Akash Jani is a specialist structural geologist with over a decade of experience in the Iron Ore industry in greenfield & brownfield exploration and mining activities. A graduate of the University of Auckland, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization in Geophysics and Applied Mathematics. Akash’s strong foundation in both quantitative and geological sciences has equipped him with a unique perspective in understanding the Earth’s complex structures. Akash really enjoys using technology to generate innovative ideas and improvement suggestions that would generate more value add to the business workflow while maintaining high technical standards and productivity.

Arpit Gole holds a Master's degree from The University of Adelaide and is an accomplished machine learning engineer with over six years of experience developing large-scale software systems. His current research focuses on leveraging state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to address critical challenges at the intersection of technology and earth sciences. Arpit takes a mentorship approach to teach the next generation and lecturers at The University of Adelaide College and Kaplan Business School. Beyond his professional commitments, Arpit maintains a balanced life, enjoying quality time with family and friends, often engaging in board games and sports. His zeal to excel at everything stems from his experience representing Handball at the national level during his schooling and undergraduate years.

Dr. Kadri Dagdelen is currently a Professor of Mining Engineering at Colorado School of Mines (CSM) in Golden, Colorado. He has been a faculty member at CSM since 1992 where He was the Head of the Mining Department between 2008 and 2012. Dr. Dagdelen’s teaching and research interests include Geostatistical Resource and Reserve Estimation, Surface Mine Design, Mine Production Schedule Optimization and Operations Research Applications in Mining. He is the author of more than 50 research and technical publications in the mining industry. He is a QP in the area of Resource Estimation and Mining Engineering under Mining and Metallurgical Society of America (MMSA). He has also served as a board member for Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, between 2000 and 2006 including a seat as an Executive Committee Member for its M&E Division. He has received the Distinguished Service Award from SME’s Minerals and Exploration (M&E) Division in 2006 and the Distinguished Member award of the SME in 2013. Dr. Dagdelen received his Ph.D. (1985), M.Sc. (1979), and BSc. (1976) in Mining Engineering, from Colorado School of Mines and a Master of Engineering (Equivalent) (1981), Geostatistics, from L’ecole des Mines de Paris.

With over 18 years of international experience in Geology, Resource Estimation, Strategic Mine Planning, and Portfolio Management, Claver offers a unique combination of technical depth and strategic vision. Currently serving as Portfolio Senior Manager at Dassault Systèmes GEOVIA, Claver leads global initiatives that are reshaping how mining companies approach digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability. Throughout his career, he worked across diverse mining jurisdictions that include Australia, West Africa, and Southeast Asia where he delivered high-impact solutions across exploration and mining operations. He led global portfolio roadmaps, driven M&A initiatives, mapped and optimized business processes, and collaborated closely with clients to align cutting-edge technology with evolving industry challenges. His work has consistently delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, compliance, and value creation. Academically, Claver holds an MBA and an MSc in Minerals and Energy Economics from Curtin University, alongside Engineering degrees in Geology and Mining. This foundation, coupled with his practical expertise enables him to bridge the gap between operational needs and long-term business objectives.

With over 18 years of international experience in Geology, Resource Estimation, Strategic Mine Planning, and Portfolio Management, Claver offers a unique combination of technical depth and strategic vision. Currently serving as Portfolio Senior Manager at Dassault Systèmes GEOVIA, Claver leads global initiatives that are reshaping how mining companies approach digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability. Throughout his career, he worked across diverse mining jurisdictions that include Australia, West Africa, and Southeast Asia where he delivered high-impact solutions across exploration and mining operations. He led global portfolio roadmaps, driven M&A initiatives, mapped and optimized business processes, and collaborated closely with clients to align cutting-edge technology with evolving industry challenges. His work has consistently delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, compliance, and value creation. Academically, Claver holds an MBA and an MSc in Minerals and Energy Economics from Curtin University, alongside Engineering degrees in Geology and Mining. This foundation, coupled with his practical expertise enables him to bridge the gap between operational needs and long-term business objectives.