Day one of the Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX26) has set a strong tone for the week ahead, with a full day of hands‑on workshops tackling what it will take for Australian mining and METS to compete globally in the critical era.

Workshop topics ranged from human-centred sessions on mine site leadership to operations-focused discussions on predictive maintenance, automation and artificial intelligence. Delegates also explored global market access, international collaboration and practical pathways for organisations to strengthen productivity, capability and competitiveness.

Workshop attendees were given key actions and takeaways to apply instantly to their own operations and teams, highlighting GRX26’s strong bias for action. A recap of each workshop is presented below.

Transforming Mine Site Leadership

SANO Health and Byrnecut Australia provided a structured, evidence-based pathway for emerging and existing leaders to develop mindset, tools and confidence to lead in complex operational environments. Delegates were equipped with a practical leadership transition toolkit to deploy on their own site within 30 days.

Decoding the Mining Buyer

Featuring insights from Harbour’s Chris Cann and Matt Smith, this workshop shared Harbour’s research which revealed most buying teams entered purchasing processes with pre-selected favourites. Attendees left with a practical plan to audit their current approach and implement a strategies to overcome this pre-favourite challenge.

Peru’s Role in Critical Minerals and Resilient Supply Chains

The workshop featured opening presentations from Peruvian government representatives, followed by a panel moderated by Austmine CEO Tony Davis with industry leaders from Peru and Australia exploring how both countries can work together to strengthen mining value chains. The discussion highlighted how Australian companies are already creating value in Peru and how local partnerships can accelerate success.

Predictive Maintenance That Works

Razor Labs’ Tomer Srulevich and Andrew Kaushal explored how unplanned maintenance remains one of the largest cost lines in mining operations. Using real mine fleet data, this workshop helped maintenance and reliability teams assess their gaps and leave with a practical AI readiness checklist.

Entering and succeeding in the Australian mining market

This session with A.I. Lamb’s Mirza Kozarcanin and Steven Fletcher was designed for international METS companies and technology providers looking to turn Australian opportunities into credible go-to-market plans. Attendees were provided an ‘Insight and Ignite’ go-to-market framework and action plan to connect directly with partners in Australia.

Cyber Resilience in Automated Operations

SGS Australia Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Security Consultant Pieter van Rheede van Oudtshoorn led an informative session where attendees were encouraged to reframe OT cybersecurity as core business risk management. Each participant was given steps to identify weaknesses and strengthen cyber security resilience.

Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer Projects: From Research to Operational Deployment

Curtin University’s Rohan McDougall led a discussion on selected projects from the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals (RTCM) Trailblazer program. Topics covered included digitisation, advanced data science and innovations improving productivity in mining operations. Attendees were asked to identify one research-to-operations gap at their organisation and strategise how a structured partnership could accelerate deployment.

Guiding HR Through the New Frontiers of AI and Transformation

This exclusive roundtable was facilitated by AusIMM as the latest instalment of their successful ‘HR Connect’ series. Attendees heard from KPMG’s May Leung and Byrnecut’s Nicole La Galia as they outlined how HR professionals are being called on to lead at the centre of digital transformation, setting direction, enabling capability and ensuring trust.

The GRX26 program officially kicks off on Wednesday 6 May, with the Women in STEM Breakfast featuring futurist Dr Catherine Ball. The plenary commences with Austmine CEO Tony Davis welcoming delegates, followed by AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin presenting a fireside chat with The Hon David Michael MLA. Jessica Farrell, Vice President Innovation at BHP will deliver the opening keynote presentation ‘Competing Globally in the Critical Era’.

Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX26), 5-7 May, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Day pass registrations available at grx.au/registration.