ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Centre’s conference was held at the Shine Dome Canberra, 10-15 th July

A forum for team liaison, research sharing, and academic and professional development the event incorporated guest speakers, presentations, panels, workshop-based learning and team, industry and stakeholder engagement over five days. The first face-to-face meeting of COEMinerals members – after two years of predominantly Zoom calls – meant participant expectations were high. Postevent feedback indicated wide-ranging positive outcomes were achieved.

The event gained strong stakeholder support, including a heartfelt ‘Welcome to Country’ by Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Tina Brown, who inspired attendees by sharing Canberra’s enduring role as a meeting place through the centuries and weaving her knowledge of the minerals in the surrounding land. Opening remarks were delivered by Ms Tania Constable , CEO, Minerals Council Australia (MCA), who encouraged Centre researchers to help build a “strong, vibrant and innovative minerals industry”.

Meeting and getting to know colleagues and new contacts in a sea of new faces can be challenging, so - as a tool for spurring conversations and connections as well as delivering on the Centre’s values - a #whoarewe opening question tactic was implemented throughout the week. A form of icebreaker, members were tasked with engaging colleagues with the question ‘#Who are you?’, and in response, the other person was encouraged to state who they were, which node they represented and one thing no-one would know about them; the quirkier the better. This activity proved to be a great connector, as well being insightful and - at times hilarious - with the reveal we had runners, buddingbakers, singers and dancers, painters, Lego fanatics, guitarists, gamers and a stand-up comedian in our midst, to name just a few. The icebreaker activity has since become internal vernacular at the Centre for kick-starting events and spurring closer connections.

The agenda consisted of scientific overviews and talks on the Centre’s three programs, technical training, a keynote by L/Prof Graeme Jameson and 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) and poster competitions for PhDs. There was training related to GEDI (Gender, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) conducted by GEDI Committee Leader Dr Ellen Moon with a focus on inclusion, exploring scenarios when we may have felt unwelcome, or like we did not fit in, and

A dinner was held with all members which included an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’, delivered by Jaru Woman Vanessa Elliott, followed by an exclusive invitation for Centre members to tour the National Gallery’s Indigenous Art collection by Ian RT Colless, Indigenous Engagement, Wesfarmers Indigenous Arts Leadership Coordinator and representing Dharabuladh (Therabluat) clan of the Gundungurra people (also in attendance). Mark Bolton, CEO of Panthera Resources provided a predinner address.

The main highlights of the event were the ndustry Panel Session, Mentoring Session and Gaddie Pitch which all involved industry members. As the Australian Research Council’s office is in Canberra, we were delighted to welcome Liz Visher Director, Major Investments along with Dr Robert Mun, Executive Director Engineering and Information Sciences, Kim Philpot, Christine Joannides, Brendan Hill and David Curry to the event. Liz gave a 40 min presentation on variety of COE obligations, brainstorm constructive actions to promote inclusion. Customised media training for Centre members by consultant (and former University communications team leader) Sheena Martin with assistance from Kim Stockham, providing insights into communications including media insights and social media opportunities, as well as social media skill building basics. This session and activity provided a springboard to enhance the Centre’s social media activity. As a fast follow after the event, the Centre implemented social media engagement training for all members. requirements, issues, reminders etc, with the opportunity for COEMinerals members to ask questions. The ARC representatives stayed on for lunch where posters and outreach presentations were displayed, giving members the opportunity to chat to ARC representatives.

An academic integrity and responsible research conduct presentation by Prof Grant Webber familiarised all with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, supported by real-world examples demonstrating the importance of conducting research and strategies to embed the responsibilities and practices outlined in the Code.

The Industry Panel consisted of Vanessa Elliott, Principal, Vanessa Elliott and Assoc who has extensive experience in mining, energy (including renewables), primary industries as a strategic planner and land use social impact professional and Mark Bolton CEO, Panthera Resources Plc who has a long history of developing and operating mines in many jurisdictions including Australia, India, China, DRC, South Africa, Zambia, Mauritania, Namibia, and Indonesia. His experience covers many commodities including industrial minerals, rare earths, copper, nickel, gold, and PGMs. The final panellist was Kevin Barber, General Manager, Resources at Jord. Kevin is focused on identifying and bringing to market the next generation of mineral processing technologies via actively engaging with mining clients and academia. Chaired by Kim Stockham, the topic was on ‘Fast-tracking positive change in the critical minerals industry’, where panellists discussed and answered questions on the context for change, how to meet growing demand for critical minerals, and exploring the key research, science, innovation, community and industry ‘must-haves’ in order to help improve people, planet and renewable energy outcomes.

As part of the Future Leaders Program the PhDs and ECRs were joined by three Industry panellists for the Mentoring Session

Chaired by Prof Chun-Xia Zhao the session provided PhD & ECRs with a unique opportunity to explore future pathways for their career, learn strategies to plan their career, develop leadership skills, as well as ask questions in the interactive panel discussion session. The panel consisted of Dr Verity Normington, Executive Officer to the Chief Scientist, Office of the Chief Scientist. Verity is a geologist that applies her STEM knowledge, skills in communicating Earth Science, engaging with stakeholders and creating and applying policies to work in the Australian Public Service. Craig Wilson, Head of GPLM for Sizers, Screens & Centrifuges, Mining Industry, FLSmidth. Craig has been involved in the mining industry for 38 years holding positions such as product, state and general manager positions and has been involved with the UON and Prof Kevin Galvin for +15 years through Ludowici and then through FLSmidth (after it acquired Ludowici in 2012). The final panellist was Kevin Barber.

ECRs and PhD students who attended the ‘Research to Industry Translation’ training earlier in the year developed a Gaddie Pitch , a 30-second ‘elevator pitch’ style presentation about their research to industry representatives, who critiqued their work based on its potential significance to industry to address a current problem. Chaired by Prof Peter Scales, the session was conducted in a safe and friendly environment, where the up-front expectation was all work presented and feedback gained was based on personal opinions, and all work shared was welcomed and valued. This helped expand PhD & ECR knowledge of current industry realities, and build confidence when talking to industry. The panel consisted of Craig Wilson, Kevin Barber and Sherwin Morgan, Technology ManagerFlotation, at Jord.

Overall, the conference was a huge success with many new friendships formed between PhD and ECRs across the nodes.