John Erome-Utunedi is a Manager of Automation & Digitalisation at ANDRITZ, specialising in advanced process control (APC), AI-driven optimisation, and digital solutions for the minerals processing industry. He has a masters of engineering (M.Eng.) degree in Mechatronics Design from the University of British Columbia Vancouver. John has a strong focus on applying APC techniques, data analytics and machine learning to improve plant performance, enabling measurable gains in throughput, stability, and energy efficiency. His recent work centres on deploying plant-wide optimisation systems to address complex operational constraints in large-scale mining operations.

Joshua Fern is a mining operations leader with over 15 years of experience across drill and blast, load and haul, and integrated mining operations within large-scale iron ore environments. Currently working as a Specialist in Drill and Blast Operations at Fortescue, Joshua operates as an internal consultant across multiple sites, driving business improvement initiatives and supporting the integration of new technologies to enhance operational performance. Joshua has a strong track record in leading multidisciplinary teams, having held senior leadership roles including Drill and Blast Superintendent at the Solomon operation. His experience spans end-to-end operational management, from short-term planning and execution through to contractor management, cost control, and safety leadership. He has successfully delivered multi-million-dollar value through optimisation of drill and blast practices, improved asset utilisation, and the implementation of autonomous and digital systems. With deep technical expertise in drilling systems, blast design, and operational integration, Joshua has played a key role in advancing innovation initiatives, including autonomous drilling deployment, data-driven performance systems, and cross-site standardisation projects. He is known for bridging operational and strategic priorities, aligning site performance with broader business objectives. Joshua is passionate about developing people and building high-performing teams, with extensive experience mentoring frontline leaders and driving capability uplift across operations. He is committed to fostering a safety-first culture and delivering sustainable, efficient mining outcomes through continuous improvement and practical innovation.

Experienced mining engineer with a Master’s degree in Geosciences and over 9 years of industry experience as a business consultant, having worked across South and North America and Australia with mining companies, consulting firms, and research institutions. Proven ability to lead teams, deliver business strategies and end-to-end technical solutions that improve operational efficiency, ESG performance, and cost control. Anchored in the integration of people, processes, and technology, I have successfully designed and deployed end-to-end operating models and solution designs in tier 1 mining companies, leveraging digital tools and advanced engineering practices. My experience spans drill and blast optimization, business improvement initiatives, process integration, digital transformation roadmaps, and supply chain strategy, delivering measurable improvements in profitability, operational productivity, ore recovery, and environmental impact. Passionate about creating meaningful impact, I am committed to driving innovation, operational effectiveness, and sustainable growth in the mining industry by bridging technical excellence with strategic vision, ensuring seamless alignment between people, processes, and technology.

I am a business-oriented leader with over 20 years of experience in the international mining and metallurgical industry, specializing in novel mineral processing technologies. My expertise lies in scaling up laboratory to pilot-scale technologies and processes to achieve profitability. I prioritize pragmatic and risk-managed technology development, emphasizing the importance of building the right team for successful scale-up. Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered technical, financial, and reputational success. I have held various professional roles within the process industry, including R&D engineer, senior consultant, team leader, project manager, and supervisor. I set strategic goals and visions with a strong focus on achieving results, believing that team spirit and a safe and healthy working environment are essential for success. Currently, I am responsible for providing development, engineering, and support services focusing on productivity, risk management, and delivering sustainable, safe, and efficient solutions to our clients in the mining industry. I excel in communication and interpersonal interactions, always maintaining confidentiality when dealing with sensitive projects. I have expertise in the classification, physical separation and flotation of various minerals, and I have worked with leading mining houses and equipment suppliers on global projects involving REE,PGM,gold,copper, cobalt, nickel, lead, zinc, iron, apatite and phosphates.

Qian Zhang is a Ph.D. candidate at the School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, China. Her research focuses on the comprehensive utilization of vanadium–titanium magnetite and the resource recovery of solid wastes. She has participated in a National Key R&D Program project on the source reduction and resource utilization of vanadium–titanium smelting residues in the iron and steel industry. She developed a short-process route for V₂O₅ production involving weak-alkaline vanadium leaching, synchronous molybdenum separation, and direct vanadium precipitation. She is currently involved in research projects, including a Guangxi Key Science and Technology Program on integrated smelting technologies for vanadium–titanium magnetite and low-cost ferrotitanium production, as well as an NSFC project on the oxidation roasting behavior of high-FeO spinel concentrates. She has attended several academic conferences, including ICSTI 2025, INFACON XVII, and the 15th CSM Steel Congress, and has contributed to the review and organization of these conferences. Qian Zhang received the National Scholarship for Master’s Students and was supported from an Excellent Master’s Thesis Program. She has published four academic papers and holds two authorized Chinese invention patents.

Antony Old is the CEO of Dredge Robotics, a company at the forefront of developing underwater robotic solutions for the mining industry. Holding a degree in Aquatic Science and serving as former Chair of the Australian Water Association's Water Quality Committee, Antony brings a unique combination of scientific expertise, operational experience, and technology leadership to the resources sector. With a strong focus on innovation that delivers measurable outcomes, Antony is leading the development of technologies that improve safety, efficiency, and decision-making in some of mining's most challenging aquatic environments. He is passionate about helping the resources industry embrace robotics and automation in practical, scalable ways that deliver clear operational and financial benefits, working closely with industry partners to bring next-generation solutions from concept to deployment.