Dr Neville Plint

CEO, Mining3

Presentation title

Accelerating Technology Adoption 

Abstract

The minerals sector continues to struggle to move novel technologies from prototype to industrial deployment. Despite strong technical performance, technologies battle to secure site trials to cross the threshold into commercial scale. This is due to a range of factors, to name a few, long project horizons, integrated value chains and conservative operational risk appetite. This paper explores how sector wide facilitated collaboration create a more efficient, less fragmented pathway to technology adoption.

Collaborative mechanisms such as industry consortia (e.g. Mining 3), precompetitive alliances (e.g. Australian Minerals Industry Research Association – AMIRA), and public–private partnerships (e.g. Collaborative Research Centres) offer a potential answer. By sharing, cost, knowledge and technical requirements, and infrastructure (e.g. shared piloting environments), such collaborations can reduce the high transaction costs and knowledge gaps that often stall innovation. As demonstrated by Mining3 over the last 32 years, these models also help to build alignment between vendors and operators earlier in the development process, where otherwise mismatched timelines and incentives can derail scale-up.

For the minerals sector to achieve the full potential of their orebodies, it needs to find ways to accelerate technology adoption.  

Biography

Dr Neville Plint is a visionary leader in the mining industry, renowned for his innovative strategies and forward-thinking approach. With over 30 years of experience in the sector, Neville has established himself as a trailblazer in driving sustainable growth and technological advancements.

Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer at Mining3, Neville is at the forefront of revolutionising mining practices through cutting-edge research and development initiatives. Under his leadership, Mining3 has made significant strides in driving technological advancements and fostering collaboration within the industry. Neville has a global reputation in the mining sector and has broad demonstrated experience in the mining and resource industry.

His career has focused on improving operational performance on mining sites by developing and implementing new technologies, whilst establishing a global network of research professionals in academic institutes, mining companies and research organisations. Neville has extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of the mining sector.

Dr. Plint was the Institute Director, Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), at The University of Queensland. Whilst at Anglo American, Neville held multiple leadership roles, including Chief Scientist, Head of Business Improvement Projects, and Head of Research and Development. Dr. Plint also held positions as board member and Director of Mining3; Managing Director of KTech with his unwavering dedication to innovation and sustainability, Neville continues to shape the mining industry's future, driving positive change and leaving a lasting impact on the world.