Day 1 event wrap: World Mining Congress 2023
Key members of our team were delighted to join Australian and international mining industry leaders at the 26th World Mining Congress 2023 (WMC23) in Brisbane. It’s the first time Australia has staged the triennial event, and it’s due to the efforts of Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO in hosting a jam-packed four-day program. The theme of the congress is “Resourcing Tomorrow - Creating Value for Society” setting the tone as future-thinking and as innovative as we know our Australian mining industry to be.
We were there to hear leaders discuss current challenges, and share the latest research, technology and best practice; the first day of WMC23 lived up to expectations thanks to a stellar line up of plenary speakers.
Read on for our key takeouts from the opening sessions and our own participation in the Future Workforce & Education Congress Stream.
Dr Hua Guo, World Mining Congress Chair
“Our industry must strive for responsible minerals development … the whole world must collaborate to succeed”
Professor Marek Cala, Chairman of the International Organising Committee of World Mining Congress
“Mining is OK because it drives innovation and technology … it will help us to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals by 2030”
Dr Larry Marshall, Chief Executive, CSIRO, host organisation of World Mining Congress 2023
“Mining - an industry that will enable the world to reach net zero … and that is why the CSIRO is proudly hosting this conference … I know some of the problems we face seem impossible … we have 312 months to get to net zero - every one of those months is critical … it’s time to harness that spirit of an industry that has been operating for more than a century at the forefront of innovation … this is our time to seize a moment, set an agenda, and move forward together ... we are at a critical moment in history and we have the power to make a difference”
Queensland Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk
Today the Premier launched the new Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy and promoted the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan - Power for Generations.
“Queensland’s critical minerals industry supports over 70,000 jobs, and most of those jobs are in our regions.”
Tim Gould, International Energy Agency - Chief Energy Economist
“Around the world the amount of jobs in clean energy production will double from 6 million to nearly 14 million to meet demand.”
Rohitesh Dhawan, President and CEO, International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
“Each of us in this room today have power and influence … we have a particular responsibility … on behalf of the 25 companies part of ICMM today we are committing to improvement … we are working to eradicate discrimination, harassment and assault in all our workplaces … it fills me with hope… diversity, equity and inclusion … owning our underperformance in this area is key to building trust”
Mike Henry, BHP Chief Executive Officer and Director
“The challenge shouldn’t be underestimated … innovation is key … the world is on a path to what we must ensure is a better future, and our industry is critical to delivering that future … change is coming fast … we have to do things better and make it easier for each other … we have time to invest in and plan for the future, but no time to lose.”
Professor Deborah Terry AO, University of Queensland Vice-chancellor and President
Professor Terry gave the keynote speech at the opening of the stream “Critical Minerals, Collaboration and Training: The Role of Universities in Mining's Global Future”.
During her speech she noted that a key challenge for universities is to show young people that “by choosing a career in mining they can be actively involved in the transition to a net zero future.”
Future Workforce & Education Congress Stream
The different congress streams highlight new technologies that will change our industry in dramatic ways in the coming years and decades. The Future Workforce & Education stream will host industry discussion forums focusing on implications for the future workforce, skills people will need, how to attract people with the relevant skills, how accredited courses will need to change and how we can make our workforce more inclusive.
Read on for the key takeouts from the first industry discussion, featuring our own CEO, Dr Gavin Lind.
Dr Diana Drinkwater, Mineralis
Chair of the stream, Dr Diana Drinkwater opened the session with a quick poll of the room of 40 delegates asking the audience what they thought represented the greatest challenge to industry. It was no surprise to us those attendees voted for ‘skills development’ and ‘attracting good people’ as the two challenges the industry most faces.
Nicole Brook, AusIMM
AusIMM focus on three key education and skills areas, namely universities, companies and individuals to support students, upskill new graduates and support professionals with their advancing careers.
“While there’s a lot going on, and there is a level of awareness, we’re not running hearts … we have the data, we know the problem, but we’re still not winning hearts to know you can actually build a career in an industry where you can really make a difference … in your community … in your country … and around the world”
Sharon Aldenton, Bechtel
Sharon spoke about the changing role of leadership and changes to leadership capabilities.
“They used to say people join companies and leave as managers; now people join companies and leave jobs because their skills aren’t being utilised or they’re not enjoying the work they’re doing … as a leader - helping individuals to do that is really paramount.”
She spoke about the importance of people first leadership and diversity and inclusion and the significance of trust, emotional quotients, and career development.
Virginia Lawson, Glencore
Virginia spoke about how things have changed from the past and young engineers face data overload. They need mentoring and time spent with them, encouragement to get them excited.
“We tend to eat our young … and once they leave the industry they don’t come back so we need to be very careful how we treat them.”
Dr Gavin Lind, Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance
Our CEO, Dr Gavin Lind shared with the room the vision and values of AUSMASA as the Jobs and Skills Council for the mining and automotive industries. He highlighted that we are focused on reaching outcomes via good collaboration and will be seeking out diverse views. He also shared that AUSMASA will be putting together our first report within our first six months of operation as a requirement of all Jobs and Skills Councils.
Check out the snaps we took from our visit to the exhibition hall. We’re sure the amazing performers and robot dogs will inspire international visitors to seek collaboration within our industry.
