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Panel Presentation - Beyond the Mine: Strategies for Thriving, Sustainable Communities

Life of Mine
Life of Mine
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
12:10 PM - 12:50 PM
P10&11

Speaker

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Ms Vanessa MacDonald
Manager, ARC Industrial Transformation and Training Centre
Curtin University

Facilitator

Biography

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Mikaela Jade
CEO And Founder
Indigital

Panellist

Biography

Mikaela Jade is a proud Cabrogal woman of the Dharug-speaking nation and the founder and CEO of Indigital, a majority Indigenous-owned and managed social enterprise. As a trusted intermediary, Indigital partners with materials companies and communities to create social impact solutions that care for Country, Culture, and Communities. Under Mikaela’s leadership, Indigital has brought together a diverse team of technologists, teachers, innovators, systems thinkers, lawyers, social researchers, biologists, engagement experts, and cultural leaders to drive transformative projects. From digital conservation programs bringing together First Nations communities with mining companies, to hyper-scale data center collaborations, Indigital ensures that corporate-community programs are built on mutual trust, respect, and shared benefits. All work is grounded in Indigenous knowledge and social reciprocity. Mikaela’s work has earned her a place on The Australian’s Top 100 Innovators list, the title of 2021 Indigenous Leader of the Year at the Women in Digital Awards, and recognition as one of the Schwab Foundation’s 2022 Social Innovators of the Year. She holds a Master of Applied Cybernetics from the Australian National University and has deepened her expertise in social entrepreneurship, power, and leadership at Harvard. Mikaela has spoken at the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, advocating for Indigenous voices to shape the future of technology.
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Melinda Buckland
Global Head of Communities and Social Performance
Rio Tinto

Panellist

Biography

Melinda has over a 25-years sustainability experience in global metals and mining sector where she has gained an extensive understanding of current and emerging corporate responsibility risks and opportunities. She commenced with Rio Tinto in April 2021 as Global Head of Communities and Social Performance (CSP), and is currently based in the Brisbane Hub. She leads the CSP Area of Expertise, a high performing team of social science and Indigenous relations experts, responsible for driving strategy, governance, capability, and delivering strong social performance outcomes to strengthen Rio Tinto’s social license. During 2020 she spent a year in Switzerland with Glencore International, however the majority of her career was at BHP, in various social responsibility roles. From early 2016 through to mid-2019, she was based in Brasil, leading BHP’s response to the remediation of social impacts from the Samarco Dam failure. From 2000 – 2016, she led teams to build the social function within BHP, helping to transform its sustainability reputation to a global leadership position. Key responsibilities included development of public targets, standards, programs, internal capacity and partnerships to regain trust and credibility. During this time Melinda also established two corporate charities for BHP – one based in the UK and the other in the US and was a Director of both. She has a degree in Science (biochemistry and physiology) and Education and commenced her career in teaching.
Jyi Lawton
Chief Executive Officer
Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining

Panellist

Biography

A proud Bidjara man from Central West Queensland, is the Chief Executive Officer of AEMEE, the leading Industry Body for Indigenous businesses in the resources and renewable energy sectors, driving sustainability, economic growth, and genuine Indigenous outcomes. Jyi brings a wealth of experience from operational and senior leadership roles across State and Federal Government, coupled with a multidisciplinary academic background in Architectural Design, Law, Justice, and Business. His career spans diverse industries, including his tenure as CEO of Triple A, an Indigenous community-controlled multimedia organisation, and previously led the National Indigenous Business program for Indigenous Business Australia. In addition to his executive roles, Jyi has served on the Boards of the National Indigenous Radio Service, ATSICHS Brisbane and Karalumba, is the founding Chairperson of the Queensland First Nations Media Coalition, and a Member of the Australian Institute of Corporate Governance. Jyi's leadership reflects his vision of empowering Indigenous businesses to thrive within the rapidly evolving critical minerals and renewable energy landscape. His work continues to shape meaningful partnerships between industry, government, and communities, ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic opportunities for future generations.
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