Speakers

Session: Leveraging AI and machine learning for enhanced geological data analysis

Session: Unlocking the future of critical mineral deposits through the development of new extraction and processing technology

Travis Baroni is the Head of Technology for Rio Tinto’s battery materials group. He leads a team conducting studies on several growth projects with the Rio Tinto portfolio as well as leading the technology development program for the group.

He started his career is a geologist before completing a PhD in applied physics. He has spent most of his career in technical and leadership roles developing and implementing technology for mining and minerals processing operations and involved in various roles in the design and commissioning of projects.

He also sits on the Board of a listed medical device company with 5 FDA approved and regulated devices and has work in financial services and investment banking focused on metals and mining equity capital markets transactions, valuations, and research.

Allison is the Director of Mineral Resources Advice and Promotion at Geoscience Australia, Australia’s national geoscience organisation. 

Allison graduated from the Australian National University in 1994 after completing her thesis on the regolith and geochemistry of a copper prospect near Mount Isa. She began her professional career with CSIRO Exploration & Mining working on gold geochemistry in the Yilgarn as part of the Cooperative Research Centre for Landscape Evolution and Mineral Exploration.

This was followed by six years overseas working as a share trader, scientific English editor and contract geologist. Allison returned to Australia in 2008, initially working with the uranium group at Geoscience Australia before moving into mineral resources and advice, specialising in the annual inventory of Australia's mineral resources.

More recently, Allison has focused on critical minerals and attracting international minerals investment into Australia. She is currently Geoscience Australia’s Director for Mineral Resources Advice and Promotion.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can mining companies and government navigate the challenges of the recent market downturn for energy-transition metals?

Tim has 30 years financial markets experience, including providing public interest related financial analysis in the seaborne coal and electricity sectors since 2013, studying energy efficiency and renewables across China, India and Australia.

Tim has founded Climate Energy Finance Australasia in 2022, having worked with the global thinktank IEEFA over 2013-2021. Tim was co-founder of a start-up global listed clean energy equities fund with Westpac as a cornerstone investor. From 1998 to 2007 Tim was a Managing Director at Citigroup, Head of Australasian Equity Research, and previously worked at Macquarie Group in Australia then Deutsche Bank in Singapore. Tim has published over 100 reports on the global energy transition.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can investors leverage insights to build up the industry

As a Sector Lead in the Project & Structured Finance team, Sean works with customers across a range of sectors to provide finance solutions to support Australian exports and infrastructure development in the Indo-Pacific.

The Project & Structured Finance team is responsible for the origination, execution, and delivery of financing solutions to support export-related and infrastructure projects. The team also supports the Australian government to meet strategic initiatives and targeted objectives.

Sean has 20 years of transaction experience across a range of roles within Export Finance Australia and the commercial banking sector. He has successfully delivered complex project and export finance transactions for customers across a range of industries.

Sean holds a Bachelor of International Business from Griffith University and a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University.

Session: Attracting the scale of global investments needed for the rapid growth of mineral extraction in Australia

Amanda was appointed Chief Project & Structured Finance Officer in April 2022.

In this role, her team is responsible for providing financial support to larger exporters across a broad range of industries, Australian businesses operating and investing internationally, as well as critical minerals and overseas infrastructure projects.
Amanda brings broad expertise in managing complex transactions across the public and private sectors.

Amanda has more than 25 years' experience in banking and finance, most recently as CEO and Chief Investment Officer at the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, a financier and impact investor in the energy, transport, resources, agriculture and social infrastructure sectors. Amanda’s previous experience includes roles at the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, the Royal Bank of Scotland, ABN AMRO and Macquarie Bank.

Amanda has a strong track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams to finance and support businesses across industries.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Economics from UNSW, an MBA from the AGSM and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can mining companies and government navigate the challenges of the recent market downturn for energy-transition metals?

Session: Maximising critical minerals opportunities: Nolans Project case study

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What government support is needed to accelerate growth in the critical minerals sector?

Darryl has over 30 years’ experience in global roles in multicommodity resources, services and manufacturing, holding both Senior Executive and Executive Director roles over a very successful career. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in both the resources and manufacturing sectors having run major operational assets and led the development and execution of significant breakthrough strategies to deliver major projects. Darryl previously served as Chief Manufacturing and Supply Officer as well as Group Executive and President of Auspac Asia while at Orica Pty Ltd. He held various senior positions during his 24-year career with BHP, including 3 years as President of Olympic Dam with responsibility for operations, expansion projects and organisation wide transformational change programs. He has a broad international perspective, having experience in running operations across over 30 countries and has the ability to understand and work across diverse cultures to deliver results.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What government support is needed to accelerate growth in the critical minerals sector?

Dr Helen Degeling is a PhD qualified geologist with over 18 years’ experience in industry, academia and government. She has worked as an exploration geologist and Exploration Manager in gold and base metals throughout Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, as well as consulting to a variety of mineral explorers and producers both domestically and abroad. During a stint with government as the Director, Minerals Geoscience for the Geological Survey of Queensland she initiated the Queensland Government’s Circular Economy, Secondary Prospectivity, traceability and Sustainable REE processing programs. She is a passionate advocate for the growth and evolution of the minerals sector in line with the demands of a just transition towards decarbonisation and adoption of ESG standards globally. In her current role as Project Acquisition Manager for Cobalt Blue, Helen aims to realise the opportunities for green metal extraction from mine waste to support the energy transition.

Session: Engaging investors, enhancing investor satisfaction and influencing capital markets through ESG

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Examining the impact of ESG and net zero targets on critical mineral production

Since 2016 Matt has led Pacific Road using a concentrated value investment style, focusing on active ownership, and forging an expansive vision of responsible investment in natural resources.

Matt developed his investment philosophy over 20 years by working in natural resources as company founder, private capital investor, corporate executive, and mining financier. During his career, Matt has participated in over $7.5 billion of mergers, acquisitions and capital raisings in mining.

Grandson of a metallurgist, Matt got his start in mining as a geology field hand exploring for precious metals in Idaho.

Session: Understanding the role of global geopolitics in shaping Australia’s critical minerals industry

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can investors leverage insights to build up the industry

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can investors leverage insights to build up the industry

Mr Demus King joined the Minerals Council of Australia in October 2018 as General Manager Trade and Investment, continuing a career of over 20 years working on resources and energy. Demus now also has responsibility for critical and future facing minerals and has worked with the government to shape critical minerals, trade and investment policies in Australia and the region. 

Prior to joining the Minerals Council of Australia, Demus worked with BHP and as a consultant on a range of government relations and regulatory matters, building on a 16 year career in the Australian public service specialising in resources and energy policy and trade issues. 

Between 2013 and 2016 Demus was head of offshore oil and gas in the Australian federal government supporting the exploration and development of the resources industry, its economic regulation and investment attraction. During this time he also oversaw environmental regulatory reforms, which reduced burden on industry while maintaining high standards of environmental protection.  

Between 2000 and 2013 Demus was responsible for energy market reform, the development of Australia’s resources and energy policy framework, international investment attraction, and an assessment of Australia’s energy security.  

Demus has a Bachelor of Economics (hons) from James Cook University and a Chevening Fellowship from Edinburgh University.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What government support is needed to accelerate growth in the critical minerals sector?

Rebecca is responsible for providing high level leadership on energy and resource strategic policy, industry development and project implementation to support sustainable benefits and outcomes, and prosperity to South Australian's whilst unlocking the state's resources.

Rebecca has over 20 years commercial, regulatory and policy experience.

Before joining the South Australian Government in 2010, Rebecca provided upstream, oil and gas commercial and regulatory advice to governments, national oil companies and oil majors across the globe. Rebecca previously also held energy advisory and regulatory roles with SA Water, ETSA Utilities and the Energy Security Board.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What government support is needed to accelerate growth in the critical minerals sector?

Gavin Loyden is the Founder and Managing Director of QEM Limited, having identified and acquired the significant dual commodity resource at Julia Creek. Mr Loyden is responsible for QEM’s early capitalisation, initial exploration program and project development. He has over a decade of experience in the mining industry.

Prior to founding QEM, Mr Loyden assisted a range of companies from early stage development through to international stock market listings. He has extensive experience in the structuring of capital raising proposals for both private and public companies, executive selection, and Corporate Governance.  Mr Loyden is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Session: Encouraging international investment in midstream to downstream processing and manufacturing sectors

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What government support is needed to accelerate growth in the critical minerals sector?

Session: Taking advantage of Australia’s battery opportunity

Sam Mclean leads policy and business development for Tesla motors in Australia and New Zealand.

Sam has previously worked as CEO in both the nonprofit and technology sectors, and as an advisor in federal parliament. He was a founding director of software company ControlShift and civil society organisation Australian Progress. Sam is currently a non-executive director at Australians for Mental Health and the Electric Vehicle Council.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is the future of the critical minerals downstream industry in Australia?

Dr Lynette Molyneaux is a researcher in climate, energy and industry policy at the University of Queensland. She is currently a Research Fellow with the Centre for Policy Futures, advancing collaboration between academia, government and industry for the development of an advanced materials and battery sector in Australia.

Session: MINISTERIAL ADDRESS: Insights from the Hon Mark Monaghan (pre-record)

Mark Monaghan has had a career as a business leader in the Territory, coupled with an extensive background in education spanning over two decades. His tenure in the education sector involved residing in various remote communities within the Territory, including Groote Eylandt, West Arnhem and the Tiwi Islands. Mark's roles ranged from a dedicated teacher to leadership roles as Assistant Principal, Principal, and eventually College Director.

Transitioning into the engineering sector marked a pivotal phase in Mark's professional journey. He assumed the role of General Manager at Engineers Australia in the Northern Territory, followed by his appointment as NT Regional Manager for a prominent civil and structural engineering firm. Mark has been a strong voice of support for female participation in the field of engineering where he developed and initiated a programme. This programme went on to receive national acclaim as a leading Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program.

Mark's multifaceted expertise is now reflected in his ministerial portfolios. This unique combination positions him to continue policy development that fosters a conducive environment for business growth while nurturing the next generation of Territorians.

Session: Attracting the scale of global investments needed for the rapid growth of mineral extraction in Australia

As Head of Operations & Planning for the Project & Structured Finance team, Tim works with Export Finance Australia’s sector leads to provide finance solutions to support Australian exports and infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific.

The Project & Structured Finance team is responsible for the origination, execution, and delivery of financing solutions to support export-related and infrastructure projects. The team also supports the Australian government to meet strategic initiatives and targeted objectives.

Prior to his current role, Tim was Head of Transaction Management for the Project & Structured Finance business.

Tim has 20 years of transaction experience across a range of roles within Export Finance Australia and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.

Over his career he has successfully delivered complex project and export finance transactions for customers across a range of different industries.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Civil from the University of Sydney.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What government support is needed to accelerate growth in the critical minerals sector?

Warren is an experienced leader with a proven record of achievement working in both the public and private sectors. He has held a number of senior advocacy positions including at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA, the WA Local Government Association, and prior to joining AMEC was the Chief Executive Officer of Local Government Professionals WA. Before his career in advocacy, Warren served as a Senior Adviser in the Gallop and Carpenter WA Governments.

Session: Opportunities for investment from the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation

Ivan Power is the inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC).

Ivan brings extensive experience in finance, investment and capital markets, including through a successful 20-year career at Macquarie Group in Sydney and London.

He has worked with early-stage Australian companies since 2019 as a direct investor and adviser. He has also advised Australian Government agencies, including the Commonwealth Treasury, the Department of Social Services and Housing Australia. He has served as chair or director of various social enterprises in both London and Sydney. 

Ivan is a graduate of the University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University and London Business School. He is a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia & NZ and a qualified executive coach.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can investors leverage insights to build up the industry

Nick Rees is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Bridgend Capital Advisory, an independent Brisbane-based debt advisory firm focused on the Natural Resources industry and related sectors. Nick began his career as a Mining Engineer and Geologist but has since spent over 20 years in Natural Resources financing in Australia and internationally. Prior to founding Bridgend, Nick spent five years with National Australia Bank as Global Head of Natural Resources.  This followed over 13 years with Commonwealth Bank including five years based in New York where he helped establish and led CBA’s Metals and Mining Project Finance business in the Americas. He is a Member of The AusIMM and a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Examining the impact of ESG and net zero targets on critical mineral production

Philippa Sjoquist is an experienced multidisciplinary mining and metals professional, including site-based operations and global corporate roles. She is an advocate for low-intensity materials production, responsible resource management and has a keen interest in the circular economy.

Philippa is a Board Director and Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and Chair of their ESG Advisory Council. She is currently a member of the Australasian Code for Public Reporting of technical assessments and valuations of mineral assets (VALMIN Code) Committee, the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI) Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Mining, Minerals and Metals working group and was the inaugural co-chair of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Circular economy working group.

Philippa has a Bachelor of Environmental Management, a Masters of International Environmental Law and an MBA that combines the business of mining with advancements in energy productivity. She is also a Graduate of the AICD.

Session: Leveraging green mining to take full advantage of  Australia's global opportunities

Mr Stephens is a specialist in the critical and strategic commodities sector, with emphasis on rare earths and rare metals, having worked in this area for 20 years.

He has 35 years’ operational experience in the mining industry with roles in mine geology, mine planning, metallurgy, advanced processing, marketing and logistics. He has extensive hands-on experience in feasibility studies and, as Managing Director of Arafura Resources (to 2010), played an instrumental role in the development of the Nolan’s Bore Rare Earth Project that took the company from an early-stage exploration group with a market capitalisation of $4m to $400M. Mr Stephens recently delivered the outcomes of a feasibility study for the Kanyika Niobium Project in Malawi where he managed the project for 9 years. 

Mr Stephens has been engaged in board roles for over 18 years and has a solid understanding of corporate governance. He brings to the Company a comprehensive and extensive understanding that is unique in the specialty commodity sector, and an advanced strategic tactical perspective to project development and operational implementation.

Session: MINISTERIAL ADDRESS: The state of play for Queensland’s critical mineral future

Scott Stewart is the Queensland Minister for Resources and Member for Townsville.

As Minister for Resources he is responsible for one of the state’s largest industries, which supports more than 75,000 good jobs and is worth $74 billion dollars to the Queensland economy.

In 2022, Minister Stewart launched the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan. The plan sets out a clear 30-year vision for the sector with a focus on Queensland becoming a global leader in supplying critical minerals and ESG credentialing.

The Minister is passionate about the future of mining in Queensland and recently announced the location of Australia’s first critical mineral common user facility in Townsville alongside the Premier.

During his time as Minister for Resources, he has overseen the largest increase in minerals exploration since 2011 and continues to be a strong advocate for new and existing projects in government.

He has strong personal ties to the resources sector and is a proud great grandson to Walter John Davidson who was one of the original Mount Isa mine workers in the 1920s.

Before entering Parliament as the Member for Townsville in 2015, Minister Stewart worked in education for 28 years; serving as a principal and teacher in several state high schools.

Upon his election in October 2015, he served as the Chair of the Education, Tourism, Innovation and Small Business Committee and as deputy speaker.

Minister Stewart is a strong and active leader within the community. He understands and appreciates the value of education and sees it as the key to success.

He holds a Bachelor of Education and a master's degree from the Queensland University of Technology.

Session: Analysing the outlook for global supply and demand of critical minerals

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What government support is needed to accelerate growth in the critical minerals sector?

Rebecca Tomkinson is the Chief Executive Officer of The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME), the peak resources sector representative body in Western Australia.

Immediately prior to joining the CME Rebecca was the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in WA. In her early career Rebecca worked in local, state and federal government before transitioning to executive roles in the corporate and community benefit sectors.

Raised in regional WA, Rebecca is deeply committed to the social and economic development of the state and the promotion of its unique and critical role nationally and globally. Rebecca is a current board member of Infrastructure WA, Crown Perth and the Perth USAsia Centre.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can investors leverage insights to build up the industry

Frank has 30 years experience in mining, equities and debt financing and is currently Senior Director Investments at the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, where he’s responsible for NAIF’s investments in the resources sector as well as NAIF’s senior representative in Western Australia.

Prior to joining NAIF in 2021, Frank spent 17 years at ANZ including 7 years as Head of Natural Resources Australia.

Frank also worked at Macquarie Equities specialising in the small and mid-cap resources sector, and started his career as a mining engineer in the WA goldfields.

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can mining companies and government navigate the challenges of the recent market downturn for energy-transition metals?

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is the future of the critical minerals downstream industry in Australia?

Chris completed a double degree in Organic Chemistry and Physical & Inorganic Chemistry, followed by Honours and a PhD in Physical Chemistry at the University of Western Australia in 1988, with co-supervision by the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (now ANSTO).

After his PhD, he joined CSIRO for 4 years, using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy to probe mineral surfaces and the interactions between reagents and different phases. This was followed by 5 years as a senior research chemist at Alcoa’s Bayer processing R&D centre, advising their worldwide operations on crystallization, kinetic and thermodynamic modelling, and performing audits on Alcoa's 9 refineries worldwide.

Chris re-joined CSIRO in 1997 and has worked in a variety of scientific and management roles, stealing time for project involvement where possible. He was a Program Director in the Mineral Resources business unit from 2014 to 2020 and is now leading the Green Mineral Technologies initiative - seeking greener and more economic methods to extract, process and manufacture using Australia's minerals endowment.

He is also CSIRO's Critical Minerals Lead and co-leader of the Renewable Energy Powerhouse Mission (in development).

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Examining the impact of ESG and net zero targets on critical mineral production

Kim is a Business owner, Director and advocate of the exploration and mining industry. Kim is the CEO and founder of Xplore Resources, an exploration and professional services firm focused on working with businesses to develop exploration and mining projects both in Australia and overseas. Kim has been Chair of the Queensland Exploration Council (QEC) since 2019, where she is committed to working with the sector in promoting Queensland’s prospectivity across the globe. In addition, she holds a number of Directorships including on the ASX, not for profit and private sector. Kim has strong community ties through charity work, including being on the Board of Prince Charles Hospital Foundation since 2018.

Session: Decarbonising the lithium supply chain

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Examining the impact of ESG and net zero targets on critical mineral production

Dr Wedin is a battery materials and renewable energy industry executive, focused on developing global scale decarbonisation opportunities. Dr. Wedin founded Vulcan Energy and the Zero Carbon Lithium Project in Germany, a dual renewables and lithium chemicals project and the world's first zero carbon lithium project.

Dr Wedin was previously Executive Director of ASX-listed Exore Resources, where he developed two new lithium resources, on two continents. He is bilingual, has a PhD and BSc (Hons) in geology, an MBA in renewables, is a Fellow of the Geological Society, London, and a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Session: Masterclass A: Navigating global trends and supply & demand dynamics to maximise critical minerals opportunities

Dr David Whittle is Professor (Practice) in Resource Engineering at Monash University and co-founder of the Critical Minerals Consortium. The Consortium conducts critical-minerals related research in economics, science, and engineering. Dr Whittle’s personal contribution to the research covers minerals criticality assessment and critical minerals market fundamentals.  Dr Whittle is also a consultant in strategic mine planning, a field he has worked in since 1991.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What is the future of the critical minerals downstream industry in Australia?

Robert Williamson is the Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer at Alpha HPA, with nearly 25 years’ experience in large facility operations and executive leadership. His pragmatic approach and strategic acumen have been instrumental in propelling the company's vertical integration strategy for advanced materials, contributing significantly to the decarbonisation of the tech sector. Rob is passionate about instilling a culture of accountability both in “what we do and how we treat each other” and sees it as a key to the success of any business.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can mining companies and government navigate the challenges of the recent market downturn for energy-transition metals?

Rob Wilson is Head of Western Australia and Resources at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, working to accelerate the development of clean energy investment opportunities in Western Australia. Robert has extensive experience throughout the investment cycle, from concept through to operations across the renewables, infrastructure and resources sectors. Robert has held leadership positions in the Macquarie Capital’s African infrastructure business and Atlas Iron, and worked on the establishment of Climate Investor One, a European climate fund focused on emerging markets. Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and an MBA from the University of Cape Town.

Session: Critical minerals' role in battery technology and clean energy

Mr Winter was appointed as the Managing Director and CEO in August 2023.

Mr Winter, is an experienced mining engineer with almost 30 years working across all aspects of mining exploration, development, engineering, financing and operations.

After early years at MIM, BHP and then managing major projects at Thiess, Scott progressed to C-suite roles including CEO and MD of MACH Energy Australia, COO for Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX:MRL), CEO (Surface) at Perenti Group and Interim CEO and Director at Jupiter Mines Ltd (ASX:JMS).

Mr Winter holds a Bachelor of Engineering – Mining (Honours), a Graduate Diploma - Applied Finance and Investment (Securities Institute Australia) and an MBA from Melbourne Business School.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can mining companies and government navigate the challenges of the recent market downturn for energy-transition metals?

Session: Exploring risk for investors and junior explorers 

Xuanyu is a passionate and innovative mining and resources professional with 18 years experience in investment facilitation, exploration, resource development, feasibility studies and environmental approvals.

Xuanyu joined Trade and Investment Queensland as a Senior Trade and Investment Officer in the Mining, Resources and Energy unit in February 2020. Her focus is on international investment attraction into Queensland critical minerals, battery supply chain, hydrogen, coal and emission reduction opportunities, as well as promoting commodity trade from Queensland to international markets.   

Xuanyu is a geologist by training and spent 12 years in resource exploration, development and feasibility studies.

Xuanyu holds a Master of Environmental Management from Flinders University and has worked on large scale resource project environmental approval and compliance from 2018 to 2019. 

Xuanyu recently completed an MBA from Queensland University and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.