AusIMM reconnects with our community during big week in Brisbane

AusIMM reconnected with nearly 1,000 people in Brisbane in late March, bringing our professional community together after a disrupted two years for live events.

International Women’s Day Event Series

On Monday 21 March AusIMM hosted its fourth International Women’s Day (IWD) luncheon for more than 230 people, featuring keynote speaker Dr Jenine Beekhuyzen OAM (pictured). The IWD luncheons, also held in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide (with Perth to come), have celebrated the achievements of women in our sector, but also highlighted the deep and systemic challenges faced. As shared by AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin, AusIMM’s recent Women in Mining survey results found that:

• 67% of female respondents say sexual harassment is common in the industry - almost double the proportion of male respondents; and
• 70% of female respondents say bullying is common in the industry.

AusIMM is committed to ensuring the resources industry is safe, inclusive and respectful for all. More information on the actions we are taking to support women and how we must collectively affect positive change is available in this message from the CEO sent to members last Friday.

International Mining Geology Conference 2022

AusIMM’s International Mining Geology Conference commenced on Tuesday, bringing together more than 530 delegates both in-person and online. The opening session, including a Welcome to Country from Maroochy Barambah, and addresses from AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin and Queensland Minister for Resources Scott Stewart, kicked off a jam-packed program. The two-day conference covered all aspects of mining geology including reconciliation, resource estimation and software technology along with a full trade show and networking events.

Mining Geology Young Professionals Program

An exciting aspect of the conference was the dedicated Young Professionals Program, hosted on 24 March, that brought together 75 new-career geologists in Brisbane and 75 more online. The complimentary program was specially designed to develop future leaders in mining geology. Presentations covered technical aspects of the profession as well as ‘soft skills’ such as career planning and development and speed networking. The program also featured a health and wellbeing session including mental health and different job lifestyles (i.e. FIFO and office work).

Competent Persons Discussion Forum

Finally, to round out a big week, the AIG/AusIMM Competent Person Joint Taskforce hosted a Discussion Forum on 24 March for members to join the conversation around competence as it relates to the JORC Code. With the current review of the JORC Code entering a critical phase, members could contribute in a constructive way to the review outcomes with respect to competency, and provide their perspectives on the future directions of minimum standards for Competent Persons under the Code. An update on the JORC Code Review (written earlier this year) can be read here.