- 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
Xuanyu Yang
Acting Manager
Trade and Investment Queensland
Rob Wilson
Head of Western Australia and Resources
Clean Energy Finance Corporation
- Export Finance Australia's role in financing critical minerals projects
- Attracting support from offshore export credit agencies
Sean Carey
Sector Lead – Director, Project & Structured Finance
Export Finance Australia
- Trade and Investment Queensland’s role in investment attraction and export promotion
- Risks associated with critical mineral investments and new projects
- Exploring risk management measures for critical mineral project development
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
- 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
Lisa Roobottom
General Manager – Manufacturing Support
Alpha HPA
Allison Britt
Director – Mineral Resources Advice and Promotion
Geoscience Australia
Jason Hepburn
Manager
Sedgman Prudentia