Session 7 | Quality and Technology
| Wednesday, April 22, 2026 |
| 1:05 PM - 2:55 PM |
| Great Hall Q1 & Q2 |
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Sponsored By:
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Speaker
Ms Shauna Martin
Senior Database Geologist
Aurelia Metals
Appropriate CRMs or analytical method, a potential dilemma, headache or not important
1:05 PM - 1:20 PMBiography
Shauna is an experienced geologist and database manager currently working with Aurelia Metals Ltd.
Mr Phil Jankowski
Technical Consulting Director
ERM
Network effects or shear madness? Using machine learning to model mineralised structures
1:20 PM - 1:35 PMBiography
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.
Ms Johanna van Balen
Production Geologist
Bluestone Mines Tasmania Joint Venture Pty Ltd
Seeing through the shotcrete: Enhancing geological modelling with FaceCapture Mapping at Renison
1:35 PM - 1:50 PMBiography
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.
Tito Lozada
Geologist
RFD
Q&A + Discussion (Session 7)
1:50 PM - 2:00 PMBiography
Tito Lozada is a Geoscientist at Rock Flow Dynamics who has been instrumental in assisting major mining companies and consultancies to use tNavigator in the geological modelling and resource estimation of mineral systems.
Since joining RFD in February 2020, Tito has worked closely with industry leaders, including SRK Australia, to commercialise and expand the application of tNavigator within the mining sector.
Through a combination of technical expertise, training, and industry engagement, Tito has helped position tNavigator as a powerful platform for integrating geological understanding with advanced modelling workflows across mining applications.
Mr Simon Davies
Geology Superintendent
Northern Star Resources Ltd
Practical implementation of the KORE Spector system at a high-throughput diamond core gold operation: Enhancing efficiency and data quality
2:00 PM - 2:15 PMBiography
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.
Ms Connie Schultz
Principal Geoscientific Systems
Rio Tinto
Innovations in density modelling at Bingham Canyon: Integrating advanced technologies and best practices
2:15 PM - 2:30 PMBiography
Connie Schultz is a Principal Geoscientific Systems for Rio Tinto Copper based in Brisbane, with extensive experience at the intersection of geoscience, data systems, and digital transformation. Her work focuses on improving how geological data is captured, integrated, and applied to support exploration and resource development decision making.
Connie is actively involved in cross functional initiatives spanning geoscience, analytics, and emerging technologies, including digital workflows and AI enabled approaches. She also plays a key role in technical communities of practice, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across disciplines. Through her work, Connie is passionate about translating complex technical trials into practical, scalable solutions that deliver real value to geoscientists and project teams.
Mrs Wendy Ware
Global Practice Lead Geometallurgy
Datarock
The unified rock value framework – Integrating measured and sensed data with machine-learning for value-centred, behaviour-informed ore control
2:30 PM - 2:45 PMBiography
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.
Tito Lozada
Geologist
RFD
Q&A + Discussion (Session 7)
2:45 PM - 2:55 PMBiography
Tito Lozada is a Geoscientist at Rock Flow Dynamics who has been instrumental in assisting major mining companies and consultancies to use tNavigator in the geological modelling and resource estimation of mineral systems.
Since joining RFD in February 2020, Tito has worked closely with industry leaders, including SRK Australia, to commercialise and expand the application of tNavigator within the mining sector.
Through a combination of technical expertise, training, and industry engagement, Tito has helped position tNavigator as a powerful platform for integrating geological understanding with advanced modelling workflows across mining applications.