Shauna is an experienced geologist and database manager currently working with Aurelia Metals Ltd.

Phil has worked as a geologist for almost four decades, in open pit and underground mining geology and grade control, exploration and resource development and resource geology, both in corporate and consulting roles across Australia, Africa and Asia. Many of the deposits he has worked on have been structurally complex, and have presented significant challenges in unravelling mineralisation controls from resource or grade control spaced datasets, let alone successfully modeling and mining them; several mines he has worked on have had poor financial outcomes. He hopes that this contribution may contribute to better modelling and fewer future disasters.

Johanna van Balen is a geologist with seven years of experience across underground and open-pit mining, as well a consulting roles which offered diverse opportunities. Originally from Tasmania, she completed her geology studies at the University of Tasmania before launching her career in Western Australia, later she returned home to work in Tasmania. Johanna's niche is in production-focused roles where geology drives decision-making, and she’s known for her practical approach, adaptability, and clear communication. Her diverse experience gives her a value approach into insight into orebody behavior, structural mapping, and the operational realities of mining. Passionate about mining, Johanna brings energy, curiosity and enthusiasm to all she is a part of.

Simon Davies is the Geology Superintendent at Northern Star Resources’ Jundee Operation, bringing over 16 years’ experience across mine operations, resource, and near-mine exploration geology. He has held senior geological roles at major Australian gold operations including Fimiston (Super Pit), Tanami, Gruyere, and Jundee. Simon leads teams in both surface and underground growth portfolios, focusing on resource definition, long-term value generation, and strategic life-of-mine development. He champions the practical implementation of new technologies and innovative drilling strategies to enhance geological workflows, data quality, and mine reconciliation accuracy. This is Simon’s second AusIMM Mine Geology Conference presentation; he previously presented in 2019 on value added through the implementation of a web-based reconciliation system at Newmont Goldcorp’s Tanami Mine. Simon holds a BSc in Applied Geology from the Camborne School of Mines and is committed to driving operational excellence and innovation in mine geology.

Dr. Jen F. Ellis is a geoscientist and leader in mine geology and structural modeling, currently heading the Mine Geology & Resource team at Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Copper Mine in Salt Lake City, Utah. With over 15 years of global experience across mining operations, consulting, and research, Dr. Ellis brings deep technical expertise and strategic insight to the forefront of geological modeling and ore body knowledge. Her expertise spans predictive fracture analysis, AI integration in geological workflows, and operational excellence, with a strong focus on safety, culture, and continuous improvement.

Wendy Ware is Practice Lead Geometallurgy at Datarock, where she works with clients to develop integrated geometallurgical workflows that support informed, value-based decision-making. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the mining industry, leading multidisciplinary teams across a range of commodities and jurisdictions. Wendy’s work is grounded in systems thinking, with a focus on linking rock characterisation data to decisions across the mining value chain, from exploration through to closure. She is an active contributor to industry knowledge-sharing, having presented at conferences, workshops and professional forums, including delivering a keynote at the SAIMM Geometallurgy 2025 Conference and a GeoHUG presentation.