- Evaluating current developments for extraction and processing to improve this fast-paced industry
- Optimising processing techniques to meet the demands of future critical mineral needs
- Exploring cutting-edge technologies for sustainable extraction and processing
Travis Baroni
Head of Technology – Battery Minerals
Rio Tinto
- Increasing energy density storage for high-performance batteries to extend the life cycle of energy storage solutions
- Advancing renewable solutions to stabilise large-scale energy storage in grid applications
- Improving battery longevity while addressing ethical sourcing challenges to decrease reliance on virgin resources and increase clean energy adoption
Scott Winter- Reviewing the demand outlook of batteries
- Understanding Australia’s place in the battery supply chain
- Supporting Australian battery industries to grow and compete with global battery industries
Sam McLean
Senior Manager, Business Development and Policy
Tesla
- Exploring collaborative development opportunities that bridge international partnerships in the processing and manufacturing of critical minerals
- Building robust frameworks to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of international investments in this area
- Examining techniques to attract and engage international investors in downstream processing and manufacturing ventures
Kirk McDonald
Project Manager – Supercharge Australia
New Energy Nexus
- How can mining companies mitigate financial risks from recent market volatility in energy-transition metal prices?
- How might the recent mining sector downturn, particularly for metals in EV battery production, impact the long-term global shift to EVs and renewable energy?
- In light of recent challenges like project stalling and financial struggles, what role could alternative financing and investment sources play in sustaining and reviving mining projects?
- Given the current surplus in battery metal markets and the forecasted shortages by the end of the decade, what can be done to ensure a stable and sustainable supply chain for these essential materials in the future?
Moderator:
Chris Vernon
Critical Minerals Leader – Green Minerals Technologies Leader
CSIRO
Panellists:
Tim Buckley
Director
Climate Energy Finance
Joel Crane
Investor Relations/Commercial Manager
Cobalt Blue Holdings
Xuanyu Yang
Acting Manager
Trade and Investment Queensland
Rob Wilson
Head of Western Australia and Resources
Clean Energy Finance Corporation
- Analysing the investment appetite for green and brownfield investments
- Prioritising project investment and financing
- Examining the status, potential size, timing, project economics and likelihood of developments
Amanda Copping
Chief Investment Officer
Export Finance Australia
Tim Moore
Head of Operations and Planning
Export Finance Australia
- Assessing and understanding risks associated with critical mineral investments and new projects
- Developing strategies to minimise risk from an investor and junior explorer perspective
- Creating a systematic approach to risk management for investors and junior miners
Xuanyu Yang (pending final approval)
Acting Manager
Trade and Investment Queensland
- How are critical minerals attracting investments compared to other mineral mining?
- How can financial and investment mechanisms be optimised to support the development of critical mineral supply chains in Australia and globally?
- What market trends and demand drivers should be considered when making investment decisions in the critical minerals sector?
Moderator:
Nick Rees
Managing Director
Bridgend Capital Advisory
Panellists:
Frank van Rooyen
Senior Director, Investment
Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility
Demus King
General Manager, Trade, Investment and Investor Relations
Mineral Council of Australia
Dylan Kelly
Head Analyst
Terra Capital
Sean Carey
Sector Lead – Director, Project & Structured Finance
Export Finance Australia
- Deep diving into AI/ML strategy design in mining
- Showcasing machine learning models used to predict gas emissions and increase safety when mine planning
- Examining the geotechnical risks and cavities prediction through geological and operational data and deep learning
Moe Amanzadeh- What is required to build up Australia’s critical mineral downstream and manufacturing opportunities?
- How can Australia leverage international partnerships to enhance the competitiveness of its critical mineral downstream and battery industry?
- How can the Australian government encourage private sector involvement in the critical mineral downstream sector?
- What opportunities and challenges exist for the Australian workforce in the downstream sector of critical minerals?
Moderator:
Chris Vernon
Critical Minerals Leader – Green Minerals Technologies Leader
CSIRO
Panellists:
Dr Lynette Molyneaux
Director
Advanced Materials and Battery Council
Robert Williamson
Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer
Alpha HPA
Allison Britt
Director – Mineral Resources Advice and Promotion
Geoscience Australia