Australian Mining: AusIMM introduces landmark conference experience
ICMM director data and research Dr Emma Gagen.
AusIMM is set to turn the mining conference world on its head in 2025.
For the first time, the peak industry body is running two of its most influential events side-by-side: Life of Mine and Mine Waste and Tailings (LOMMWT2025) conferences.
To be held in Brisbane from July 29–30, LOMMWT2025 will be a dynamic event with a broader scope and increased networking opportunities – and keynote speaker Dr Emma Gagen is looking especially forward to the opening day.
“I love the Life of Mine conference, because it’s truly cross-disciplinary,” Gagen told Australian Mining.
“It’s cross-disciplinary because, by nature, mine planning, closure, waste management, and post-mining transitions can’t be done without disciplines talking to each other.
“This year, I’m excited to see the synergies between Life of Mine and the Waste and Tailings conference being leveraged to look at that design, planning and integrated closure approach to tailings storage facilities also getting a feature.”
As International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) director data and research, Gagen said she found her way into the mining industry “the long way around”. A microbiologist by training, she spent 10 years studying microorganisms that cycle metals and looking at how to harness that ability for biotechnology or improved environmental outcomes.
“I saw a lot of openness to innovation in mining which was one big driver (of the career switch into the industry) but why I’ve stayed is the opportunities I’ve seen to continue to drive improved sustainability outcomes which took me to government for a short stint and now to ICMM,” Gagen said.
“Mine closure is the element that will always remain my passion. Mine closure is constantly juggling between environmental, financial and social elements that I find fascinating, challenging and incredibly important.”
Gagen will draw on this passion when she gives her keynote speech at LOMMWT2025. During her presentation, she will give an update on the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative.
“The initiative is an exciting process ICMM, CopperMark, World Gold Council and Mining Association of Canada have been embarking on for a number of years now towards the goal of simplifying the current mining standards landscape and promoting continual improvement of environmental, social and governance practices across metal and mineral value chains,” Gagen said.
“I’ll be able to give an update on where we are on the consolidation process, the summary of the feedback that has been provided on the standard, the governance model, the assurance process and the reporting and claims, and next steps.”
Gagen is also looking forward to seeing the submitted abstracts and catching up with peers in the industry.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in sustainability in mining to attend,” she said.
“I would also encourage general managers and site superintendents to consider joining since they have decisions to make that are influenced by the interplay between integrated decisions throughout the life of mine and continual trade-offs between environmental, social and financial elements.”
While it will be held in Queensland, LOMMWT2025 will be beneficial for the global mining industry, and Gagen is excited to share those discussions.
“Mine closure, life of mine waste management, standards and reporting, and strategic mine planning aren’t just Australian-centric challenges,” she said.
“The conversation I’d love the sector to have is, how do we solve the shared industry-wide challenges, how do we amplify better practice beyond our own backyard?”
AusIMM’s Life of Mine and Mine Waste and Tailings conferences will be held in Brisbane from July 29–30.