Five visionary leaders to bridge innovation and implementation at GRX26

Five outstanding keynote speakers will take centre stage from 5-7 May in Perth at the Global Resources Innovation Expo 2026 (GRX26), representing the bold leadership and diversity of thought Australian mining and METS needs to compete globally in the critical era.  

GRX26 is an innovation-led annual conference and exhibition, co-hosted by leading peak bodies Austmine and AusIMM, addressing the sector’s most pressing challenges to drive meaningful action.  

Dr Catherine Ball, Diane Smith-Gander AO, Tania Constable PSM, Mikko Tepponen and Mark Cutifani FAusIMM will address the GRX26 plenary to challenge assumptions, share uncomfortable truths and help bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. 

Dr Catherine Ball – Scientific Futurist | Author | Founder 

Adjunct Professor Dr Catherine Ball is an award-winning company director, bestselling author and futurist working across global projects where emerging technologies meet humanitarian, education and environmental needs.  

At GRX26, Dr Ball will focus on how emerging technologies, drones, AI, robotics and automation are reshaping the resources sector, and why women are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. She will challenge attendees to become active architects of mining's technological future.  

Diane Smith-Gander AO – Chair, Perenti Limited | Chancellor, University of Western Australia 

Diane Smith-Gander AO is a professional company director with an accomplished business career 40 years in the making. She is Chair of Zip Co, Perenti Limited and private health insurer HBF.  

Ms Smith-Gander’s GRX26 keynote will explore building the governance frameworks and cultural settings that enable innovation and why Australia's ability to commercialise innovation will determine our competitive position globally. 

Tania Constable PSM – CEO, Minerals Council of Australia 

Tania Constable PSM joined the Minerals Council of Australia in July 2018 where she is proud to promote and advocate for a strong, vibrant and innovative minerals industry in Australia.  

Through her presentation, Ms Constable will navigate the policy landscape of critical minerals, trade relationships and Australia's strategic positioning in global supply chains.  

Mikko Tepponen – Digital Officer – Technical, BHP 

Mikko Tepponen brings over 20 years of expertise in digital transformation and development. He holds a Master of Science, Automation Technology degree from Tampere University of Technology, Finland, and has completed executive education at IMD.  

At GRX26 Mr Tepponen will share practical frameworks for scaling AI and digital initiatives – moving beyond experimentation to deliver commercial impact at scale.  

Mark Cutifani FAusIMM – Former CEO, Anglo American | Non-Executive Director, TotalEnergies 

Mark Cutifani has led some of the world’s largest mining projects and companies across 6 continents, producing more than 30 mineral products.  

Mark will engage audiences at GRX26 by sharing his insights on redefining the narrative of mining—and why engaging with critics is not optional, but essential for industry survival.  

Register now 

To find out more about our keynote speakers and purchase delegate passes at early bird rates, visit grx.au.