Toby Whincup to explore the transition from exploration to development at IMARC 2025

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

In the lead up to the event we sat down with IMARC panellist Toby Whincup FAusIMM, Global Director Critical Minerals at ERM.

Toby shares what he’ll be focusing on as part of his panel discussion, particularly the challenges in moving mining projects from exploration to development.

At IMARC Toby is also keen to engage with sector leaders and learn about emerging themes like AI and technology. Plus, he shares words of advice for new professionals attending IMARC and how they can kickstart their career in the resources sector.

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

I am on a panel on the first day of IMARC – ‘Navigating the Transition from Exploration to Development’. This topic is dominating many conversations in the sector at the moment – the global average to move from discovery to develop is 18 years; almost double what it was 15 years ago. During the panel discussion I will be drawing on some recent global research that I led for ERM on upstream bottlenecks in the critical minerals sector. Specifically that over 60 per cent of projects are delayed, over 70 per cent of the project pipeline is junior miners and the implications of permitting, trust and environmental risk as key factors in not only delaying projects but also in getting access to finance.

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

So much – it’s always a jampacked few days. I always attend the plenaries, as it’s a good temperature check on the sector and the emerging themes that we need to adapt to. AI and technology – it’s moving so fast, so I’ll be dipping in to a few of those sessions. I really enjoy walking the floor and meeting and talking to people, reconnecting and making new connections from people across the sector and across the world. I’ll be spending some time at the ERM booth with our Sustainable Mining and Integrated Due Diligence teams; where our latest report ‘Mission Critical: Resilient mines for a modern society’ will be on show.

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?

Don’t hold back! Get exposure to as many projects and geographies as you can, build your networks (AusIMM is a great place for that), find a mentor or two, and always look to extend yourself. The resources sector is one of the few truly global sectors and is so technically diverse that there is an unlimited number of career pathways you can take.

Hear Toby speak at IMARC 2025, taking place from 21-23 October at ICC Sydney. AusIMM members can access exclusive member pricing on Delegate Passes. Non-Members can use code R87RUN for 15% off Delegate Passes. You can also register for a free expo pass using the code P66638. Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q03y1yn90