Jon Crosbie FAusIMM(CP) to deliver community engagement and responsible mining insights at IMARC 2025

This year’s International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) will be taking place at ICC Sydney from 21-23 October.

In the lead up to the event, we sat down with IMARC panellist and AusIMM Fellow Jon Crosbie, Deputy Chair of the Mine Land Rehabilitation Authority. Jon shares what he’ll be focusing on as part of his panel discussion, including driving meaningful community engagement and responsible mining practices, especially in the context of mine closure and economic transitions. Jon also shares advice for future mining professionals attending IMARC.

What are you planning to highlight in your panel discussion at IMARC 2025?

I will be participating in a dialogue table discussion on Meaningful Community Engagement and Outreach with Responsible Mining Projects. While I have not yet collated my thoughts fully, I will likely touch on what is a ‘responsible mining project’, how and who gets to define that, and why some operators aim to distinguish themselves as 'responsible', whereas others choose to only do the minimum (or unfortunately, sometimes even less).

Similarly, I may also touch on what is 'meaningful' community engagement and outreach, who it is meaningful for, and how engagement and outreach can be designed and implemented to ensure it actually is meaningful. And importantly, I want to discuss how a different lens needs to be applied when engaging with Indigenous Groups/Traditional Owners, and the benefits of collaborative co-design on Country.

With my current career focus on mine closure, I will also talk about what meaningful community engagement and responsible mining look like in the context of mine closure and economic transitions generally, and how it is different to other phases within the mining lifecycle.

And finally, I want to highlight some of the excellent work being done in Victoria by the team at The Mine Land Rehabilitation Authority, who have a unique Government role, with specific statutory obligations that include community engagement and outreach. This includes how they are assisting miners, regulators and communities to enable more responsible mine closures, through the local energy transition in the Latrobe Valley.

What are you most excited to discuss and learn about at IMARC?

I’m always excited to discuss mine closure as that is my core passion, as well as emerging ESG issues and ESG in general.

So I’m looking forward to seeking out discussions on how to improve mine closure planning, execution and local economic transitioning. This includes new technologies for improving rehabilitation/revegetation, acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD) source control/mitigation, water treatment and environmental monitoring. Also, learning about any new tools to assign costs to non-financial values, risks and opportunities; and how to better incorporate those into business decision-making and economic evaluations. I’m particularly interested in exploring this for quantification of post-closure residual risks and liabilities.

I’m also interested in discussing the current JORC Code update, and proposed improvements to the disclosure of material modifying factors that can impact the reasonable prospects of economic extraction, especially environmental and social factors.

I’ll also be keeping an eye out for the various Australian and state government department exhibitor stands to hear about any upcoming regulatory reforms or guidance on mine closure, ESG and critical minerals. As well as the International ones such as Canada, Peru and Saudi Arabia.

This will be the fourth IMARC that I am speaking at, and I am pleased to have noticed a steady increase in the attendance and presentations by First Nations representatives over the years. I am always keen to learn more from these groups, as our industry (miners and regulators) needs to work harder on building and maintaining their trust, nurturing ongoing collaborative partnerships instead of just transactional relationships, and helping deliver better outcomes for Country.

IMARC has a strong focus on encouraging the next generation of mining leaders. Do you have any words of advice for those looking to build a career in our sector?

Sure! I can thoroughly recommend pursuing a long career in our wonderful industry, as I have found it to be extremely rewarding, challenging and offers unparalleled career opportunities.  

In terms of advice, I would start with skills and learning. Many of the skills that the industry requires are not learnt within undergraduate programs, but rather through on the job learning, coaching/mentoring, short courses and technical conferences. So my first advice is to be a lifelong learner, always know how your role supports your organisation's strategy and financial performance, and be curious to learn about the functions that your role interfaces with. This will increase your role performance and lead to new career opportunities.

Secondly, always be open to new opportunities when they arise – in location, commodity or function. I have been very fortunate to have travelled all over Australia and also internationally, in various technical and leadership roles spanning the whole mining lifecycle. Don’t be scared to jump into the deep end; a change is as good as a holiday.

Finally, attend various industry events (even virtually) and volunteer in organisations like AusIMM, who have specific groups for students and new professionals. This can expand your network and increase your knowledge outside the bubble of your direct employer, opening your eyes to different industry initiatives, solutions and opportunities. Look for learning opportunities that cover modern themes such as Indigenous co-management, Nature Positive, Circular Economy and of course AI. Not as token buzzwords, but as targeted, key enablers of future improved mining industry performance.

Hear Jon speak at IMARC 2025, taking place from 21-23 October at ICC Sydney. AusIMM members can access discounted rates on delegate passes using the code R87RUN, and select delegates may be eligible for a FREE Mining Guest Pass. You can also register for a free expo pass using the code P66638. Find out more and register today