Iron Ore | Open Pit Operators 2026

Resilience, Renewal and Relevance

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
23 - 25 June 2026
#IOOP2026

PD Hours

Iron Ore | Open Pit Operators 2026

Resilience, Renewal and Relevance

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
23 - 25 June 2026
#IOOP2026

PD Hours

Welcome to the Iron Ore Conference and Open Pit Operators Conference 2026

Presented by

In 2026, AusIMM is excited to announce the return of both the Iron Ore Conference and Open Pit Operators Conference, which will be held concurrently with a shared exhibition.

The Iron Ore and Open Pit Operators Conferences will feature dedicated conference streams exploring the latest developments in the genesis, geology, exploration, mining and processing of iron ores, bringing solutions to address the carbon footprint of iron and steel mining.

For delegates, this event offers an unparalleled conference experience, with the ability to attend both conferences in one. The expanded format means more networking opportunities, a larger exhibition to explore and a significantly enhanced technical program that covers the latest developments in the industry.

Featured keynote speakers

Kerry Turnock

Head of Geoscience Excellence

Kerry Turnock is a seasoned resource sector leader with over 3 decades of experience spanning geoscience, operations, technical marketing, and innovation. Her multidisciplinary expertise enables her to bridge technical insight with strategic decision-making to deliver value across the entire mining lifecycle. Known for her ability to turn vision into reality, Kerry has a proven track record of delivering breakthrough projects that result in tangible benefits.

Kerry is a passionate advocate for elevating the role of geoscience in multidisciplinary decisions and leveraging scientific capability as a driver of transformation.

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Michael Apfel

Senior Manager, Technical & Strategy - Simandou Project, Rio Tinto

Mike Apfel is a mining professional with over 30 years’ experience across open pit and underground operations, supported by a mining engineering background and an MBA. Since joining Rio Tinto in 2006, he has held senior technical and operational roles, and is currently Senior Manager Technical & Strategy for the Simandou project, leading Technical Services and Resource Evaluation teams. His career spans operational management, mine planning, technical services, consulting, and technology deployment, including autonomous haulage implementation. Mike has worked across major gold and iron ore operations and now resides in the United Kingdom.

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Dr. Myoung Gyun Shin

Research Fellow, POSCO

Dr Shin started his career at POSCO in 2001 to lead efforts in bringing FINEX technology to industrial applications.

Now, as the Research Fellow at the Future Steel R&D Centre, Dr Shin is advancing HyREX technology and contributing to POSCO's vision for a sustainable and environmentally friendly steel production.

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Jenny Selway

Chief Executive Officer, Heavy Industry Low-Carbon Transition Cooperatives Research Centre (HILT CRC)

Jenny Selway has over 20 years’ experience as an engineer and non-executive director, with expertise in decarbonisation and the energy transition. She is currently the CEO of the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC), a collaborative venture that brings industry, universities and government organisations together to identify, accelerate and de-risk decarbonisation pathways for heavy industry.

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Deborah Caudle

Chief Executive, Climate Change & Sustainability, BlueScope Steel

Deborah was appointed Chief Executive, Climate Change & Sustainability at BlueScope in March 2025, leading the company’s global climate action and decarbonisation strategy, and the company’s commitment to sustainable practices. Deborah is responsible for driving progress toward BlueScope’s 2030 emissions reduction targets and 2050 net zero goal, while ensuring compliance with evolving sustainability reporting standards.

Deborah is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds a Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering (Hons) (UNSW) and Master of Business Administration (UQ).

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Douglas Bester

Founder, Sentient Computing

Doug Bester is the founder of Perth‑based Sentient Computing, a specialist software company delivering immersive interactive environments, VR training and 3D visualisation solutions to the industrial sector. With more than 35 years’ experience in technical operations, project delivery and leadership, he has guided Sentient through multiple technology cycles while staying focused on practical value for operators, maintainers and decision‑makers on site.

Since founding Sentient in 2007, Doug has grown the business from a small startup into a diverse team of engineers, developers and artists delivering solutions for major iron ore, energy and industrial clients in Australia and overseas.

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Why attend?

Two programs, one venue

In 2026, the Iron Ore Conference and Open Pit Operators Conference will run concurrently at PCEC. Two incredible technical programs, one shared exhibition floor to enhance your experience.

Iron Ore Conference 2026

Since 2002, AusIMM’s Iron Ore Conference has grown into a world-leading forum, returning in 2026 to tackle cutting-edge innovation, safety and the forces shaping the global iron ore industry.

Open Pit Operators Conference 2026

A globally recognised forum since its inception, the Open Pit Operators Conference returns to Perth in 2026, bringing the world’s leading experts together to explore cutting-edge innovation and the future of open-pit mining.

Delegate FAQs

Need to know more information about Iron Ore | Open Pit Operators Conferences 2026? Everything you need to know about the conference and more can be found in our delegate FAQs and news page.