Press Release

The organisers of Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX25) are tapping some of the brightest minds in the mining industry to set the agenda for the upcoming event in Brisbane.

A quantum physicist, a Young Australian of the Year and an industry legend will be among the speakers at GRX25, which is taking place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from Tuesday 20 May to Thursday 22 May.

GRX25 is an evolution of the longstanding Austmine Conference and a collaboration between peak bodies in the resources sector, Austmine and AusIMM.

Austmine CEO Christine Gibbs Stewart says the line-up of speakers and program are designed to inspire and challenge the way people think about the future of mining.

“From quantum computing to automation, sustainability, and beyond, we’re showcasing the ideas and innovations that will shape the sector in the years ahead,” she notes. 

Delegates from around the world will join the conversation led by expert speakers in keynote addresses, breakout sessions and panel discussions.

Among the presenters is Geoff Pryde, the Chief Technical Director at PsiQuantum, which is currently building the world’s first useful fault-tolerant quantum computer in Brisbane, turning the global quantum industry’s attention towards Australia.

Pryde, who has spent 25 years at the forefront of international research in quantum information science and technology, also founded the Quantum Optics and Information Laboratory at Griffith University.

He will be joined by Marita Cheng, founder and CEO at Aubot and Robogals, who was named the Young Australian of the Year in 2012.

Aubot builds telepresence robots that provide an immediate presence from wherever someone is in the world, while Robogals is a global student-run organisation that aims to inspire and empower young women to consider studying engineering and related fields.

Also taking the stage is well-known industry personality Owen Hegarty, Co-Founder and executive Chairman at EMR Capital and an over 50-year veteran of the global mining industry.

Hegarty was the founder and Managing Director of Oxiana, which became OZ Minerals and was acquired by BHP in 2023 for $9.6 billion, and spent 25 years at Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO).

The aim of GRX25 is to bring together global leaders, innovators and professionals in mining and the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sectors to mobilise and accelerate a sustainable, technology-led future for the global resources industry.

Around 2,000 delegates and 150 exhibitors are expected to take part in the inaugural GRX25 program which includes a plenary conference, trade show featuring a dedicated Innovation Zone, workshops, networking, awards and industry leaders’ dinner.

AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin describes the event as “developed by industry, for industry”. 

“This cutting-edge event will shine a light on the ideas shaping the future of our sector,” he says.