Mining Society Distinguished Lecture Series: Closing the Loop - Why remote data acquisition is the key to the future of mining

Join the Southern Queensland Branch for the Mining Society Distinguished Lecture Series: Closing the Loop - Why remote data acquisition is the key to the future of mining.

About this event

This year's Mining Society Distinguished Lecture will be presented by Dr Joe Cronin, recipient of the 2025 AusIMM Mining Society Professional Excellence Award. Joe holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and PHD in Robotics from UNSW, and is the CEO of Australian Droid and Robot (ADR). 

Australian Droid and Robot (ADR) was founded on a crucial insight into the future of mining. As operations become deeper and more complex, the demand for faster, more detailed inspection and monitoring data is becoming critical. Yet, traditional methods create a fundamental conflict: to gather this data, production must stop to allow for safe human access. Recognising this critical gap, ADR engineered a new solution. The goal was to create a remote data acquisition capability that could not only survive but thrive within the live production environment, co-existing seamlessly with autonomous fleets.

The lecture will explore how innovative, sensor-rich robotic platforms revolutionise this paradigm. These systems enable data capture to be scheduled during production from a central control centre, eliminating the need for personnel in hazardous zones and recovering significant lost production time.

Finally, we will address the "Great Unknown"—the immense, untapped value that this continuous, high-fidelity data unlocks by delivering insights that allow us to manage risks and to mine with less uncertainty. This revolution in data capture is projected to deliver significantly more value than current inspection activities, empowering mine operators with the real-time insights required for enhanced productivity, safety, and compliance in the era of Zero Entry Mining.

In-Person Program
5.30pm - 6.15pm: Arrival and pre-event networking
6.15pm - 7.15pm: Presentation
Livestream Program
6.15pm - 7.15pm: Presentation

Speaker/s

Dr Joe Cronin

FAusIMM

CEO Australian Droid and Robot (ADR)
BE (Mech) PhD MBA

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Dr Joe Cronin is a globally respected leader in underground mining automation and safety innovation. Transitioning from the defence sector to mining in 2012, he led the landmark LHD automation project at Northparkes’ E48 block cave mine—still regarded as the most successful of its kind. His pioneering “Safety by Separation” concept, inspired by bomb disposal robotics, has redefined hazard mitigation by removing personnel from dangerous environments through remote inspection technologies.
Dr Cronin holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and PHD in Robotics from UNSW, and is the CEO of Australian Droid and Robot (ADR).

Dr Cronin’s founding of Australian Droid & Robot (ADR) in 2016 addressed the growing need for safe, remote inspection in increasingly automated mines. His advocacy for open automation systems has enabled broader equipment integration, enhancing safety and accessibility across the industry.

Internationally recognised for his work with the Global Mining Guidelines (GMG) Zero Entry initiative and OEM collaborations, Dr Cronin has also led automation projects in Canada, Australia, and Africa.

Dr Cronin’s sustained leadership, innovation, and commitment to protecting workers was officially recognised when he was awarded the 2025 AusIMM Mining Society Award for Excellence, a first for a robotics engineer.