Nick is an exploration geologist with over 15 years of experience across various commodities, deposit styles and terrains. He currently hold the position of Principal Exploration Geologist for MMG Dugald River. Apart from deposit growth and field based exploration, Nick has a passion for research and development. His previous research focussed on regional to deposit-scale tectono-magmatic evolution of modern seafloor copper and gold systems. Nick currently co-supervises two industry PhDs and a masters project. Nick believes in supporting the development of geoscience and holds professional memberships with the Geological Society of Australia, the Society of Economic Geologists, the AUSIMM and is a Registered Professional Geoscientist with Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG).

Katya is in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) in Science at the Australian National University in Canberra. She is majoring in Earth Science, and is currently completing an Honours project in the ARC Training Centre in Critical Resources for the Future looking at mineral geochemistry as a novel exploration tool for economic REE and Nb carbonatite deposits. Katya has been graciously named a recipient of the AusIMM Education Endowment Fund Scholarship and has received several other academic awards, including the Ian McDougall Scholarship, the SWEDG Geoscience Honours Student Scholarship as well as support from the AIG Education Foundation Bursary. She is passionate about leveraging the interdisciplinary nature of earth science to address real-world challenges, translating scientific knowledge into industry applications, sustainable practices and innovative solutions. Katya has a particular interest in mineral exploration and mining, having completed multiple vacation placements and currently serving as president of the AusIMM Canberra Student Chapter. She is confident that a future career as a geologist in the resources sector will provide rewarding and exciting opportunities to make a meaningful impact on both the planet and emerging technologies essential for the energy transition.

Janay is a passionate emerging geologist with particular interests in geochemical characterisation of complex orebodies, and repurposing legacy mines to support the green energy transition. Upon completing her Bachelor of Science (Advanced) - Geology & Palaeontology at the University of Adelaide in 2025, she has decided to pursue a Master of Research in Geology focusing on the Hillside Deposit on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula. The significance of her work is highlighted by her affiliations to the esteemed Australian Research Council Critical Resources for the Future training centre. Alongside her studies she is actively involved with industry organisations including the AusIMM, of which she is the Sponsorship Officer for the Adelaide Student Chapter. Her strong work ethic and enthusiasm have led her to exposure working at several sites across South Australia and Tasmania, within exploration, development, and operations. This has inspired her passion for incorporating an interdisciplinary approach to her work.

Keith Vining is a Senior Principal Research Consultant in CSIRO Mineral Resources with a strong focus on iron ore processing and iron making. He works closely with producers, technology developers, and end users to translate collaborative research and development into practical outcomes that reduce technical risk and accelerate technology adoption. Keith manages major initiatives advancing green iron and decarbonisation pathways, including programs that strengthen technical collaboration with India. Most recently, he was tasked by Dept. Industry Science and Resources with establishing the Green Metals Innovation Network, promoting a “Team Australia” approach to accelerate the emergence of a globally competitive green metals industry.

Jordan's career has been dedicated to the research and development of energy technologies to support the transition to a low-carbon future. This has included research studies and management at the University of Adelaide and the University of Edinburgh, and as an engineer and then Chief Executive Officer of the Asia-Pacific Business Unit at FCT Combustion, a world leader in supplying combustion equipment to high-temperature industries and 1414 Degrees Ltd, an ASX-listed company focused on developing thermal energy storage technology and the Aurora renewable energy project. Jordan has extensive experience in leading teams to deliver local, national and international projects across a wide range of fields, combining his unique engineering and technical experience with strategic, leadership, business and project management skills. He has a strong interest and track record in developing clean thermal energy technology with a comprehensive understanding of the energy and resource sectors globally and in Australia.

Dr Bita Bayatsarmadi is Research Group Leader of Processing Pathways at CSIRO Mineral Resources, leading multidisciplinary teams developing innovative technologies for green metals, critical minerals and sustainable resource processing. A chemical engineer with a PhD and MBA, Bita has built her career at the intersection of science, engineering and industry, leading collaborative research from early-stage innovation to pilot-scale demonstration. Having started her career in the oil and gas industry, she brings a practical, industry-focused perspective to research leadership. Bita is passionate about building high-performing teams, developing future leaders and translating innovative ideas into real-world impact.

A mechanical engineer by profession, Mitch Burt has spent the majority of his career in operational roles at underground coal and hard rock mines in central and western Queensland. He was previously Practice Lead for Decarbonisation Technology at South32, where he was responsible for identifying and advancing nascent technology options required to achieve net zero emissions across the company’s diverse portfolio of operations. In this role, he established and accelerated internal study programs, and played leading roles in collaborative partnerships including the Long Duration Energy Storage Council, the Electric Mine Consortium and HILT CRC. He brings a complex systems lens to the energy transition, integrating deep industry experience in decarbonisation technology with insights that reveal how technologies, markets and policy co evolve. Prior to moving into technology development, his experience included project management, asset management, finance and managing multi-disciplinary teams. Mitch holds bachelor degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Science (Mathematics) and a Masters in Renewable and Sustainable Energy, for which he received the Staff Prize for Academic Performance.