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.

Doug Bester is the founder of Perth‑based Sentient Computing, a specialist software company delivering immersive interactive environments, VR training and 3D visualisation solutions to the industrial sector. With more than 35 years’ experience in technical operations, project delivery and leadership, he has guided Sentient through multiple technology cycles while staying focused on practical value for operators, maintainers and decision‑makers on site. Since founding Sentient in 2007, Doug has grown the business from a small startup into a diverse team of engineers, developers and artists delivering solutions for major iron ore, energy and industrial clients in Australia and overseas. Under his leadership, Sentient has become recognised as an Australian pioneer in training, gaming‑inspired simulations and industrial digital twins that improve productivity by enhanced training and better understanding of complex operations. This work has been acknowledged through accolades such as being awarded the Rio Tinto Suppliers Innovation Award in 2023. Doug’s leadership philosophy is centred on a values‑driven, distributed model that emphasises responsibility, psychological safety and genuine care for people, enabling technical teams to innovate while staying closely aligned to customer needs and operational realities. He has consistently prioritised win‑win solutions that deliver measurable value for clients while helping to create and grow high‑skill jobs in Western Australia ensuring innovation directly benefits WA’s long‑term prosperity.