Nick is a computer geologist with over 20 years working in geosciences mainly in technical roles that usually involve software that makes life easier for geologists. Nick has also spent time working with geophysical data for exploration, drillhole data management, directional drilling and resource geology. More recently, Nick has been responsible for forging Deswik's path into Geology, creating the 'GeoTools' products for mine geologists involved in sampling, mapping, drillhole design and ore control.

Fang Huang is a research scientist at CSIRO Mineral Resources, Geoscience Analytics team, working on building machine learning models with drill core hyperspectral, geochemical, and mineralogical data. Before joining CSIRO, he was a postdoctoral research associate in data science and machine learning. He got his PhD degree in 2017 with a focus in high temperature and pressure thermodynamic modelling. With an interdisciplinary background, he uses network analysis, data analytics, and visualisations in his research to gain knowledge from a variety of geochemical, biological, and mineralogical data sets. He has also co-organised a number of data science sessions and workshops at international conferences.

Ilnur is Principal Geoscientist in Numerical Modelling and Data in BHP, Perth,WA. He finished his PhD in Applied Mathematics and Physics in Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. During his study Ilnur worked on developing and implementing basic geostatistical algorithms for oil-gas modelling software. In 2013 Ilnur started his postdoc in COSMO Lab, McGill University. During the following three years he developed high-order simulation methods for optimization of mining complexes. Four years ago Ilnur joined BHP and currently working on uncertainty quantification in the value chain. His area of interest is geostatistics, numerical modelling, and data science.

Mark is a leader in the mining and geoscience consulting industry. He provides technical advice, mine and project reviews, due diligence and audits, process improvement studies, as well as training and mentoring in all aspects of orebody knowledge, from exploration reporting, resource definition and reporting, mine geology, grade control and mine reconciliation through to inputs into reserving and feasibility studies. He assists clients in understanding, developing and reporting on their mineral assets. Mark's technical experience covers a wide range of commodities, geological, geographic and mining settings. Mark is an AusIMM director (2021-2023) and has held positions as Chair of the Southern Queensland branch of the AusIMM, the AusIMM Consultants Society, the AusIMM Awards Technical Excellence Committee, the Geostatistical Association of Australasia and Secretary of the Geostatistical Association of South Africa. Mark has an MSc in Exploration Geology from Rhodes University, South Africa, is a Fellow and Chartered Professional (Geosciences) of the AusIMM, and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mark received the AusIMM Charles Marshall Award for Technical Excellence 2020. Mark mentors with the Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering’s Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS) and the International Women in Resources Mentoring Program (IWRMP).

Katherine Silversides is a research fellow at the Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation (RTCMA), Australian Centre for Field Robotics, The University of Sydney. Her research focuses on solving different classification and modelling problems relating to orebody geology using a range of data including geophysical downhole logging, geochemical assays, “measure while drilling” information from drill rigs and hyperspectral data.

Abe Whaanga is a Superintendent - Mine Geology at OceanaGold’s Waihi Operation and an AusIMM chartered proffesional. A Victoria University of Wellington graduate, Abe began his geology career in Komatite hosted Nickle sulphide deposits in Kambalda. He has over 16 years working as a Geologist in the WA and New Zealand mining industry and 3 years in the GIS industry. His experience includes geological and structural modelling, resource estimation, geophysical techniques, and database, project and financial management in gold, nickel and iron ore deposits.

Rene has a Master’s degree in Structural Geology and Tectonics. He is a Chartered Professional and a Fellow with the AusIMM, and a Member and Registered Professional Geologist with the AIG. Rene is a director of the AusIMM, a director of Straterra (New Zealand’s industry lobby group and national voice for the natural resources industries), Managing Director of mineral resource development specialists RSC, a director of Opaxe (an information technology company providing mineral resource intelligence data), and a director of Transition Minerals (a company exploring for vanadium, copper and gold). He also holds ex-officio roles on the JORC committee and the Australian Geoscience Council.