Program launched for Mill Operators Conference 2026

The program for Mill Operators Conference 2026 is now available, bringing together leading operators, metallurgists, engineers and technology providers to explore the innovations, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of minerals processing. 

Taking place from 19–21 October, the conference will showcase practical solutions and real-world case studies from operations across Australia and around the globe, with a strong focus on improving plant performance, operational reliability, recovery, automation and sustainability. 

Under the leadership of Conference Chair Reg Radford FAusIMM, Gold Fields, delegates can expect three days of technical learning, industry discussion and networking with processing professionals from across the sector. 

Keynote presentations explore the future of mineral processing

The conference opens with an address from Stephen Durkin FAusIMM, CEO, AusIMM, before delegates hear from a series of keynote speakers tackling some of the industry's most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities. 

A Day 2 keynote presentation by Brian Putland FAusIMM, Managing Director and Principal Metallurgist at Orway Mineral Consultants, will challenge conventional thinking with his presentation, Cyclones don't grind, examining the fundamentals of comminution and opportunities to improve circuit performance. 

Delegates will also hear from Martin Lynch, PhD Student at The University of Queensland, who will present Substitution as the solution to mineral shortages: The case of copper, offering a thought-provoking perspective on global resource demands and future supply challenges.

One of the most anticipated sessions of the conference will be the opening panel discussion, AI and Data Visualisation in Processing Plants, moderated by Dr Christopher Greet FAusIMM(CP), featuring experts from QUT, Gold Fields, Deployed Analytics and other industry leaders. The panel will explore how artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and visualisation technologies are transforming mineral processing operations and decision-making. 

Program highlights

The technical program spans eleven dedicated sessions covering the full spectrum of mill operations and mineral processing. 

Comminution and grinding efficiency

Comminution remains a central focus of this year's conference, with presentations examining:

• Hidden Valley's SAG mill lining optimisation for improved performance
• Reliability improvements in Cadia's 40-foot SAG mill
• Pebble crushing strategies in AG/SAG circuits
• HPGR circuit ramp-up and operational success factors
• Grinding circuit efficiency metrics from Newmont's Tanami operation
• Regrind circuit upgrades at Gold Fields' St Ives operation. 

Flotation innovation

Delegates will gain practical insights from operators and technology providers tackling flotation challenges, including:

• Fine particle recovery improvements at Cadia
• Advanced flotation solutions implemented at Sepon
• Flash flotation performance at Ernest Henry
• The Jameson Cell rougher scalper success at Prominent Hill
• Coarse flotation commissioning at BHP's Carrapateena operation. 

Process control, automation and digital transformation

A strong stream of presentations will demonstrate how digital tools are improving plant performance, featuring:

• Grinding and flotation advanced process control integration at Goldex Mine
• AI-driven flotation optimisation at MMG's Dugald River Mine
• Smart CIL optimisation using model predictive control and soft sensors
• Digital twin applications for gold production in Finland
• AI-based mineralogical analysis to accelerate operational decision-making. 

Design, commissioning and operational readiness

Industry leaders will share lessons learned from major projects and plant upgrades, including:

• Porgera Mine autoclave preservation and recommissioning
• The Woodlawn Mine restart
• Operational readiness planning for the Mungari Plant Expansion
• Design, commissioning and operation of the Sabodala Massawa BIOX® plant
• Thickener upgrade projects that unlock new value from existing assets.

Geometallurgy and emerging technologies

Emerging technologies and evolving geometallurgical practices will feature prominently, with presentations covering:

• Development of BHP's Oak Dam West geometallurgical program
• Mine-to-mill applications using the Geopyörä breakage test
• Real-time slurry mineralogy monitoring from CSIRO
• Sensor-based ore sorting at Sky Metals' Tallebung Tin Project
• Integration of PGNAA technology for ore blending control. 

Sustainability, tailings and resource recovery

Several presentations will highlight new approaches to improving resource efficiency and sustainability, including:

• Iron ore tailings filtration technologies
• Recovery optimisation from uranium tails leaching
• Improving copper concentrate grades through reagent innovation
• Molybdenum plant optimisation at Cadia
• Enhancing gold recovery from challenging ore types. 

Learn from leading mining companies

The program features speakers from many of the industry's leading organisations, including Newmont, BHP, Gold Fields, Evolution Mining, Harmony Gold, MMG, Metso, Hatch, CSIRO, Ausenco, Eriez, Glencore Technology, Woodgrove Technologies and Vault Minerals. 

These presenters will share firsthand experiences from operating mines and processing plants, delivering practical lessons delegates can apply within their own operations. 

More than a conference

In addition to the technical program, delegates will have opportunities to connect through dedicated networking breaks, the exhibition, welcome reception and conference dinner. These events provide a valuable forum for building relationships, sharing challenges and discovering new solutions with peers from across the global minerals processing community. 

As processing plants face increasing pressure to improve recovery, optimise energy consumption and leverage digital technologies, Mill Operators Conference 2026 offers a unique opportunity to learn from those leading innovation across the sector. 

View the program and register now to join the industry's leading processing professionals this October