Session 5 |
| Tuesday, September 22, 2026 |
| 8:30 AM - 10:05 AM |
| Great Hall Q1 & Q2 |
Speaker
Dr Helen Degeling
2026 AusIMM Critical Minerals Conference Chair
Day 2 Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:30 AM - 8:35 AMBiography
Helen Degeling is a geologist and recognised, influential advocate for minerals development that delivers positive ESG outcomes and meets the demands of a just transition towards decarbonisation. She has previously held roles as a researcher, exploration and mine geologist, and exploration manager for junior precious, base and critical metal explorers, as well as leadership positions in critical minerals and sustainable mining across government and industry. Helen is now Director of Geoscience and Sustainability at Mining3, where she combines her traditional geological expertise and passion for circularity, sustainability and traceability to drive innovation and deliver practical solutions for the resources industry’s ‘next generation’ challenges.
Honourable Dale Last MP
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines; Minister for Manufacturing; Minister for Regional and Rural Development
Ministerial Address
8:35 AM - 8:45 AMBiography
Dale Last is the Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development.
Born and raised in country Queensland, Dale has dedicated his career to serving regional communities.
Dale joined the Queensland Police Service in 1981 and was awarded the National Police Medal in 1988 for diligent long service to the community. He was appointed Officer in Charge of Townsville Police Station in 2000, leading frontline law enforcement in Queensland’s largest regional centre.
Following his service in the Queensland Police Service, Dale was elected to Townsville City Council, where he served as both Councillor and Deputy Mayor. In 2015, he was elected to the Queensland Parliament as the Member for Burdekin.
Dale is a fierce advocate for regional communities and rural development. His electorate of Burdekin is home to major resources projects and key transport infrastructure, including numerous mines and the Port of Abbot Point.
Dale lives on a small farm at Alligator Creek with his wife, two of his children and a menagerie including two horses and a pet pig called Honey.
Keynote Presenter
Keynote Presentation
8:45 AM - 9:30 AMBiography
Dr Neville Plint
Executive Manager
Critical Metals for Critical Industries (CMCI) Cooperative Research Centre (CRC)
Keynote Presentation | Critical Metals for Critical Industries (CMCI) CRC: Catalysing Australia’s sovereign refining capability
9:30 AM - 10:05 AMBiography
Dr Neville Plint is a visionary leader in the mining industry, renowned for his innovative strategies and forward-thinking approach. With over 30 years of experience in the sector, Neville has established himself as a trailblazer in driving sustainable growth and technological advancements.
Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer at Mining3, Neville is at the forefront of revolutionising mining practices through cutting-edge research and development initiatives. Under his leadership, Mining3 has made significant strides in driving technological advancements and fostering collaboration within the industry. Neville has a global reputation in the mining sector and has broad demonstrated experience in the mining and resource industry.
His career has focused on improving operational performance on mining sites by developing and implementing new technologies, whilst establishing a global network of research professionals in academic institutes, mining companies and research organisations. Neville has extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of the mining sector.
Dr. Plint was the Institute Director, Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), at The University of Queensland. Whilst at Anglo American, Neville held multiple leadership roles, including Chief Scientist, Head of Business Improvement Projects, and Head of Research and Development. Dr. Plint also held positions as board member and Director of Mining3; Managing Director of KTech with his unwavering dedication to innovation and sustainability, Neville continues to shape the mining industry's future, driving positive change and leaving a lasting impact on the world.