Gavin has been operating in various technical leadership roles across MinRes for the last 8 years including supporting the Onslow Iron Project from inception, through feasibility, construction, and project ramp up. Over his tenure, Gavin has led multiple technical work streams including mine planning, supply chain, integrated planning, geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, surface water engineering, operations metallurgy, and business analysis and improvement. Gavin holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining and Environmental) (Hons) from the University of Wollongong, a Master of Engineering Management from the University of South Australia, and a Master of Business Administration from the Indian School of Business (ISB) and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Lance Karlson is superintendent of field hydrogeology at BHP, and a PhD candidate in the Centre for Exploration Targeting at UWA. He is a geologist with 18 years experience in iron ore, coal and coal seam gas.

Onalethata Saubi received the B.Eng. degree in mining engineering from the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Palapye, Botswana, in 2019, and the M.Eng. degree in mining engineering from BIUST in 2022. He is currently pursuing a PhD degree in mining engineering at BIUST. From 2019 to 2022, he was a Teaching Assistant at BIUST. He is currently a Research Assistant on a project funded by Debswana, to model blasting impacts and slope stability using artificial intelligence which is also the focus of his Ph.D. research. Mr. Saubi's research interests encompass the application of artificial intelligence across various mining disciplines, including drilling and blasting, load and haul operations, mine ventilation, and mine planning. He is also focused on applying AI to geotechnical areas such as slope stability, tunnel performance, and the characterization of rock mass properties. Additionally, his interests extend to modeling, simulation, and the optimisation of mining operations.

Rahadian Supriatna is a mining professional with over eight years of experience in open-cut mining operations across Indonesia and Australia. He is specialized in drill and blast engineering, mine planning, and operational optimization. He led several impactful projects at the Batu Hijau Mine in Indonesia, including blast throw analysis, drilling and loading accuracy improvements, and trim modification initiatives that enhanced safety and reduced costs. Rahadian is a Mining Engineer at Tier 1 Iron Ore Operator in Western Australia and researcher at UNSW, where he shares his knowledge in mine management and planning. Rahadian holds professional credentials as a Chartered Professional (CP) in Mining, a Registered Engineer of Professional Qualification (REPQ), and is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (MAusIMM) and Chartered Professional of Engineers Australia (MIEAust). In his spare time he loves an open ocean swim and also part of Mosman Council volunteers.

Will Alker is the Area Manager for Weir Motion Metrics in Australia, responsible for developing partnerships and delivering digital mining solutions that enhance productivity, safety, and sustainability across mine sites. With over 20 years of experience spanning government, technology, and mining sectors, Will has a strong track record in commercialising innovative technologies and leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects. Prior to joining Weir, Will worked with METS Ignited—Australia’s Mining Equipment, Technology and Services growth centre—helping commercialise emerging technologies through strategic industry collaboration. His work contributed to national programs that generated over $1 billion in economic activity and supported the advancement of mining automation, digital sensing, and process optimisation. At Motion Metrics, Will focuses on AI-enabled machine vision, data analytics, and wear-management solutions that transform how mines monitor performance and manage assets in real time. Will is passionate about practical innovation, continuous improvement, and creating pathways for digital transformation in heavy industry.