Aaron joined the CME team in July 2023 as Senior Economist of Industry Competitiveness and Economics. Aaron has more than 10 years of experience across macroeconomic and financial roles, including as a Senior Economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia, and Project Analyst at Wesfarmers. In his more recent role at the RBA, Aaron oversaw the Bank’s Liaison Program in the state and undertook research and analysis across many sectors of the economy, including minerals and energy. Through this role, he gained valuable insights into industry sentiment and the operating environment of many of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia’s member companies. Aaron holds a Double Degree in Economics and Commerce, with First Class Honours in Economics, from the University of Western Australia.
Alicia is a mining technology leader focused on helping the mining industry navigate the ever-evolving landscape of mining technology and decarbonisation. Alicia's mining career began over 15 years ago in underground mining engineering. She has successfully lead numerous automation, future technology, and electrification projects in both surface and underground mining operations globally. Driven by a passion for sustainable solutions, Alicia combines data, cutting-edge technology, and human centred design to deliver long lasting positive impact for her clients and the industry as a whole.
Amanda is a seasoned Safety and Risk engineer with an extensive background spanning over 15 years in the field. Throughout her career, she has honed her expertise by providing invaluable risk assessment, auditing, compliance, and training services across diverse sectors including Aviation, Defence, Industrial, Energy, Mining, and Oil and Gas. Recognized as an "Accredited Consultant" by the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum, Amanda has been instrumental in delivering Dangerous Goods Storage and Handling Training to both local and national clients. Her proficiency extends to assisting companies in achieving compliance and licensing with stringent regulations, conducting comprehensive Dangerous Goods inspections and assessments. Recently attaining National Engineering Registration with Engineers Australia, Amanda has demonstrated her adeptness in various facets of risk management, including project and technical risk assessment facilitation, and the design/documentation of risk management programs, processes, and procedures. Her specialization also encompasses Dangerous Goods facility design and compliance, compliance reviews (audits), Quality Assurance (ISO 9001), MHF Safety Case Review and Auditing, Consequence Modelling, and Aviation Fuel Management standards (JIG, IATA, and CASA). Amanda's skill set further encompasses the development and implementation of Safety Management Systems and Emergency Response Plans, as well as conducting Risk Assessment and Dangerous Goods training. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, along with certifications in Quality Management Systems, Training and Assessment, Frontline Management, and a host of industry-specific credentials such as the WPCG Card and Construction Industry White Card. Notably, she is a certified FS Eng (TÜV Rheinland) professional, underscoring her commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest standards of safety and risk management.
With a deep-rooted passion for safeguarding data integrity and promoting responsible AI governance, Brenda stands as a leading authority in her field. She offers unparalleled insights into the vulnerabilities that often stem from third-party systems, a crucial facet of modern cybersecurity landscapes. Operating on both national and international scales, Brenda collaborates with a diverse range of enterprises to architect holistic solutions encompassing data security, privacy, and AI governance. Drawing from her unique background as an ethical hacker, she provides unparalleled insights into the vulnerabilities emanating from third-party systems—a critical dimension of modern cybersecurity. Beyond her professional achievements, Brenda's contributions to law and cybersecurity publications underscore her dedication to advancing discussions on digital security and AI ethics. Her holistic approach to the evolving relationship between technology and legal frameworks serves as a guiding beacon for those navigating the dynamic terrain of data security and artificial intelligence governance.
Brendan has 20 years professional experience as an ESG and decarbonisation subject matter expert. He is Managing Director of Decarbonate, a boutique Perth based consultancy focussed on ESG in the mining and energy sectors. He is one of four people in Australia to sit on the GRI’s Mining Sector Standard working group which is due for finalisation in November 2023. He also sits on the peer review panel for the GRI’s climate change, energy and GHG emissions topic disclosure standards. Brendan represents the GRI as an expert speaker at industry conferences periodically, speaking to ESG issues, international trends and ways to navigate the landscape of ESG standards and regulations in an efficient manner.
Chris Catania, CEO of global mining consultancy, MEC, harnesses his high level practical and operational knowledge in national and international management to lead and support his team to deliver the best outcomes for clients. As an established leader in the mining industry, Chris has brought a wealth of expertise across numerous commodities to drive growth from MEC’s accelerated diversification and build the company’s international presence. Under Chris’s leadership, MEC’s recent strategic acquisition of Integrated Geological Mining Services (IGMS), is the latest in a number of moves to bolster the company’s growing service capabilities in Australia, South-East Asia and Europe. With a strong passion for mentoring and developing growth, Chris encourages collaborative sharing of ideas and knowledge, and in 2020, initiated the MEC Mining Graduate Program which assists MEC employees with succession planning. The success of the program is largely due to the program’s versatility enabling graduates to make the leap from Graduate Engineers to emerging professional. Chris is committed to leading the company on the foundations of innovative management, globally aware stewardship and best-practice service solutions to help clients optimise output and return.
David is the Executive Director, Western Australia for the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) responsible for the activities of the MCA across Western Australia and providing a key interface with the national industry group on national and international issues impacting the sector. Prior to joining the MCA, he was the inaugural Director of External Affairs for Albemarle Lithium in Australia and before that Head of Corporate Affairs for a major Australian oil and gas operator. He has previously held senior external affairs, industry association and operational management roles in the Australian resources and has been based in Perth, Melbourne and the remote East Pilbara region of Western Australia. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Monash University, Melbourne and a Bachelor of Business from Curtin University in Perth. He is an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and a Life Member of the Energy Club of Western Australia. He has also served as a member of the RAAF Reserve.
17 years in senior executive energy sector leadership and business development roles shaping strategy and leading market development in decarbonisation and microgrids across the private and public sectors. Dominic has directed a range of professional clean energy and microgrid projects with energy utilities, remote communities, mining operations, commercial and industrial property developers. He founded and built one of the longest standing successful clean energy businesses in Australia and led the creation of a retail electricity corporation for the WA government with 800,000 customers.
Associate Professor Ferry Jie has maintained a high quality of research throughout his academic career including international scholarly leadership in the areas of supply chain management and logistics, including being invited to be keynote speaker and to give public lectures at symposiums and international conferences in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, UK and Australia. From 2015 to now, published more than 52 refereed journal articles - including 21 articles in Q1 (A ranked journal ABDC journal ranking) and 12 articles in Q2, and 18 refereed conference papers. Furthermore, Dr Jie has received research grants/awards adding up to over $1.6 million between 2010 and 2020. Dr Jie has professional and community engagement activities to contribute significantly to improve the university’s reputation through contribution to the wider community.
Dr Batt has been a Research Portfolio Manager for the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) since 2019. He champions work in MRIWA’s Exploration Amplification focus area and leads MRIWA’s Education Program. Alongside his work in strategic project development and research management for the Institute, Geoff maintains a focus in high-impact science communication and knowledge transfer. He is a passionate advocate for improving the accessibility and transferability of research innovation in the applied mining sector. An experienced research scientist and consultant, Geoff has spent 20 years as a respected researcher, educator and thought-leader at leading institutions across Australia and around the globe. He holds a PhD in Earth Science from the Australian National University (ANU), and an MBA from UWA.
Luke leads Deloitte's Infrastructure and Operational Technology Security Practice in Australia and is a Partner in Deloitte Risk Advisory in Perth. He has extensive experience across many of the world's leading companies and government organisations. Luke has been a member of the World Economic Forum’s Partnering for Cyber Resilience Project, the European Union Clean IT Project, the Global Strategy Forum, the Open Group’s Architectural Forum, the Trusted Technology Forum, the Cloud Working Group and the Board of Cloud Security Alliance for UK and Ireland, as well as several other government and industry forums.
Sarah is an experienced mining operations and management consulting executive. She has worked with a wide range of top tier organisations across mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and healthcare through the companies she founded – business improvement consultancy ImpRes in 2010, and mining technology and innovation solutions company Sandpit Innovation in 2012. In 2020 ImpRes and Sandpit were acquired by Perenti Group to establish idoba, a new digital transformation service business for the mining industry and beyond. Under Sarah’s leadership as President, idoba has continued to grow with the subsequent acquisitions of Optika Solutions, Orelogy, and Atomorphis. Sarah has been recognised for her excellence including being named as a WA Business News Top 40 Under 40, a CME Most Outstanding Young Professional female finalist and AIM WA State Owner Manager of the Year. Sarah is passionate leader, driven to challenge traditional thinking and to forge new ways where being who you are is more than enough and freedom of thought is thriving in mining and beyond.
Deb is the CEO and MD of Agrimin Limited and is highly regarded as an authentic leader with infectious passion and energy. She is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in various positions across the energy and mining sectors including Major Projects, Health, Safety, Wellbeing & Environment. Deb is also a Non-Executive Director of GR Engineering Services, Miners’ Promise and Holyoake.
Michael has over 20 years of experience supporting multi-national companies across Asia with their technology strategies and building business cases to secure investment. Oracle is a global leader in Cloud technologies and the Customer Strategy team is pivotal in supporting companies to understand the full value that can be achieved, with a strong focus on driving asset productivity, employee efficiency, and direct technology cost savings.
Mark boasts an impressive 25-year track record, guiding organisations in refining their culture to achieve peak performance and safety outcomes. With a genuine passion for developing leadership abilities, Mark excels in facilitating workshops, mentoring, and in-field coaching to enhance effectiveness. Drawing from his extensive background in supply chain management, construction, and safety, Mark’s pragmatic approach resonates with frontline workers and leaders alike, spanning from the operational level to the boardroom. His practical experiences have highlighted the limitations of traditional safety and leadership approaches and fuelled his desire to truly understand what drives behaviours in the workplace. This insight allows him to reverse engineer a culture that promotes exceptional operational performance, strong working relationships, and encourages workers at all levels to take ownership of their own safety outcomes. Mark has partnered with prominent organizations such as BHP, ExxonMobil, Esso, Imperial Oil, CSBP, Origin Energy, Dulux Group, Albemarle, Talisman, and Oil Search. Outside of work, Mark loves spending time with family and friends and engaging in water-related activities. He has been an optimistic and unwavering supporter of Fremantle since 1994 as they seek to win their first premiership…he’s a very patient man!
Dr. Silvia Lozeva has 15 years of experience in sustainable development, both as an academic and a professional. Her specific research interests include international development, education, gender and development, and strategic thinking. As a sharp decision-maker and innovative thinker, Dr. Lozeva is currently specialising in gamifying strategic thinking for mining companies and State Government.
Dr. Jacqui Coombes, Chair of Mining3 and a distinguished leader in the minerals industry. With expertise in geostatistics and mineral resource modelling, she has reinvigorated organisations and led innovative strategies as the former CEO of Amira Global. Dr. Coombes also serves on an investment review committee and several advisory boards. Known for her constructive insights and contributions, mentorship of over 2000 resource geologists, and publication of two best-selling books, Dr. Coombes is a respected and influential figure in our industry.
At 25 years old, David was voted in as the youngest Councillor the City of Stirling has ever had. He held that role for 12 years, including two years as Deputy Mayor, before being elected to State Parliament as the Member for Balcatta in March 2017. In 2021 David was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier after previously serving as the Government Whip in the Legislative Assembly for his first term of Parliament. In June 2023, David was appointed as Minister for Ports; Local Government; Road Safety; and Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport. In December he was handed the portfolio of Mines and Petroleum while relinquishing Local Government.
Dr Eric Lilford (Prof., FAusIMM) is an engineer and a minerals and energy economist. He leads the Minerals and Energy Economics discipline at Curtin University, and lectures into numerous minerals and energy economics Masters units. Other than conventional and renewable energy, he continues to lecture the economic facets of nuclear energy for its potential role in economically-sustainably cleaner energy solutions world-wide. Beyond his eight years in academia in teaching and research, he has extensive international industry experience in senior management roles in the mining, energy and engineering industries, including as MD and CEO of listed and non-listed companies. His +30 years resources-focussed industry experience includes mining production, investment banking, business development as well as academia across the resources, energy and advanced technology sectors. He is also on the panel of experts for both the IMF and the World Bank, and sits on a number of Boards.
Recognising a problem in the mining and construction industry, Kashif Saleem developed a unique materials tracking software called Track’em. Kashif set up his company in 2014, believing that businesses have a massive, unrealised potential to increase efficiencies and reduce wastage while positively impacting the planet. Track’em’s suite of software solutions enables businesses to track and manage assets, materials and productivity. Track’em uses a unique patented technology to provide tracking, analytics and business insights. Working with clients such as Rio Tinto, Fortescue, BHP, and Chevron, he has successfully expanded Track'em on over 60 projects in Australia and overseas. Kashif won the 2014 WA Business News 40 under 40 Awards; that year, he also won the 2014 Curtin Entrepreneur Award and was nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In 2015, Track’em won the Government of WA’s ‘WA Innovator of the Year Award’.
Raquel is a executive with 28 years’ experience in Mining Engineering, Major Project Master Planning for Capex/Opex Improvement, Infrastructure Development, Iron Ore Supply Chain Value Add Initiatives, Consultation, Exploration, Expansion Strategy, Mining Project Funding, Acquisitions, creating and managing Joint Ventures and Partnerships, Innovation Initiatives, Business Improvement Innitiatives, New Software Platforms and Business Growth. She joined Track’em almost 4 years ago because they had unique patented technology providing tracking, analytics and business insights. She teamed up with Rio Tinto leading the Trackem TNT Team in Implemention of the Integrated Supply Chain Solution.
Chris has an Engineering background, and over 30 years experience with Rio Tinto in technical leadership roles spanning site maintenance, procurement, engineering and logistics. Most recently Chris has led the Track and Trace project. Building and implementing a system to track the flow of parts through the inbound supply chain into the warehouse inventory or consolidation, and into the field to parts staging for maintenance.
Kevin boasts over two decades of experience in the technology space across multiple industries including construction, mining, project management and maintenance systems. Currently, he plays a pivotal role as the driving force behind Austmine's mineinnovate collaboration platform, bringing transformative solutions whilst creating opportunities and driving strategic innovation and collaboration across the mining industry.
Paul is technical, functional and operational specialist with 30 years experience across SAP, Oracle, Pronto ERP systems across Inventory, Contracts, Warehouse, Logistics and Maintenance. Paul has provided business improvement innitiatives for many operations both domestically and globally with a track record of success in all projects he has worked on. Key milstones in his career to date is the full functional, technical, process mapping and design in the Track’em Track and Trace product, Supply Chain MOS implementation for Goldcorp, Penasquito, Mexico, Design and implemention a contract management system delivering $85m year on year savings for Goldcorp globally, warehouse greenfield setups at Roy Hill and Evolution Mining’s Mt Carlton Operation, Supply and Synergies Lead for all scrip merger of Catalpa Resourses and Conquest Mining to become Evolution Mining, HME MRO improvement project OK TEDI PNG increasing adherence to plan from 11% to 95%. And additional projects with clients such as Rio Tinto, Fortescue, BHP, Eldorado Gold, Masan Resources, Anglogold, Goldfields, BMA, Newcrest and Newmont.
Leon is the Software Solutions Manager at Motherwell Automation. In this role Leon helps customers improve their operational performance via the use of software solutions. With over 22 years of experience Leon has developed an understanding of the role of data in the quest to improve safety, sustainability and operational performance. In his career Leon has been involved in projects of various sizes and complexity across the EMEA and APAC regions. Leon has also held various positions ranging from technical to regional management which provided him with an understanding of the lifecycle of software solutions including aftermarket support. In his current role Leon is focused on delivering improvements to customers by helping them analyse their data and derive valuable knowledge of the state and performance of assets in near-real time.
Mark is the Deloitte National Leader of Global Investment and Innovation Incentives (Gi3), including government funding support and R&D Tax Incentive programs. Mark has a Bachelor of Science (Geology) and Master of Business Administration qualification. Mark has 20 years’ experience advising clients across a wide range of industry sectors but predominantly focused on Energy and Resources including renewable technologies and low carbon transition projects. Mark coordinates Deloitte’s global community for Critical Minerals. In this capacity he is responsible for bringing together Deloitte’s global capabilities and experiences to assist policy developers understand industry challenges and opportunities, to help buyers and users of critical minerals understand market investment, and to support resources commodity projects into commercialisation by connecting them with interested stakeholder groups such as end users. This wholistic approach is designed to support the global supply chain and key issues such as security of supply.
Bettina Pettit is the founder of "Women in FIFO", a seasoned professional with 20 years of mining industry experience. Her remarkable journey includes 8 years immersed in the world of FIFO, a testament to her adaptability and resilience. Passionate about transforming lives, Bettina focuses on empowering women to follow their dream, boost confidence, and achieve a successful FIFO career through building a positive mindset and increased resilience. With firsthand knowledge of the challenges that women face in the Mining and FIFO arena, Bettina offers a personalised approach that goes beyond traditional norms. Bettina's mission is to guide women through a valuable and informative journey towards a positive outcome, reaping the financial and balanced lifestyle benefits that come with working in the Resources Sector, all shaped by her wealth of experience and unwavering dedication. Bettina also facilitates workshops in workplaces seeking to increase retention, improve productivity and reduce LTI's.
Peter Nissen works for the Department of Energy Mines Industry Regulation and Safety, having been a District Inspector, Regional Inspector and Team Leader over the last 7 years. He has worked in mining for 25 years starting his ‘rock’ life at Mt Whaleback while completing a degree in Environmental Health at Curtin University. He has experience across site and corporate leadership roles as well as consultant roles; predominantly in iron ore, mine construction and minerals. As a regulator he thrives on the variety in the role dealing with sites from single operator sand pits, to the biggest open cut mines in the world; from underground mines to large and complex processing plants; and from mine construction through to closure, across all commodities in WA. Peter has been integral in the roll out of the WHS legislation, presenting many sessions covering WHS changes and mine safety management system requirements.
Anthea is a public policy professional with experience working across academia, government, State politics and business. Prior to working at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia, Anthea was a key advisor to the former Leader of the State Opposition. In her current position, she has overseen the development of a range of major policy projects, including our uranium mining report and our environmental approvals report, Green Web: How environmental approvals could trap investment. She also holds a PhD from Curtin University in corporate social responsibility.
Ray has extensive experience in the supply chain industry, having supplied goods and services to clients in the industry during his time as a General Manager at an electrical business as well as working with major projects at ICNWA (Industry Capability Network Western Australia). Joining ICN in 2012, he currently heads up ICNWA which is involved in numerous major projects across various industries including energy, resources, renewables, infrastructure and defence among others. Another aspect of his role is managing the Aboriginal Business Directory WA (ABDWA) which involves working closely with Aboriginal businesses and stakeholders to build their capabilities.
Dr Anil Subramanya has 40 year’s of experience in the world of mining and mineral exploration, which has straddled government, academia and industry roles. His key focus has been on collaboration to bring impactful solutions to the mining industry globally. In his current role as a strategic advisor, Anil continues to focus on long-term strategy, collaborative relationships and good governance at all levels.
Guy is the Senior Sales Account Manager for AspenTech Western Australia in Metals and Mining looking after all of the key mining areas in the state. Guy has been in the Software Industry for over 10 years and for the past 5 years dedicated to assisting Mining Clients across Australia. Guy has been using software and including cloud-based solutions to reduce the carbon footprint and increase efficiency on site. Prior to University Guy worked in Fly In – Fly Out roles for a number of sites Including the former Outokumpu Forrestania Nickel Project, that was located 150 kilometres south of Southern Cross and 400 kilometres east of Perth in the Goldfields region of Western Australia.