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 & Technologist with 25+ years international experience, spanning technology development, research, commercialization, global business development, strategy, investment, consulting, mining operations, mineral exploration & space. Aaron’s passion is centered around deep engagement & collaboration with the Mining Equipment, Technology & Services (METS), Research & Space sectors. This draws on his deep domain experience in material characterisation, sensors, IIoT, analytics, AI/ML, space, robotics & automation. This is combined with over a decade of direct exploration & mining operational experience. Aaron has also been directly involved in projects with NASA and the Mars Curiosity Rover, MinEx CRC and the Deep Exploration Technologies CRC, where he also holds patents for novel sampling and analysis technologies. Professionally, Aaron is a proud graduate of the Western Australian School of Mines, Kalgoorlie (WASM) and holds a BSc. in Mineral Exploration & Mining Geology with 1st Class Honours. He is a Registered Professional Geoscientist, as well as a Fellow of the AusIMM, AIG, SEG and AAG.