AusIMM’s 2025 Thought Leadership Series explores the urgency of ESG and rapid technology advancement in the mining industry.
As the global race to secure critical minerals intensifies, the mining industry finds itself at the centre of one of the world’s most urgent transitions.
Copper, lithium, rare earths and alumina are all essential to the technologies that will drive decarbonisation, from electric vehicles to renewable energy storage.
But the pressure to scale production is matched by equally strong expectations regarding how those resources are extracted. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance has become a defining measure of mining’s future, influencing everything from investor confidence to community trust.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) commitments are also under the spotlight, reflecting broader social demands on the sector.
At the same time, the political landscape is shifting, creating new challenges for miners navigating competing regulations, community concerns, and reputational risks.
It is against this backdrop that AusIMM will host its ESG, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement session as part of the 2025 Thought Leadership Series, available online from November 12.
Now in its eighth year, the series provides a platform for industry leaders to explore the global issues shaping the mining industry and to consider what transformation is required for long-term success.
The panel will feature ATC Williams chief technical officer Kim Morrison, who has led major ESG transformations across global mining operations.
Morrison’s work implementing sustainability frameworks and guiding innovation in waste management has positioned her as one of the industry’s most experienced voices on operationalising ESG.
Joining her is Schlam Payload director of ESG and corporate affairs Joanne Pafumi. With deep expertise in reputation management and corporate affairs, Pafumi will highlight how transparent communication and continuous stakeholder engagement are now central to sustaining social licence.
Adding a technical perspective is SRK Consulting principal hydrogeologist Brian Luinstra, whose two decades of experience in groundwater supply, monitoring, and aquifer protection demonstrate the critical role of science in delivering ESG outcomes on the ground.
The panel will also investigate the growing impact of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram on mining’s public image.
These channels are increasingly where younger generations form their opinions about climate and industry, meaning companies must rethink how they communicate to remain relevant and trusted.
Another event in the Thought Leadership Series is the Technological Innovation and the Future of Mining, to be released online on November 26.
This session will examine whether mining is investing enough in research and development, how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping operations and whether decarbonisation is driving a new wave of technological advancement across the sector.
Fleet Space Technologies co-founder and chief executive officer Flavia Tata Nardini will bring her experience developing satellite-enabled solutions for mining, exploration and defence. Her work in space technology and connectivity demonstrates how real-time data and advanced communications can transform efficiency and sustainability across the industry.
Amazon Web Services industry business development lead for mining and manufacturing Lauren Stafford will also join the panel. With 20 years of experience in technology development and commercialisation, Stafford will provide insight into how cloud, AI and digital transformation are accelerating change in the resources sector.
Together, the panellists will consider whether the industry is seizing the opportunities created by rapid technological change or continuing to treat innovation as an afterthought.
The 2025 Thought Leadership Series aims to address these challenges head-on, offering insights into how miners can strengthen ESG performance or adopt new technologies that will optimise operations.
This feature appears in the October edition of Australian Mining.
