Mark Longbottom is Head of ESG & Innovation at True North Copper Limited (ASX:TNC), where he leads the integration of environmental, social and governance performance with innovation across the Company’s exploration and development portfolio. With more than 20 years’ experience across the resources and infrastructure sectors, Mark specialises in complex mining studies, environmental approvals and the management of key environmental and social risks. He has held senior roles with OZ Minerals and leading environmental consultancies, supporting major projects from early exploration through to development and operations. Mark focuses on embedding ESG and innovation early in project planning, ensuring environmental performance, stakeholder engagement and governance are practical drivers of project certainty and long-term value. He is particularly passionate about challenging legacy approaches, applying new technologies and unlocking opportunities in areas such as mine closure, resource recovery and circular solutions that create lasting value for communities, stakeholders and the broader mining sector.

A metallurgist with over 24 years of experience in mineral processing and hydrometallurgy across academia and industry. I received my PhD in Metallurgy from the Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg, Germany, in 2015. My research focuses on integrating mineralogy with beneficiation and hydrometallurgical processes for a range of commodities, including iron, copper, lithium, rare-earth elements, tin, titanium, tungsten, nickel, and gold. I have strong expertise in mineralogical characterisation, physical and chemical analysis, and process optimisation. My work aims to improve process understanding and enhance the technical and economic performance of critical mineral projects.

Carsten Laukamp is a principal research scientist at CSIRO Mineral Resources, based in Perth, Australia. Carsten obtained his Doctorate of Science (Dr. rer. Nat.) from the Ruprecht Karls University in Heidelberg, Germany, based on his study of the structural and fluid system evolution in the Otavi Mountain Land (Namibia) and its significance for the genesis of sulphide and nonsulphide mineralisation. After his postdoctoral position at the James Cook University (Townsville, Australia), Carsten joined the Western Australian Centre of Excellence for 3D Mineral Mapping at the CSIRO (Perth, Australia). During his career at CSIRO, Carsten has been the project leader of AuScope's National Virtual Core Library Infrastructure Program from 2016 to 2023, and Group Leader of the Mineral Systems Science and Multidimensional Geoscience Groups in CSIRO Mineral Resources. In his current role with CSIRO's Discovery Program, Carsten explores the potential for combined use of lab, field and remote visible and infrared reflectance spectroscopy, geochemistry and geophysics for regolith characterisation, tracing hydrothermal alteration signatures through cover, critical metals exploration and advancing ore body knowledge.

Aaron Baensch is an Executive Geoscientist with 30 years of experience spanning the mineral exploration & mining industry and advanced analytical products focussed around rapid, real-time, in-field detection of minerals & materials, particularly the critical minerals needed for the global energy transition & decarbonisation. Aaron spent the first decade of his career directly employed into mineral exploration and mining operations globally before making the transition into the analytical technology sector in 2008. Since then, Aaron has worked on a variety of next generation technology platforms including joining TeraGlo as the Founding Managing Director & CEO in 2024. Professionally, Aaron is a graduate of the Western Australia School of Mines with a BSc. (1st Class Hons) in Mineral Exploration & Mining Geology. He is a Registered Professional Geoscientist (RPGeo) and is a Fellow of the AusIMM, AIG, SEG & AAG and a Member of the AICD. Aaron also sits directly on the board of three private mining & technology companies in addition to four advisory boards in the same segment.

Corey is a PhD Candidate at the WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre (BRC) in the Sustainable Minerals Institute who is a versatile and passionate geologist with extensive experience in the minerals industry and orebody knowledge research. Corey graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2005 with a Bachelor of Sciences (Honours) and then proceeded to work in Tasmania at the Rosebery mine (Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au). His career is built over 20-years working across Australia and the DRC providing exploration and resource development success on various base and precious metal deposits. He completed a Masters of Economic Geology from UTAS in 2021 being admitted to the Role of Excellence in the same year. Returning to Rosebery in 2021, he now leads the Geology Department whilst undertaking a PhD at the Sustainable Minerals Institute conducting multiscale characterisation research into the controls of the polymetallic deposit and define new orebody knowledge for application across the Rosebery Mining Value Chain.

A member since 1998, Mark has been involved in AusIMM branch, society, conference / workshop and Award committees. Mark has supported professional development and standards through mentoring programs and the presentation of papers, talks and training at conferences and online platforms, including facilitation of the well-received online JORC Code reporting course. A Fellow and Chartered Professional (Geoscience), Mark’s contribution in the consulting sector was recognised with the AusIMM Charles Marshall Professional Excellence Award in 2019. As a recognised leader in the consulting industry, Mark has held Board roles within various consulting companies since 2009, including Managing Director of Xstract Mining Consultants (2009-2012), Director of SRK (Australasia) in 2016, Chair and a Practice Leader in 2017, Director and Exco member of SRK (Global) in 2018, Managing Director of SRK (Australasia) 2019-2022, Director of SRK (Asia) in 2020, and Group Chair of SRK (Global) (2021-2022). Mark was elected to the AusIMM Board from 2021 and contributes to the Board and AusIMM members through his broad industry and professional services experience, contracting and governance exposure, familiarity with marketing and professional development activities, and in particular his interpersonal and communication style.