GRX26: Key Themes

Australia’s resources sector is navigating the most defining era in mining history, where strategic policy, market positioning, and technology deployment shape competitive advantage in global critical minerals markets. The GRX26 theme, Competing Globally in the Critical Era, captures this pivotal moment, where innovation, sustainability, and strategic collaboration define Australia’s competitive edge.

GRX26 explores the systems, strategy, and commercialisation that underpin Australia’s resources advantage across the entire mining value chain. In an era defined by energy transition, digital disruption, climate imperatives, and evolving social expectations, GRX26 leads the conversation — and the action.

 Mine Automation, Digitalisation & Robotics

Mine Automation, Digitalisation & Robotics

Automation, digitalisation, and robotics are the essential forces driving mining’s transformation — from zero-entry mining and remote operations to AI-enabled systems and autonomous platforms that are fundamentally reshaping how minerals are extracted.

Business & Workforce Excellence

Business & Workforce Excellence

Optimising mining performance through advanced workforce development, operational efficiency strategies, and the human dimensions of technology adoption. This pillar addresses how organisations prepare their people, processes, and business models for the automated, AI-enabled future of mining. 

Capital, Access & Investment

Capital, Access & Investment

Enabling innovation and growth through improved access to capital, business opportunities, skilled people, and strategic partnerships whilst addressing funding mechanisms and investment frameworks.

Collaboration Across the Value Chain

Collaboration Across the Value Chain

Creating sustainable partnerships that drive innovation adoption and shared value creation across mining companies, METS providers, Indigenous communities, technology partners, and government stakeholders.

Global Competitiveness & Strategic Positioning

Global Competitiveness & Strategic Positioning

Strengthening Australia's competitive position in global resources markets through strategic policy, market positioning, and addressing the challenges that impact our ability to attract investment and compete internationally.

Resources & Critical Minerals Value Chain

Resources & Critical Minerals Value Chain

Unlocking Australia's critical minerals potential through value chain expansion, downstream processing, and innovative approaches to deep mining and resource extraction.

Sustainable Operations & Environmental Stewardship

Sustainable Operations & Environmental Stewardship

Implementing decarbonisation strategies and circular economy principles through commercially viable clean technologies, renewable energy integration, and sustainable business models.

Strategic Direction, Communication & Leadership

Strategic Direction, Communication & Leadership

Addressing the industry's communication challenges, ensuring member priorities are central, and providing strategic leadership for the sector's future direction.

Regulatory Frameworks & Safety

Regulatory Frameworks & Safety

Navigating evolving regulatory frameworks, addressing the gap between technology advancement and regulation, and maintaining safety excellence whilst enabling innovation.