Joanne Heyes

FAusIMM

Non-Executive Director 

Jo Heyes is an internationally recognised mining engineer with nearly 30 years of experience across operational, technical, project management, and governance roles in the global resources sector. She holds a Bachelor of Mining Engineering, is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

A leading voice in mine closure, resource stewardship, and sustainable mining, Jo brings a rare combination of strategic insight and deep technical expertise. As Global Closure Lead at BHP, she shaped industry‑defining approaches to closure planning and contributed to major global standards and frameworks for responsible mine closure.

In her subsequent role as Head of Resource Engineering Excellence at BHP, Jo strengthened the company’s technical capability, leading a global team of subject‑matter experts. She oversaw the development of a cross‑disciplinary competency framework and established an innovative technical intern program that has since been adopted by the Minerals Council of Australia.

Today, Jo advises top‑tier mining companies and international organisations - including Rio Tinto, ICMM, MMG, and IGO - on sustainable closure strategies and long‑term value creation.

She has been actively involved with AusIMM for over 15 years holding various leadership and committee roles including for the Social and Environment Society, Life of Mine conference and the Awards Committee and has served as a Director since 2024.