Neil works full time in the mining industry, along with undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Edith Cowan University. His research focuses on psychosocial safety, leadership, and psychological wellbeing in the mining industry — particularly the lived experience of supervisors and frontline workers. With a background spanning leadership and organisational practice, operational and organisational performance, and technology to support the frontline workforce, Neil’s research sits at the intersection of practice and theory.

David is a director in mining consulting with KPMG, with 45 years of diverse experience in the mining industry across gold, base metals, coal, diamonds, iron ore and lithium, in both open pit and underground, including 15 years in executive leadership roles. David’s executive roles included Chief Operating Officer, St Barbara Ltd, and Managing Director, Rio Tinto (Argyle Diamonds and Iron Ore). Consulting engagements have included expert panel reviews, operational improvement projects, operational readiness and management systems upgrade projects for mature operating mines, in Australia and overseas. He is a PhD candidate at WA School of Mines.

Alex Atkins is an experienced mining engineer, company director and industry leader with more than 30 years’ experience across operations, regulation, consulting and governance in Australia, Papua New Guinea and internationally. She holds dual engineering degrees, an MBA in Finance and rare multidisciplinary expertise spanning mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology, risk and strategy. A recognised trailblazer, Alex was among Australia’s first female underground mining engineers and Western Australia’s first female District Inspector of Mines. She has extensive ASX-listed board experience, is a Fellow of AICD, GIA, EngAust and AusIMM, and currently chairs Curtin University’s WASM Mining Engineering Industry Advisory Group.

Jacinta Ireland is a geologist and mining leader with more than 20 years of experience driving exploration success across the resources industry. As Group Geology Manager – Discovery, she has led high-performing multidisciplinary teams and contributed to multiple major gold discoveries in Western Australia's Goldfields, delivering significant resource growth. Known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to developing talent, Jacinta continues to create lasting impact through strong teams and a passion for discovery.