Michelle Heley is a Bioleaching Data Scientist at IGO and a metallurgist with more than 15 years' experience across gold and base metals operations in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
After beginning her career in plant metallurgy, Michelle developed an interest in data science and AI, completing a Graduate Diploma in Data Science and coaching data science graduates to gain hands-on operational experience and understand where the data comes from before building models.
Today she works at the intersection of metallurgy, data and artificial intelligence, helping to develop practical tools for metallurgy and processing teams. Michelle contributes to the AusIMM Metallurgical Society committee and is committed to helping the industry navigate the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies. She believes the same principles underpin the best projects - AI included: starting with the right questions, building on good data, and people who are curious to learn and adapt.
Away from work, Michelle recently completed Western Australia's 135km Cape to Cape Track, a reminder that meaningful progress, whether on a trail or with AI, is usually built one step at a time.
Presentation Title
AI & Data Visualisation in Processing Plants
The processing industry is being flooded with AI tools, dashboards, digital twins and “smart” analytics, all promising better recovery, higher throughput and faster decisions. But separating genuine value from noise is becoming harder, not easier. This practical, operations-focused panel discussion will explore the real world application of AI and data visualisation in mineral processing plants, with a focus on flotation, gold recovery, comminution and plant optimisation.
Bringing together operators, metallurgists, technology vendors, OT and data specialists, the session will examine what actually works on site, what doesn’t, and why. Topics will include implementation pitfalls, operator adoption, data governance, trust in AI recommendations, and the gap between proof of concept and sustainable operational value. The 1 hour session will feature brief presentations from each panellist, followed by an extended 45 minute moderated discussion and audience Q&A. Deliberately centred on plant level reality and metallurgical decision-making rather than theory, exploration or corporate reporting, the session aims to provide practical insights for processing professionals navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
