Session 1 | Opening Plenary
| Monday, October 19, 2026 |
| 8:30 AM - 9:55 AM |
| Great Hall Q1 & Q2 |
Speaker
Refiti Tovi
Turrbal | Gubbi Gubbi | Ningy Ningy | Gamilaraay
Welcome to Country
8:30 AM - 8:40 AMBiography
Refiti Tovi is a proud Turrbal woman and the niece of the late Turrbal Elder, Songwoman Maroochy Barambah. Raised in culture and guided by her Elders, she has learned traditional Lore and Protocol.
With over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education, Refiti is deeply passionate about empowering the next generation and strengthening her community through truth-telling, advocacy and cultural connection. Refiti is here with us today to deliver the Welcome to Country on behalf of the Turrbal People of Brisbane.
Stephen Durkin
CEO
AusIMM
AusIMM Address
8:40 AM - 8:55 AMBiography
Stephen Durkin is CEO of AusIMM, the peak body for professionals working in the resources sector. Founded in 1893 and operating under Royal Charter, AusIMM represents 16,000 members globally. AusIMM delivers a growing range of professional development, including technical conferences and online courses, and plays an influential role in upholding professional standards and shaping some of the mining industry's most important conversations.
Stephen has extensive experience leading professional associations, including five years as CEO of Engineers Australia, and prior to that over 20 years experience in executive leadership roles.
Mr Reg Radford
Principal Specialist Metallurgy
Gold Fields
Welcome from the Conference Chair
8:55 AM - 9:05 AMBiography
Reg has built a distinguished career in metallurgy and gold mining over the past 25+ years. After studying Chemistry and Extractive Metallurgy at Murdoch University, he began his journey at Telfer Gold Mine in 1997. Reg has since held senior roles across multiple Australian gold operations and now serves as Principal Specialist Metallurgy at Gold Fields, supporting both Australian and International sites. He plays a key role in transferring successful practices from Australia to global operations, driving consistency and innovation across the business. A strong advocate for mentoring and practical training, Reg combines deep technical expertise with a passion for continuous improvement. Known for his approachable leadership style and trademark question, “What’s the worst that could happen?”, he continues to inspire teams and enhance operational performance. Reg and his partner Juls live in Albany, WA.
Martin Lynch
PhD Student
The University of Queensland
Keynote Presentation | Substitution as the solution to mineral shortages: The case of copper
9:05 AM - 9:35 AMBiography
Martin Lynch is a graduate of The University of Queensland where he earned a BE Chemical Engineering, after which he worked in a variety of operational and analytical roles in several mining companies, including Rio Tinto and Iluka Resources. In 2009 he became the owner and manager of a small business specialising in solar hot water, solar power and energy storage. He sold the business in 2024, and since then has been pursuing a PhD at the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute. He has an interest in how the business of mining is driven by events and trends in the broader economy, on which he has written several academic papers and a book, Mining in World History.
Mr Reg Radford
Principal Specialist Metallurgy
Gold Fields
Keynote Q&A with Session Chair
9:35 AM - 9:55 AMBiography
Reg has built a distinguished career in metallurgy and gold mining over the past 25+ years. After studying Chemistry and Extractive Metallurgy at Murdoch University, he began his journey at Telfer Gold Mine in 1997. Reg has since held senior roles across multiple Australian gold operations and now serves as Principal Specialist Metallurgy at Gold Fields, supporting both Australian and International sites. He plays a key role in transferring successful practices from Australia to global operations, driving consistency and innovation across the business. A strong advocate for mentoring and practical training, Reg combines deep technical expertise with a passion for continuous improvement. Known for his approachable leadership style and trademark question, “What’s the worst that could happen?”, he continues to inspire teams and enhance operational performance. Reg and his partner Juls live in Albany, WA.