DATA, DIGITAL TECH AND DECARBONISATION: HOT TOPICS AT WA MINING 2022
18 October 2022
Exhibitors, attendees, speakers, and organisers all agree: the 2022 WA Mining Conference and Exhibition was certainly a conversation-starter, connecting industry while driving discussion on the big topics that impact the sector’s future.
Held last week at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, WA Mining’s sold-out exhibition featured over 120 suppliers and 40 conference speakers, with thousands of attendees through the door over the event’s 2 days.
Topics at the conference covered the spectrum from technology thought leadership to practical case studies, with conference chair Ric Gros saying that the conference captured the industry’s current direction and strong future.
“The rate of innovation continues to accelerate, across decarbonisation, automation and data science. We’re currently looking at the greatest transformation the mining sector will ever see, and it’s important that we lead and promote conversations on the transition to take the sector on the journey,” said Mr Gros.
This innovation was particularly evident in presentations like the one from Gold Road Resources and Ultimate Energy Australia, telling the story of how cooperation towards net zero and decarbonisation targets resulted in a 93% reduction in fuel costs at Gold Road Resources’ Yamarna site. With zero maintenance in 2 years and no permanent footprint, an innovative solar and battery energy hub has incredibly reduced site reliance on diesel generators.
Conference speaker Geoffrey Batt from the Minerals Research Institute of WA said it well: “The future of WA’s mining industry does not look like its past.”
But the conference covered more than just decarbonisation, as speakers looked to knowledge-sharing in data-science based maintenance, critical minerals, unlocking autonomy and much-needed skilled workers. Cooperation and collaboration across the industry were firmly on the agenda.
Outside the conference, the technology-focused supplier exhibition had a strong buzz across the event’s two days. Innovative exhibits featured virtual reality pods used in training and onboarding, 3D printed parts used to model and demonstrate repairs, and robotic and drone technology on display.
Perth startup Apex Engineering Technology Group was a first-time exhibitor, showcasing their innovative approach to refurbishing and recoating GET and wear parts using laser technology for increased resilience. Managing Director Daniel Rhind says as a promotional approach for the company, WA Mining provided incredible exposure.
“We had a complete robotic display at our stand which attracted plenty of interest, and the quality of people we talked to has been outstanding,” said Mr Rhind.
Andrew Neaves of standards stalwart SAI Global agreed, saying the atmosphere was ripe for conversation.
Mr Neaves said, “The people we interacted with at WA Mining were decision-makers at the right level – and people were more than happy to engage and have a conversation.”
But it wasn’t all business-to-business – the Mining Pavilion allowed an opportunity for job seekers to connect with recruitment teams from companies including Rio Tinto, Roy Hill and Northern Star.
Prue Orford, Recruitment Coordinator for Northern Star said, “WA Mining exceeded our expectations, and we were impressed by the number and quality of the attendees. We look forward to being back in 2023.”
Exhibition Director Samantha Martin noted that the launch of the show, held for the first time in its expanded format, showed a strong representation for WA’s leading resources technology sector.
“The focus of WA Mining is really on technology, and we’ve been privileged to host some excellent conversations about how that technology can help the sector contribute to a more sustainable future.”
The WA Mining Conference and Exhibition will be back in 2023, on October 11-12 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.