Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS (1986), has a PhD in Techniques et Économie de L'Entreprise Minière by École des Mines de Paris (1994), Post-doc at École des Mines d'Alès (2002), in mineral charges on polymers and University of Exeter (2018) in Mining and Sustainability. Currently, Professor at UFRGS. He has experience in Mining Engineering, with an emphasis on Economic Evaluation. Experience in projects with companies in the mining and industrial minerals sector (Vale, Imerys, PPG, Renner-Herrmann, Braskem). More than 100 publications in journals and congress proceedings.

María Ignacia is a final-year Mining Engineering student at the University of Concepción in Chile. Her academic background is focused on risk assessment, sustainability, and project management within the mining industry. She has developed a strong interest in the application of systems analysis tools to improve safety and decision-making in mining operations. She currently serves as Regional Coordinator for Engineering Without Borders Chile, where she leads interdisciplinary initiatives to improve access to basic services such as water and energy in vulnerable communities. Through this role, she has strengthened her leadership skills and deepened her commitment to the social impact of engineering. María Ignacia has also participated in mentoring programs with Codelco and BHP, enhancing her professional development and her engagement with industry leaders. Her research interests include risk management and sustainable practices in extractive industries, aligning closely with the topic of her current presentation.

Ali Soofastaei is a globally recognized technology leader and AI strategist with over two decades of experience in digital transformation, advanced analytics, and sustainable innovation across the mining, energy, and industrial sectors. He has held senior roles at industry giants including Newmont, Vale, BHP, CRC Mining, and Shell, where he led enterprise-scale programs that leveraged AI, machine learning, and real-time data systems to drive measurable improvements in operational efficiency, fuel optimization, and emissions reduction. Ali holds a PhD in applied AI in mining from the University of Queensland. His research and professional work focus on applied AI in complex industrial environments, with proven outcomes such as $80 M+ in annual savings and over 40% improvements in data integrity and process efficiency. He is a seasoned digital transformation programs leader known for building high-performing global teams and fostering innovation ecosystems. A passionate data evangelist, Ali excels in translating technical insights into strategic business value. His contributions have shaped Centres of Excellence, influenced executive decisions, and advanced sustainability goals. He continues to champion ethical AI integration and data-driven transformation globally.

Dr. Angelina Anani is currently an associate professor at the University of Arizona. She holds a BS (Summa cum laude) and PhD from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Mining Engineering. She has over 12 years of research and teaching experience. Her research expertise is in modeling and optimization of mining systems, mine planning and production scheduling, design and management of sustainable mining systems, mine equipment reliability studies, energy and water efficiency, ethnographic research in mining, application of machine learning in mining, 3D mining planning, and mining supply chain.

Rudy Heryadi currently works as COO at PT Suma Yogara Sejahtera, one of Indonesia's drilling and blasting companies specializing in drilling and blasting efficiency, incorporating the air decking method in all PT SYS drilling and blasting service projects. He also works as a lecturer at PGRI Kalimantan University, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. His research interests are sustainability, the environment, renewable energy, and drilling and blasting cost efficiency.