Session 6b
Stream B
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 |
10:35 AM - 12:30 PM |
Speaker
Anvar Mammadli
Phd Candidate
WASM, Curtin University
Addressing Western Australia’s Critical Minerals: Opportunities, Bottlenecks, and Perspectives
Biography
Anvar Mammadli is a PhD candidate at the Western Australia School of Mines of Curtin University. His research focuses on evaluating the criticality of minerals and metals worldwide. Anvar began his academic journey by earning a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering from Azerbaijan State University (formerly Academy) of Oil and Industry. He further honed his expertise by attaining an M.Sc. in Sustainable Remediation and Mining Management from the Technical University Bergakademie in Freiberg, Germany. During his master's program, Anvar conducted research on factors influencing the status of co- and by-products in polymetallic mining projects and developed a computational tool using multi-criteria decision analyses. Apart from his academic pursuits, Anvar has over five years of experience in event organization and consulting, displaying his commitment to professional growth and entrepreneurial endeavours. Notably, he is the CEO and Founder of Horizon Education Agency, a successful initiative in Azerbaijan, which he takes immense pride in. He leverages this experience to provide strategic guidance and support to undergraduate and postgraduate students in Azerbaijan.
Dr Vlado Vivoda
Industry Fellow
University Of Queensland
Navigating the Geopolitics and Economics of Critical Minerals in a Fractured Global Supply Chain
Biography
Dr. Vlado Vivoda is an expert in mineral economics, geopolitics, and global supply chains, with extensive experience analyzing the strategic and economic dimensions of critical minerals. His research focuses on the intersection of resource security, trade policy, and investment trends, particularly in the context of the green energy transition.
Vlado has advised government, industry, and international organizations on supply chain resilience, policy frameworks, and the economic implications of geopolitical shifts. His work examines how critical minerals markets are shaped by trade restrictions, resource nationalism, and strategic alliances, providing insights into emerging risks and opportunities for key stakeholders.
He has held research and advisory positions at leading institutions, including the Sustainable Minerals Institute at the University of Queensland, and has contributed to policy discussions on the future of mineral supply chains in Australia and beyond. With a deep understanding of the complexities of mining, processing, and market dynamics, he is a sought-after voice in industry forums and academic circles.
His current work explores the evolving role of Australia in global critical minerals supply chains, with a particular focus on the implications of shifting U.S. and China trade policies.
Mr Yedidia Mgema
Senior Exploration Geologist
Smart Mining Resources
Demands of Critical Minerals and Energy–Effects and Limitations of Moving Towards 5TH Industrial Revolution.
Biography
Senior Exploration Geologist with years of experience in mining, resource estimation and mineral exploration. Expertise in Underground Mine geology, drilling management, geological modelling, resource estimation and evaluation, underground production, geological mapping, core logging and technical reporting. Skilled and proficient in using geological software including Leapfrog Geo, Vulcan, Snowden Supervisor and ArcGIS. Demonstrated excellence in contributing to resource growth through exploration in gold deposits and optimizing underground production leading to improved operational efficiency and ore recovery. Experienced in collaborating with cross-functional teams and working in multicultural environment. Passionate about ore deposit geology, continuous learning, problem solving and fostering a safety-first culture
Mrs Ana Beatriz Sullato
Strategic Advisor
Invest Minas
Minas Gerais – Brazil: the global hub for critical minerals value chain
Biography
Ana Beatriz Sullato holds a degree in International Relations from PUC Minas and an MBA in Business and Corporate Management from FGV, in Brazil. With a background as an account manager in the private sector, she currently serves as a strategic advisor at Invest Minas, focusing on the mining, steel, railway, metallurgy, and capital goods sectors. She has a strong interest in energy transition minerals and decarbonization initiatives, areas in which she helps foster innovative and sustainable solutions for the economic development of Minas Gerais.
Ms Amy Lomas
Chief Economist
Pwc Australia
Unlocking Australia’s unique opportunity in critical minerals while navigating uncertainties in geopolitics and the global economy
Biography
Amy Lomas is PwC's Chief Economist and Partner. She specialises in infrastructure, energy and economic development.
Amy has 20+ years’ experience in various consulting and public sector roles. She worked for ten in WA Treasury including as Director of economic and revenue forecasting, leading WAs involvement in the design of the National emissions trading scheme and Ministerial advisor. She is a former Executive Director State Development Policy at the former WA Department of State Development where she was responsible for a range of State development policies including access arrangements for infrastructure.
Amy is a Chair of a school board and recently completed a 6-year term on the board of Pilbara Ports Authority.
She lives in Western Australia with her partner and daughters.
