Vanessa Lickfold offers her abstract tips
Ahead of the Strategic Mine Planning Conference 2026, Advisory Committee member Vanessa Lickfold (PhD, FAusIMM) shares insights on abstract submissions and presenting in Perth this November.
Why is submitting an abstract to the Strategic Mine Planning Conference 2026 a valuable opportunity for professionals working in mine planning, orebody modelling, or supply chain optimisation?
Submitting an abstract for the conference is valuable because the mining industry is evolving rapidly with advances in AI, advanced technologies and continuous improvement driving smarter, more sustainable operations. Sharing insights at the Strategic Mine Planning conference in 2026 allows professionals to position themselves as thought leaders and help shape best practices for integrating innovation into future planning frameworks.
SMP2026 explores a range of future-focused themes. Which topics or innovations is the Advisory Committee most keen to feature on this year’s program?
In my view, the key topic for this year’s conference should be AI-enhanced digital mine planning, particularly where it is integrated with sustainable practices and supply-chain transparency. These areas reflect current industry focus across investment, policy and innovation.
How can authors strike the right balance between technical depth and clarity — ensuring their abstract is robust, insightful, and easy for reviewers to assess?
A strong abstract clearly demonstrates industry relevance, technical rigor and practical application, while linking the topic to broader innovation and sustainability trends. Authors can improve clarity by starting with an accessible summary, using clear language and visuals, and layering technical details so the content remains understandable for a broad audience.
Vanessa Lickfold is an experienced mining executive and company director, with a career spanning leadership roles across major mining companies, consultancies, and industry organisations. In her current role as the Head of Surface Mining Centre of Excellence at Rio Tinto, Vanessa provides strategic direction for the mining discipline, supporting improvements in operational efficiency and guiding advancements in technology.