Thought Leadership Series Report 2019 - AusIMM€¦ · This report provides an executive summary of key themes from the Series, before looking in more detail at each of the four topics

Thought Leadership Series Report 2019

Major Event Partner Signature Partners

2 AusIMM Thought Leadership Series Report 2019

In 2019, AusIMM proudly took our Thought Leadership Series on the road again, bringing a big picture discussion on the future of our industry to members and professionals around the country.

We explored the vital role that science plays in the success of the resources sector with interactive and skilfully facilitated panels at our events in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. The importance of our professionals, delivering social value and collaboration across the whole value chain were key themes at all the events.

In this series, we also welcomed keynote presentations from five of Australia’s leading Chief Scientists to set the scene at each event and impart their unique perspectives and visions for the future. Each of them challenged our thinking and lent gravitas to the series.Professional development is at the heart of AusIMM’s purpose and, through these events, AusIMM facilitates meaningful networking and leadership opportunities for our members and stakeholders.

The series also offered an opportunity for myself and other Board Members to meet with many of our passionate AusIMM members and supporters across the country. These individuals are all integral to the success of our Institute and our sector.

It is always encouraging and gratifying to meet like-minded professionals who care deeply about the future and I look forward to continuing this at the 2020 Thought Leadership Series.

President’s foreword

Janine Herzig FAusIMM(CP)

President, AusIMM

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AusIMM has a critical role in leading the conversation on the future of the resources sector. Our strength lies in our ability to connect key decision-makers and influential thinkers from across industry, government and education.

Our 2019 Thought Leadership Series was a good example of this, where we welcomed hundreds of attendees across Australia to explore our collective future.

As the industry becomes more automated, digitalised and technologically advanced, the way resources professionals work continues to change. Throughout the Series, AusIMM brought together government officials, prominent scientists, industry leaders and technical experts to discuss how resources professionals will continue to play a critical role in a dramatically changing industry landscape. This report outlines they key insights gained from our five events, and showcases the best and brightest minds in our industry exploring the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The series was supported by our valued partners including Major Event Partner BHP, Signature Partners PwC and Monash University, Premier Partners Rio Tinto and IMARC, as well as many key location and supporting partners. These organisations have made a commitment to investing in the future of our sector, and we thank them for playing a key role in the delivery of the series.

The 2019 event was a resounding success and we are looking forward to seeing many of you again at our 2020 Thought Leadership Series.

CEO’s foreword

Stephen Durkin FAusIMM

Chief Executive Officer, AusIMM


Thank you to our partners

Major Event Partner

Signature Partners

Premier Partners

Location Partners

Supporting Partners

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Chief ScientistsAt each event, the state Chief Scientist presented their views on the role and impact that science, technology and innovation will have on the resources sector. Collectively the presentations addressed the role of government in creating an ecosystem for innovation to thrive, the importance of industry centric innovation, global trends, sustainability and progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.

Prof Paul Bertsch Chief Scientist,

Queensland Government

Dr Amanda CaplesLead Scientist,

State Government Victoria

Prof Peter KlinkenChief Scientist,

Government of Western Australia

Prof Caroline McMillenChief Scientist,

Government of South Australia

Dr Steven HillChief Scientist,

Geoscience Australia


Panellists and Speakers

Michelle AshChair,

Global Mining Guidelines Group

Mick CairneyFAusIMM

Managing Director & CEO

Centennial Coal

Stephen DurkinFAusIMM

Chief Executive Officer,AusIMM

Magdalena BallResearch Support

Lead, Orica

Lord Mayor Sally Capp

Lord Mayor of Melbourne

City of Melbourne

Justin EvePartner,

PwC

Honourable John Barilaro MP

Deputy Premier, Minister, for Regional NSW, Industry & TradeGovernment of New

South Wales

Marcus CatchpolePartner,

PwC

Prof Robin J Batterham FAusIMMKernot Professor of

Engineering,University of Melbourne

Susie CorlettFAusIMM

Non-executive director,Iluka Resources Ltd &

Aurelia Metals Ltd

Prof Edward Buckingham

Director of EngagementMonash University

Chris DoddPartner - Assurance,

Mining and Australia’s Future Prosperity,

PwC

AusIMM was pleased to welcome the participation of industry, academic and government leaders as well as experienced professionals for the Thought Leadership Series 2019.

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Calvin SnodgrassHead of Resource

Engineering West Australian Iron

OreBHP

Prof Mark HoffmanDean of Engineering,

University of New South Wales

Prof Paul LeverCEO,

Mining3

Mark ThomasGroup Manager Technology &

Autonomy, Fortescue Metals

Group Ltd

Prof Eun-Jung (EJ) Holden

Senior Principal Research Fellow,

School of Earth SciencesUniversity of Western

Australia

Jeannette McGillHead of

Mining Services Telstra

Franz WentzelPartner,

PwC

Nathan FlamanHead of Supply Olympic Dam,

BHP

Katie HulmesGeneral Manager

Transformation and Readiness

OZ Minerals

Stephen McIntoshFAusIMM

Group Executive, Growth & Innovation

Rio Tinto

Dr Paul HeithersayPSM FAusIMM

South Australian Government’s

Department for Energy and Mining

Honourable Bill Johnston MLA

Minister for Mines, Petroleum, Energy and

Industrial RelationsGovernment of

Western Australia

Russell PalmerManaging Director,

Yokogawa Australia and

New Zealand

Janine HerzigFAusIMM(CP)

President,AusIMM

Maria JoyceHead of Business

Planning BMA, BHP

Peta SlocombeExecutive Manager Capability & Culture

Northern Star


AusIMM Board 2019

Colin Moorhead FAusIMM(CP)

Immediate Past President

Technical Director, PT Merdeka Copper

Gold, Tbk

Janine HerzigFAusIMM(CP)

PresidentDirector

MetVal Pty Ltd

Ivy ChenFAusIMM

Principal ConsultantCSA Global

Sara PrendergastMAusIMM

Senior Manager Performance

Reporting APA Orica

John S F DunlopFAusIMM(CP)

PrincipalJohn S Dunlop and

Associates

Chris DavisFAusIMM(CP)

Minerals Industry Consultant

Dave ClarkFAusIMM(CP)

Market Development Leader, Advisory

GHD Pty Ltd

Katrina CrookMAusIMM(CP)

Principal AdvisorRio Tinto

Diana DrinkwaterFAusIMM Director

Consultant, Mineralis Consulting Pty Ltd

Rene SterkFAusIMM(CP)

DirectorRSC Consulting

Gavin YeatesFAusIMM(CP)

PrincipalGavin Yeates Consulting

The Thought Leadership Series was supported in full by the AusIMM Board, who contributed actively to its success in 2019.

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ADELAIDE

PERTH MELBOURNE

BRISBANE SYDNEY

Event Locations____

16 July 2019

17 July 2019 24 July 2019

30 July 2019 31 July 2019


About AusIMMAusIMM is the peak body and trusted voice for all people working in the resources sector. We shape careers, develop leaders and connect professionals through our world-class conferences, events, courses and outstanding membership program.

AusIMM’s Thought Leadership SeriesFollowing the highly successful inaugural Thought Leadership Series in 2018, AusIMM visited five locations across Australia in 2019 to bring together industry professionals to discuss the future of our sector.

The Series featured keynote presentations from Australia’s Chief Scientists and panels exploring how science and technology is shaping the future of the resources industry.This report provides an executive summary of key themes from the Series, before looking in more detail at each of the four topics covered by the keynote speakers and panellists at each event:

1. A dramatically changing industry landscape 2. Role of the professional as an agent of change3. Shaping the future – challenges and opportunities4. A sustainable industry in a global context.

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Executive summary of key themesOngoing advancements in science and technology have profoundly changed the resources sector. As the industry becomes more digitised, highly skilled professionals will play a key role in shaping the future of mining. Speakers and panellists discussed the rapid change we are experiencing as we move through the fourth industrial revolution, where analytics, robotics and automation are becoming regular features of mining operations.

A key theme across the Series was collaboration, not only within the resources sector but between different industries. Collaboration will be key in helping professionals in traditional resources roles adapt to the future industry and allow the sector to embrace innovation and data-led decision making.

Along with this comes the responsibility to engage with the cultures and communities in which our sector operates. With a continuing shift away from the phrase “social licence to operate” towards a discussion about “social values”, the Series highlighted a need for the industry to not only consider the impact of their operations but to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to communities. Part of this discussion is to explore what social value means in an automated and technologically advanced mining sector.

Underpinning the discussion in all locations was an inherent optimism around the resources industry. Not only because ongoing innovation will lead to further efficiencies and allow the industry to deal with more complexities, but because Industry 4.0 will see the role of highly skilled professionals become more important than ever as technological advances continue.


1. A dramatically changing industry landscapeThe Series emphasised that technological advancements in the mining industry have been potent and wide-reaching. The impact of this is felt across the life of mining operations from design to closure. Examples include the introduction of new machinery, such as drones and robotics, that have improved productivity and efficiency, and the use of cloud computing, sensors and data analysis that can help make better decisions and re-evaluate workplace processes.

One of the most pertinent issues discussed was not just how the mining industry is taking on new technologies for individual processes, but also how we are using these advancements to fundamentally shift the industry. Mining3 CEO Professor Paul Lever believes “we’ve been aggressive about taking on new ideas, but we haven’t been good at investing in those, and taking them forward, and getting the full benefit out of some of those advancements.” There are opportunities across the entire supply chain around autonomous vehicles, virtual reality, drones and digitisation. The industry needs to shift its thinking to find far-reaching value from these technologies.

The introduction of new technologies has also seen an increase in possibilities around flexible work, allowing people to remain connected across departments, states and countries. At

the Perth event, BHP Head of Resource Engineering for WA Iron Ore Calvin Snodgrass expressed that he had noticed that the industry has been “able to get much more diverse people coming into FIFO work” as a result of new communications technology and the mobile workforce.

This means new professionals and people originally from non-mining disciplines can now connect to the resources industry and provide insight and innovative

“There are opportunities across the entire supply chain around autonomous vehicles, virtual reality, drones and digitisation. The industry needs to shift its thinking to find far-reaching value from these technologies.“

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solutions. It also means people who previously may not have found it viable to work in a FIFO environment can now share knowledge and contribute to the industry. This fosters existing talent and also allows organisations to get a varied wealth of knowledge from experts where it may not have been previously possible.

At the Melbourne event, Rio Tinto Group Executive of Growth & Innovation Steve McIntosh said that technology itself has accelerated operations “but actually, it’s about the people and the organisational benefits of co-location of solving problems together, getting insights from what would normally be separate departments” that is most influential. Moreover, new technology provides the opportunity for real-time deployment of solutions to field operations, again improving efficiency and productivity.

Another topic featured across the panels was the increasing importance of engaging with external industries for inspiration on technological renewal and transformation. Traditionally, the resources industry has been very risk-averse, opting to be fast followers of new advancements. At the Sydney event, Telstra Head of Mining Services Jeannette McGill said that she believes it is now up to industry leaders to “create that environment where failure becomes an option” to encourage engagement with new ways of thinking and behaving.

However, this also requires a critical assessment of how such practices can be applied to the varied nature of the resources industry. CEO of Centennial Coal Mick Cairney commented that the balance of change has to be managed, because the “test-fail-relearn” nature of agile workflows (a style of work typically adopted in the technology sector) does not necessarily work in all aspects of mining; for example, in ground control in coal mining, because of the fundamental vigilance required in these processes.

Essentially, the industry must be open to agile thinking and workflows but must also respect the nature of mining work and the inherent values of safety. With the right people possessing the right skills, the resources industry can harness new technology to ensure safety and consistency across existing mine operations, while also moving forward to find digital optimisation and new ways of doing things.


2. Role of the professional as an agent of changeAcross the different panels, the consensus was that the resources sector will have to continue to embrace transformation in its workforce to include a more well-rounded knowledge base, rather than having circumscribed technical knowledge for each discipline. The focus needs to be on harnessing STEM techniques and also working to “humanise this technology… to revolutionise the mundane”, according to Monash University Director of Engagement Professor Edward Buckingham at the Melbourne event.

For a lot of the Series speakers, this means moving away from siloing our professionals into specific disciplines. BHP’s Calvin Snodgrass noted the focus will be “not so much [on] skillset, but mindset,” noting that “we’re going to be competing for the best, most creative thinkers and problem solvers”. Professionals will have to have more agile and multi-skilled and will also have to be open to disruptive change. Much of this comes down to the way we teach mining disciplines in university, ensuring graduates feel empowered to think more broadly.

This also means ensuring professional development is a core value of workplaces. UNSW Dean of Engineering Professor Mark Hoffman said that the industry needs to develop a “much stronger culture of continuous education, going back, and learning different perspectives” to ensure current professionals are staying on top of ongoing technological developments and taking on lessons from other industries. This will help professionals not only learn digital literacy skills, but also learn how to communicate those advancements within their workplace and the community.

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Another key role of the professional in the modern resources industry is to create a balance between driving new technologies and prioritising ‘soft skills’, such as communication, collaboration and understanding human needs and values.

Global Mining Guidelines Group Chair Michelle Ash concluded at the Melbourne event that “the more technology you introduce, the more people matter”. Michelle reiterated that people are key in adapting and optimising new technologies to apply to specialised situations. As UWA Senior Principal Research Fellow Professor Eun-Jung Holden commented in Perth, “the machine has to learn from human knowledge [and] humans need to actually assess or validate the outputs for decision making”.

The industry will increasingly need people to tailor technologies into specialised systems and workflows. More importantly, businesses will also need people to communicate the benefits and outcomes associated with technological advancements and their impact across all mining operations, as well as listen to concerns from both industry practitioners and community members.

Business leaders also play a role in adopting changes in the industry and will need to rise to the challenge to accept potential capital investment brought on by new technologies. The concept of agility will not only apply to new professionals entering the workforce, but also to established leaders and businesses, who need to learn to adapt in the face of disruption. Victorian Lead Scientist Professor Amanda Caples noted that leaders have to be active in “investing in the skills of the future” to ensure the industry remains relevant and enticing to graduates and new professionals.

“The concept of agility will not only apply to new professionals entering the workforce, but also to established leaders and businesses, who need to learn to adapt in the face of disruption.”


Leaders in the industry will also have to accommodate diversity of thought as the profession changes and have a responsibility to “engage and relate at all levels and all cultures”, according to OZ Minerals General Manager Transformation and Readiness Katie Hulmes. Leaders will become increasingly important in championing a culture of continual change and will be key in fostering an open attitude to potential challenges to industry ethos, as more diverse professionals enter the industry with varying viewpoints and skillsets.

3. Shaping the future – challenges and opportunitiesIn Adelaide, BHP Head of Supply Olympic Dam Nathan Flaman noted the potential challenges of collaboration, specifically around sharing ideas and the implications for intellectual property. However, the series uncovered an agreement among panellists that there has to be a genuine and ongoing culture of collaboration that fosters innovation to ensure the entire industry can continue to thrive.

Yokogawa Australia & New Zealand MD Russell Palmer also commented at the South Australia event that “collaboration should be between industries and not just within industry”, which means taking inspiration from other markets on innovation and also adopting expertise from professionals that may not have a mining-specific background. South Australian Chief Scientist Professor Caroline McMillen also commented that non-mining industries would likely begin to enter the mining sector to help with the move into Industry 4.0.

Embracing new technology is also important to maintain the competitiveness and value of the industry. As Mining3’s Paul Lever surmised, “if the mining companies don’t make the changes, there’ll be other people there who have the money and resources to do it”. This similarly brings the conversation back to importance of learning lessons from non-mining disciplines to optimise resource operations.

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The opportunities associated with digitisation and data analysis also featured heavily across panels. As the industry’s systems and processes increasingly move to be interconnected, more and more data will be gathered. Orica Global Research Support Lead - Global Technology, Research & Innovation Maggie Ball says the challenge with this is learning how to optimise data gathering and how to “take that data and analyse it in a way that makes sense”.

Data can also help to understand the needs of businesses, professionals and communities, again highlighting the importance of multi-skilled professionals in the future. WA Chief Scientist Peter Klinken said at the Perth event that we can create a balance of technical and emotional intelligence by teaching relevance to industry in STEM courses and training for practical workplaces. For example, showing how science can help with making crucial decisions on-site and planning for future operations will go a long way in bridging this gap.

Another opportunity for the resources sector going forward is to shift the perspective of the industry. Currently, universities are facing reduced enrolments in resources-related courses, partly because of negative perceptions of mining. At the Perth event, Fortescue Group Manager of Technology and Automation Mark Thomas said that “those outside the industry see it as quite an old business, where is isn’t; it’s right at the forefront of technology.” The general sentiment of participating panellists was that industry can take further strides in promoting the good stories, especially around sustainability and how technology has elevated safety, productivity and efficiency. Essentially, the opportunity is not just in adopting best practice in science, technology and resources disciplines, but also in promoting that story outside of the resources sector.


4. A sustainable industry in a global contextIncreasingly, a major influence on the resources industry is the conversation around sustainability and social licence to operate. Monash University’s Professor Edward Buckingham at the Melbourne event encouraged a shift toward using the term “social value” as opposed to “social licence” as the latter implies a restrictive, legalistic approach. Social value implies a focus on “understanding what the local community wants, how they perceive you” and the ongoing value the industry is delivering to communities.

Northern Star Executive Manager of Capability & Culture Peta Slocombe says the true integration of this social value is when environmental, social and governance criteria compliance is seen as “everybody’s responsibility and part of the culture”. This also creates a shift where operating with social value in mind is not just an obligation but an aspiration of professionals and organisations.

The importance of “working in partnership with our stakeholders, the community in which we operate and taking them on that journey with us” is helping the resources sector change the perception of mining, according to BHP Head of Business Planning Maria Joyce. The industry must focus on understanding what is important for communities and where they most perceive value in mining operations.

Other social and environmental impacts also play a role in ensuring the sustainability of the industry and resonate on a global scale. For example, Queensland Chief Scientist Paul Bertsch noted how climate change is the “defining issue of our time”, so speaking about these issues and striving for excellence in the social and environmental space is vital to the industry. To bolster the sustainability and appeal of the resources sector, the next step is to not only put social value into practice, but to promote this to stakeholders and industry. UNSW’s Professor Mark Hoffman says that all the work to be sustainable and socially valuable operators “comes to nought” if we can’t tell our stories in a way that resonates externally.

Panellists also acknowledged that while new technologies will improve productivity, it also means the industry will have to deal with increasingly complex social and environmental challenges such as increased use of natural resources, waste generation and the environmental footprint of the industry. Technology can also help solve these problems and the future professionals will be the ones who will connect new technology to build on other aspects of human, environmental and social value.

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The importance of the Thought Leadership SeriesForums such as AusIMM’s Thought Leaderships Series provide a platform for sharing ideas, challenging current ways of thinking, and most importantly, encouraging collaboration within and across industries. AusIMM has a key role to play in enabling collaboration and being the trusted voice of credibility, influence and respect in the resources sector.

Iluka Resources Non-Executive Director Susie Corlett perhaps summed it up best in saying that “to be able to share ideas and learnings is going to be absolutely critical going into the future”.

Now in its second year, the Thought Leadership Series is firmly established as a forum for leadership and networking, with attendees saying they would be interested in attending future events. It also generated a wide range of interest from the audience in how we can continue the discussion on bringing advancements in science and technology into the resources industry.

The Thought Leadership Series was also a prime opportunity for attendees to network and for AusIMM to engage with partners on behalf of resources professionals. AusIMM was pleased to receive support from our partners BHP, PwC, Monash University, Rio Tinto, IMARC, UNSW, The University of Western Australian, Government of South Australia - Department for Energy and Mining and Northern Star Resources.


Thought Leadership Series 2019 attendees (all locations)

800PARTICIPANTS

0

50

100

150

200

• Adelaide

• Melbourne

• Perth

• Sydney

• Brisbane

• Live stream

• Male

• Female69%

31% Gender profile of participants

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Participant profile

• CEO, Chairperson, Director, Managing Director – 33%

• Senior Technical Professionals – 29%

• Business Management and Suppliers – 33%

• Academia (Professor, Dean, Lecturer) – 5%

5%

29%

33%

33%

The Australasian Institute of Mining and MetallurgyGround Floor, 204 Lygon St, Carlton SouthVIC 3053, Australia

Telephone+61 3 9658 6100

Fax+61 3 9662 3662

Websiteausimm.com

Documents

Thought Leadership Series Report 2019 - AusIMM€¦ · This report provides an executive summary of key themes from the Series, before looking in more detail at each of the four topics