Layla Howe is a PhD Candidate, with experience that spans working in mining companies, consulting and as a mining regulator. She has worked at operational mines sites as well as mine projects located across Australia including South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, and gained international mining experience working at mining operations in South Africa. By working in various roles Layla has experience directly applying environmental management technical expertise at various stages of the mine life cycle, from exploration to projects at Concept, Pre-feasibility and Feasibility stages, as well as working at operating mine sites and mine sites where operations have ceased and are in the phase of delivering their closure planning and rehabilitation activities. Her PhD research project is focusing on exploring the application of High Reliability Organisation principles to environmental management in mining, to support industry enhance their existing capabilities, achieve greater environmental reliability and improve long term environmental management outcomes associated with mine closure planning and delivery.

Kate Vershinina is an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) professional with over 20 years of international experience in implementing ESG management tools and sustainability approaches in the mining industry. Holding degrees in engineering and environmental management, Kate has worked for regulatory agencies, mining companies, and consulting firms across various jurisdictions. She has managed both multidisciplinary long-term projects as a consultant and operational mines as an environmental manager for mining companies. Kate has extensive experience with ESG standards and tools, including those developed by AusIMM, IFC, EBRD, and ICMM. She is a Certified Environmental Practitioner (EIANZ, Australia) and a member of AusIMM.

Chris is a Partner with ERM and provides specialist expertise in the areas of mine rehabilitation and closure, tailings management, water management, geochemistry and soils. His experience covers all stages of resource project planning and execution, including feasibility studies, impact assessment, concept and detailed engineering, operations and auditing, decommissioning, rehabilitation and monitoring. He has 25 years consulting experience in the environmental sector from across the globe.