerated timelines for resource characterisation and capital projects, the increasing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, and the role of technological advancements in decision automation and data analytics. By addressing these challenges head-on, the mining industry can position itself to thrive amidst evolving demands and expectations.
What key takeaways would you like attendees to gain from your talk, and how do you believe these insights can be applied to their work in resource estimation?
A sense of clarity about the challenges that we collectively face and how as an industry we can work to resolving them. It is hoped that the keynote will stimulate ideation for how attendees may raise and/or address these challenges within their own organisation.
How does your talk address current challenges in mineral resource estimation today?
It is important that we think about the nature of the orebodies that need to be defined in the future. Not only may the nature of the orebodies vary to today but so might the data that we use to quantify them. As we see an increase in the introduction of more sensing and senor technology combined with growth in AI data, we need to understand how to use this effectively in mineral resource estimation.