Raphael completed his PhD in 2017 at the Centre for Exploration Targeting, University of Western Australia (Perth), where he investigated the potential of Martian Large Igneous Provinces to host nickel and platinum-group element sulfide deposits, applying established ore formation models to planetary settings. He later shifted his focus to geobiology, undertaking postdoctoral roles at UWA and the University of New South Wales (Sydney), where he contributed key insights into early life and ancient hydrothermally influenced ecosystems through the study of Paleoarchean stromatolites from the Pilbara Craton. In 2020, Raphael joined CSIRO Mineral Resources as a postdoctoral researcher, focusing on ore-forming processes in both ancient and modern geological environments, including the genesis of metalliferous sediments in active hydrothermal brine pools of the Red Sea. Since transitioning to a Research Scientist role in 2023, he has broadened his research to include a range of critical mineral systems, with a particular emphasis on the study of natural flake graphite deposits.

Mr Drabble is a geologist with over 15 years’ experience in exploration and mining, with success taking projects from grassroots exploration to discovery, resource definition, feasibility studies and development. Mr Drabble has worked on a variety of projects in Australia, Africa and Asia, including the past ten years focused in Tanzania. His experience spans a wide range of commodities, including industrial minerals, iron ore, gold and nickel.

My Ph.D. focus on improving the flotation of fine valuable lithium minerals through the formation of small hydrophobic flocs. I began my academic journey at the Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, where I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Science in 2019 and a Master’s degree in Chemistry in 2022. I played an integral role at the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science from 2019 to 2022. Within this capacity, I immersed myself in research on mechanical control of fluorescence in conjugated polymers and nanoparticle synthesis, and I explored Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) substrates, particularly for their application in point-of-care analyte sensing. As a significant part of my master's program, I spent a year at the Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science in Beijing, China. I joined the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC) and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Melbourne for my PhD. Now at the FBICRC, my focus is sharply on the domain of mineral processing. Specifically, I am pioneering methods aimed at improving the flotation of fine valuable lithium minerals.

Carly Baker is a Research Scientist at ANSTO. She received her PhD in 2024 from the University of Wollongong, where she investigated materials for implantable organic bioelectronics. With in depth skills in organic chemistry and electrochemistry, she wanted to better understand problems in industry, perform more applied research and gain skills in large scale operations. Therefore, she commenced work as a researcher at ANSTO, with goals to develop and refine the processes of tungsten extraction from tungsten concentrates to assist the Australian Critical Minerals industry.

Diego Arteaga is a PhD student at the University of Oulu, Finland, where he is researching the development of flowsheets for the sustainable processing of lithium-bearing minerals. His work is part of the Horizon Europe EXCEED project, which aims to deliver innovative solutions for the treatment of critical raw materials in the context of the energy transition. In 2024, he presented his research at the international Critical Minerals’24 conference in Cape Town, South Africa, highlighting a zero-waste approach to the processing of primary ores. On this occasion, he will present the second part of that study, showcasing new advances in process design aimed at a more efficient and responsible utilization of these resources.

Tony is a Fellow and Chartered Professional member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM-CP) and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD). With over 35 years of experience in the resources sector, Tony has more than 28 years of professional expertise spanning the full life cycle of mineral processing, extraction, refining, and complex chemical projects. His work encompasses concept development, test work, engineering design, construction, commissioning, ramp-up, and steady production operations. Tony is passionate about developing innovative and sustainable solutions to critical minerals and energy challenges while facilitating collaboration and knowledge transfer between industry and academia. In his role as a professor of practice and technical research leader, Tony collaborates with academic and research institutions. He recently led cooperative research projects and managed operations at the Cathode Precursor Production Pilot Plant (C4P) at Curtin University. Under his leadership, the project successfully delivered an AUD 15 million Stage 2 program for the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC), focusing on the development and optimisation of pCAM production using various NCM co-precipitation chemistries for lithium batteries. Additionally, Tony serves as the chair of the AusIMM Perth Branch, where he advocates for professional development and recognition of excellence within the minerals sector in Western Australia.