Xuefan Zhou is a PhD candidate at Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, The University of Queensland. She has extensive experience in the characterization and analysis of materials including steels, minerals, and alloys. Her current research focuses on the analysis and evaluation of slags associated with direct reduced iron, using spectroscopic and electrochemical methods to understand the relationships between slag structure and properties. This work aims to support process optimisation and the development of sustainable, low-carbon ironmaking technologies.

Filipe leads ArcelorMittal’s mining and resources research portfolio as Portfolio Leader, steering global R&D strategy and partnerships to accelerate low‑carbon growth. He oversees technology and innovation programs across laboratories in France, Spain, Brazil, Canada, and the USA, advancing solutions that decarbonise the value chain and enable circular‑economy outcomes. His remit spans technical marketing for iron ore and support to commercial teams, with a strong emphasis on applying digitalization and AI to elevate performance, resilience, and sustainability across mining and primary processing.

Shijuan Qu is a PhD candidate in Mining Engineering at Central South University, specializing in iron ore agglomeration, low-carbon ironmaking, and hydrogen metallurgy. Her research focuses on the efficient utilization of iron ore resources and low-carbon steelmaking technologies. She has led and participated in industrial R&D projects with ArcelorMittal, Vale, and China Baowu Steel Group. She has received the FMG Scholarship, Central South University’s First-Class Scholarship, and the honorary title of “Outstanding Student.”

Johan Utomo PhD, MIEAust, CPEng, MAusIMM(CP) is a Chartered Process Engineer and Metallurgist with dual professional accreditations from Engineers Australia and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Curtin University and has over 15 years of experience in Australian mineral processing. Currently a Specialist Process Modelling engineer at Hancock Iron Ore, Johan specialises in dynamic and steady-state process simulation, digital plant modelling, and process optimisation using SysCAD and Limn. He previously held metallurgical roles at Rio Tinto Iron Ore and SKM.