Dr Daniel Goldstein is a Chartered Professional and Registered Professional Geotechnical Engineer and Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Rio Tinto, based in Perth, Western Australia. He leads geotechnical risk and assurance frameworks for large-scale open pit mining operations. Daniel holds a PhD from Curtin University’s Western Australia School of Mines, specializing in machine learning and real time drilling data for orebody characterization. He is a Senior RioExpert and an award winning contributor to industry innovation, professional societies, major conferences and academic teaching in geomechanics and mining engineering. Keith Vining is a Group Leader 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.

Mike Apfel is a mining professional with over 30 years’ experience across open pit and underground operations, supported by a mining engineering background and an MBA. Since joining Rio Tinto in 2006, he has held senior technical and operational roles, and is currently Senior Manager Technical & Strategy for the Simandou project, leading Technical Services and Resource Evaluation teams. His career spans operational management, mine planning, technical services, consulting, and technology deployment, including autonomous haulage implementation. Mike has worked across major gold and iron ore operations and now resides in the United Kingdom.