Meet our 2026 Speakers
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Andrea Cornwell
Rare Earths Industry Association
Bobbie Hart
Chinova Resources
Bonnie Coxon
Evolution Mining
Bronwyn Williams
Clair Osbourne
Delta Power & Energy
Claire Chakrabarti
Austmine
Dańe van Heerden
Aeris Resources
Diana Bozzetto
OceanaGold
Dr Geraldine McGuire
29Metals
Dr Helen Degeling
Mining3
Dr Mahdi Mason
Sojitz Blue
Emily Coutts
Astron Rare Earth Metals & Mineral Sands
Jana Jevcakova
Sodali & Co
Jen Hoyle
Queensland Resources Council
Joanne Bergamin
Sunshine Metals
Chair and Chief Executive Officer
WISER
Johanna Kennerley
Ravenswood Gold
Kana'e Dyas
IMARQ Committee | AWIMAR | Psychosocial Safety and Leadership Institute
Karina Lynch
IWIMRA Indigenous Corporation
Kate Baker
Office of the Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner
Katie Wyatt
BHP
Kim Wainwright
Queensland Exploration Council
Kristy Purdon
WiMARQ
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Lara Jefferson
SQM International Lithium
Larnie Roberts
Aeris Resources
Leah Chapman
Glencore
Linda Murry
BHP
Lisa Breen
Liontown Resources
Lucy Formosa
Sojitz Blue
Nick Baker
Austral Resources Australia
Nicola Semler
Critical Minerals Group
Raina Hattingh
Whitehaven Coal
Renee Acton
Kestrel Coal Resources
Sally Rayner
Delta Power & Energy
Samantha Langley
Vulcan Energy
Scott Winter
Critical Minerals Group
Tanya Cambetis
OceanaGold
Jana Jevcakova
Senior Advisor – Corporate Governance & SustainabilitySodali & Co
Jana has over a decade of experience in corporate governance advisory, capital market research, and shareholder engagement. As Managing Director for Corporate Governance (Australia), Jana is responsible for leading the company’s corporate governance team, with a focus on providing ASX boards and senior managers with insightful analysis on corporate governance-related matters and practices, and in the execution of corporate actions and vote-related company meetings, including M&A, shareholder activism campaigns and proxy battles. Jana also advises listed company boards and management teams on all aspects of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policies and disclosures. Prior to joining Sodali & Co, Jana was the Director of Research at CGI Glass Lewis, with responsibility for research and engagement covering more than 800 companies in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Her experience in advising large domestic and institutional investors positions her as an expert on the proxy guidelines and ensures she can provide clients with in-depth analysis on their projected recommendations, along with highly valued strategic advice on shareholder engagement.
Jana is an active participant in the local governance community and is a member of Women in Super. Before joining CGI Glass Lewis, Jana was a financial advisor.
Speaking at
09:00
Masterclass A: How to build your ESG toolbox
Bronwyn Williams
Keynote Speaker, Mentor, PhD ResearcherBron Williams is a powerful woman dedicated to helping other women reconnect with their own power. Despite her achievements - including an honours degree, serving as a school principal, being an ordained minister, and having experience working with asylum seekers - Bron once struggled to tap into her full potential because of the expectations of family and society.
By guiding women to understand their own drivers, needs and values Bron helps women reconnect with their own power, so they can confidently negotiate their salaries and pursue leadership positions, unapologetically celebrating their achievements along the way.
Speaking at
09:00
Masterclass B: How to strengthen communication, collaboration & leadership
Andrea Cornwell
Director – Asia PacificRare Earths Industry Association
Andrea Cornwell brings three decades of experience across the global energy and resources sector, with a strong focus on steelmaking raw materials and rare earth value chains. She has a track record of working across industry stakeholders to navigate complex market dynamics and deliver strategic outcomes. Andrea actively champions initiatives that support and elevate women across the industry. She is a founder of Women in Mining and Resources Singapore, Strategy Lead for WIMnet Victoria, and a Non-Executive Director of the Go Girls Foundation. She joins us today to draw out diverse perspectives, keep discussions relevant and forward-looking, and inspire action—no matter how small—starting tomorrow.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening remarks from the Chair
13:30
Panel Discussion: How can we design and implement rosters to make true diversity structurally possible to achieve?
14:30
Live One-on-One: What it takes to show up, stay, and lead in the toughest room in the building
Tanya Cambetis
Project Manager – Underground Operations and TransformationOceanaGold
Tanya Cambetis is a senior operational leader in the mining industry with a career built from the ground up. Beginning as an underground operator, she excelled through supervisory roles across assets in Queensland and the Philippines while earning her Mining Engineering Degree from Federation University.
Tanya’s career has been shaped not by traditional pathways, but by pivotal moments, mentorship, and leaders who challenged her to think bigger. Her career journey has provided her with unique perspectives allowing Tanya to excel in leading mining operations, ensuring safety, productivity and efficiency. She has led complex initiatives delivering significant operational outcomes, including multimillion-dollar cost savings, contract optimisation, and large-scale transformation programs across international operations.
Known for her authentic and empathetic leadership style, Tanya is passionate about developing people, teams, and creating the conditions where others step into opportunities they don’t yet think they’re ready for. She is a strong advocate for inclusion in mining and is recognised for her work in mentorship and leadership development, with a focus on increasing female representation in operational leadership roles. Tanya received the 2022 Outstanding Trade/Technician/Operator Award at the Queensland Women in Mining awards.
Speaking at
09:00
What we need to do to have more women reach operational leadership
09:50
Panel Discussion: Why do operational leadership opportunities for women keep stalling, and what will it take to move them forward?
Bonnie Coxon
General Manager – People ExperienceEvolution Mining
Bonnie Coxon is an accomplished mining and energy executive with over 17 years’ experience leading technical, operational, and cultural transformation across gold, copper, coal, and natural gas operations. She has held senior site leadership roles including General Manager of Cowal Gold Operations. During her tenure at Cowal, she helped guide the operation to deliver significant growth and positive transformation outcomes. Degree qualified in both Civil and Mining Engineering, Bonnie has led multi-disciplinary technical teams delivering complex underground and open pit studies, as well as operational readiness programs for Senex Energy’s Roma North and Atlas gas assets. In her current role, she leads organisational development for Evolution Mining, shaping culture, leadership, and workforce capability. Bonnie is committed to advancing women in resources and creating inclusive, resilient organisations where people enjoy working.
Speaking at
09:50
Panel Discussion: Why do operational leadership opportunities for women keep stalling, and what will it take to move them forward?
Nick Baker
General Manager and Site Senior ExecutiveAustral Resources Australia
Nick Baker is a seasoned operational leader with over 20 years of experience in complex processing operations across the Sugar, Copper, Nickel, Cobalt, and Sulphuric Acid commodities. Currently serving as the General Manager and appointed Site Senior Executive (SSE) for Austral Resources’ Rockland Site.
His career began in 2005 as an electrical apprentice in the sugar industry. This foundational "hands-on" experience has been the catalyst for his progression into senior leadership. Nick has balanced his practical expertise with academic rigor, holding an MBA and various technical diplomas, ensuring his leadership is both data-driven and operationally grounded.
Nick is passionate about building high-performing, functional teams that deliver tangible results without compromising the welfare of personnel or the environment. He is dedicated to generating high-quality assets for shareholders by fostering a corporate culture rooted in safety, accountability, integrity, and innovation.
Speaking at
09:50
Panel Discussion: Why do operational leadership opportunities for women keep stalling, and what will it take to move them forward?
Bobbie Hart
Human Resources SuperintendentChinova Resources
Bobbie Hart is a senior mining leader, who brings 20 years of people management experience and is known for driving operational transformation through strategic workforce leadership and strong governance.
With experience across complex working environments and multi-site operations, she brings a pragmatic perspective on aligning people, performance, and business outcomes. Her insights lend themselves to the design and capitalisation of opportunity. Bobbie is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion.
As a sponsor for women in mining and a champion for First Nations participation, she focuses on translating DEI strategy into measurable, operational outcomes that strengthen both culture and performance.
Speaking at
09:50
Panel Discussion: Why do operational leadership opportunities for women keep stalling, and what will it take to move them forward?
Jen Hoyle
Acting Director – QMEA & DEIQueensland Resources Council
Jen is an experienced educator and policy leader with a background in science education and a deep commitment to building a skilled, diverse, and future-ready workforce for Queensland’s resources sector. As Acting Director QMEA & DEI at the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), Jen oversees the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) as well as leading QRC’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policy and advocacy work, championing initiatives that improving attraction and retention outcomes for people from underrepresented groups.
Speaking at
09:50
Panel Discussion: Why do operational leadership opportunities for women keep stalling, and what will it take to move them forward?
Emily Coutts
Head of Human Resources - AustraliaAstron Rare Earth Metals & Mineral Sands
Emily is an executive human resources practitioner who currently leads the human resources function of Astron Limited, a rare earth metals and mineral sands organization developing the Greenfields Donald Project in northwestern Victora. Emily has extensive experience in practicing and leading HR in the mining and emergency services context and has practiced in most mining commodities on the East Coast of Australia - including Gold/Copper, Zinc/Lead, Coal and Rare Earths in underground and open cut settings. With degrees in Psychology, Social Work, and a Masters in Human Resources, Emily's practice focus is on change, diversity and employee relations. She is currently studying Employment Law at the University of New England.
Speaking at
11:00
Solving the mid-30s exit – how to build real flexibility at the site level
Kristy Purdon
Co-ChairWiMARQ
Kristy Purdon, co-chair of WIMARQ (women in mining and resources QLD)
Kristy has 20 years’ experience in the mining industry including 2 memorable returns to work and 3 career reinventions. Since returning to the industry after the birth of her first child, Kristy has led, supported and/or have been part of multiple state, national and international women in mining committees, I&D councils and company lead women’s groups.
Advocating for women’s equity and inclusion from a foundation of belonging and true diversity of thought has been her primary purpose for over 10 years. Speaking nationally and internationally about DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) with felt experience and lots of stories to share.
Speaking at
11:30
Designing return-to-work pathways to support employee long term success
Katie Wyatt
Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Global)BHP
Katie Wyatt is a Noongar/Yamatji woman working on Wurundjeri Country, with over 20 years of leadership and business experience across multiple sectors. She is a passionate advocate for the power of business to drive social change and has built a unique career spanning organisational development, strategic innovation, and entrepreneurship. Katie brings a wealth of experience in complex stakeholder management across both the private and for-purpose sectors. Currently, she leads the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team at BHP, where she is focused on building an inclusive and culturally strong workplace for the company’s 80,000 employees worldwide.
Speaking at
12:00
How to advocate effectively for yourself and your team when times are tight
Lucy Formosa
Head of Human ResourcesSojitz Blue
I am a highly motivated Human Resources professional with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. I possess a strong eagerness to learn and embrace new challenges. I actively contribute valuable ideas and knowledge to provide strategic HR solutions to ensure positive business outcomes. I thrive in dynamic environments with enthusiasm, always seeking opportunities for growth and development. I have an extensive experience in all areas of Human Resource management within the mining industry including industrial relations, employment relations, enterprise bargaining, performance management and conflict resolution.
Speaking at
13:30
Panel Discussion: How can we design and implement rosters to make true diversity structurally possible to achieve?
Larnie Roberts
Chief People OfficerAeris Resources
Larnie Roberts is a People and Culture leader with more than 20 years’ experience across a broad range of HR functions and industries.
She has held senior roles with New Hope Group and BHP in coal side of mining, and joined Aeris Resources in 2022, broadening her experience into hard rock mining where she leads the People and Culture function as Chief People Officer. Larnie is known for partnering closely with leaders to strengthen capability, lift performance, and deliver practical, values-driven people solutions that support business outcomes.
She is passionate about creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to perform at their best, and excited about the future of Copper and Gold.
Speaking at
13:30
Panel Discussion: How can we design and implement rosters to make true diversity structurally possible to achieve?
Leah Chapman
Lead Smelter OperatorGlencore
Speaking at
14:30
Live One-on-One: What it takes to show up, stay, and lead in the toughest room in the building
Kana'e Dyas
Board MemberIMARQ Committee | AWIMAR | Psychosocial Safety and Leadership Institute
Kanae Dyas is a multi-award-winning executive in WHS and HR. The Chief Safety and Compliance Officer at PowerSkillsAi and the Founder of Alchemy Workplace Solutions, in trauma informed psychosocial safety, inclusive workplace wellbeing and performance. With 30 years’ global operational and governance experience across mining and resources, Kanae has held senior roles at Anglo American, Incitec Pivot Limited, Dyno Nobel and Rio Tinto. Pioneering Trauma-Informed Psychosocial Safety, Respect at Work, Domestic and Family violence, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and Fitness or Work including biomathematical fatigue modelling programs. Recognised with the 2026 Australian WHS Icon Award and the 2024 Australian MCA BHP DEI Champion Award to name a few. Her strengths-based programs build capability and care beyond compliance with Human Skills and Technology delivering sustainable behavioural change. Kanae serves on boards and advisory committees including QRC, AWIMAR, WIMARQ, and the Psychosocial Safety and Leadership Institute committed to inclusive safety reform.
Speaking at
Roundtable 1: Protecting psychosocial health and the on-site experience
Dr Helen Degeling
Director of Geoscience and SustainabilityMining3
Helen Degeling is a geologist and recognised, influential advocate for minerals development that delivers positive ESG outcomes and meets the demands of a just transition towards decarbonisation. She has previously held roles as a researcher, exploration and mine geologist, and exploration manager for junior precious and base metal explorers, as well as leadership positions in critical minerals and sustainable mining across government and industry. Helen is now Director of Geoscience and Sustainability at Mining3, and Program Lead for the Critical Metals for Critical Industries CRC, where she combines her traditional geological expertise and passion for circularity, sustainability and traceability to drive innovation and deliver practical solutions for the resources industry’s ‘next generation’ challenges.
Speaking at
Roundtable 2: Critical minerals, new operations and greenfield sites: building inclusive cultures from the ground up before the bad habits set in
Joanne Bergamin
Non-Executive DirectorSunshine Metals
Chair and Chief Executive Officer
WISER
Johanna is a senior legal and ESG executive with deep experience operating at the intersection of environmental law, regulatory enforcement, sustainability governance and operational risk. Over her 20 year career, she has led multidisciplinary teams through complex incidents, negotiated outcomes with regulators and governments, and shaped enterpriselevel ESG and compliance strategies that protect longterm value, reputation and social licence to operate.
Speaking at
Roundtable 3: Sponsorship vs mentoring – what actually works?
Dr Mahdi Mason
Head of Sustainability, Health, Safety and ComplianceSojitz Blue
"Dr Mahdi Mason is the Head of Health, Safety, Sustainability and Compliance at Sojitz Blue. She's an accomplished executive and international award-winning author with more than 20 years’ experience in environment and sustainability across the mining, government and transport sectors. Her passion is improving sustainability culture in organisations."
Speaking at
Roundtable 4: Decarbonisation on site – electrified fleets, renewable infrastructure and what the energy transition means for the women operating it
Raina Hattingh
Group Manager - Rehabilitation and ClosureWhitehaven Coal
Raina has more than 20 years of experience working across mine rehabilitation, closure and transition planning. Her career has included a mix of consulting and industry roles, having led projects across Africa, Australia, Canada, South America and Saudia Arabia. She has also assisted global industry groups develop closure guidance material, and enjoys facilitating knowledge transfer for tertiary education facilities. With a MSc in Environmental Management, she brings insight into regulatory and corporate drivers, focusing on key levers for turning complex rehabilitation challenges into practical, value-driven closure solutions.
Raina is currently the Group Manager for Rehabilitation and Closure for Whitehaven Coal, based in Brisbane.
During work hours, Raina is passionate about combining governance frameworks that drive risk reduction and long-term rehabilitation security, but still optimise opportunities for the Beyond Closure landscape. Known for her engaging style and systems thinking, she thrives on connecting technical knowledge with site-specific practicalities…and bringing people along for the journey. Outside of work she can be found navigating the truly complex systems of teenagers, pottering amongst the bees in the vegetable garden, or throwing ball to an Italian greyhound.
Speaking at
Roundtable 5: Rethinking mine closures as a strategic priority
Claire Chakrabarti
STEM Program ManagerAustmine
Claire manages the Accelerating Women in METS (AWIM) Program and strives to increase the participation of female STEM students in the METS sector.
Speaking at
Roundtable 6: How to maintain team performance and culture when the ground keeps shifting beneath you
Dańe van Heerden
Chief Financial OfficerAeris Resources
I’m a values-driven executive finance leader with over 20 years’ experience across senior financial and commercial roles, primarily within ASX-listed resources companies. I lead with integrity, sound judgement, and accountability, and I’m comfortable navigating complexity and change. I bring deep expertise in capital restructuring and acquisitions, and I’m passionate about building resilient financial strategies that align with organisational purpose, support sustainable growth, and create long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders.
Speaking at
Roundtable 7: How to back yourself into roles that stretch you beyond your current experience
Nicola Semler
Chief Technology OfficerCritical Minerals Group
Ms Semler is a Metallurgical Engineer with an extensive background in the mining and resources industries, both in Australia and internationally. Her experience encompasses greenfields and brownfields project development, commissioning, operations, cultural transformation, strategic and operational business planning and mine closure.
Speaking at
Roundtable 8: How to stay on top of your game in an industry that’s changing faster than ever before
11:00
Turning the over-55 talent pool to your advantage in your next competitive hire
Linda Murry
Head of Resource ExcellenceBHP
Linda has a career spanning more than 20 years in the mining industry and +10years in heavy industrials. Linda has a diverse background in chemistry, processing and mining engineering and has worked in most aspects of the mining supply chain from Production (overburden and ore), Processing, Ports, Maintenance (MEM and Plant/Port/Shutdowns), Logistics and Technical Services. Linda holds a Bachelor of Science, a Masters of Mining Engineering and a number of other qualifications. Linda has a proven track record of business improvement and cultural transformation. Linda is passionate about developing people and is a strong advocate for mentoring and training. Having spent more than 13 years living in remote mining communities, Linda is a strong advocate for improving engagement in the communities and mental health of employees.
Speaking at
Roundtable 9: Building technical portfolios that drive organisational performance in a changing industry
Diana Bozzetto
Vice President - Environment and ClimateOceanaGold
Diana is an experienced environmental and sustainability manager with over 20 years in mining resources, linear infrastructure and manufacturing industry. She is currently the Vice President – Environment and Climate at Oceana Gold.
Speaking at
Roundtable 10: Turning ESG commitments into operational reality
Kim Wainwright
ChairQueensland Exploration Council
Kim is the CEO of Xplore Resources and has served as the Chair of the Queensland Exploration Council (QEC) for six years, actively advocating for exploration and investment in Queensland's resource sector. Additionally, Kim sits on the Board of the Resources Council, contributing to policy development, industry representation, and sustainable resource management. Her leadership extends beyond industry bodies to charitable foundations, demonstrating her commitment to community development and responsible industry practices.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening remarks from the Chair
Lisa Breen
Chief People OfficerLiontown Resources
Lisa is a senior People & Culture leader with over two decades of experience spanning the energy, defence, and resources sectors. Her career has taken her from Woodside Energy and Calibre Global — where she partnered with some of Australia's largest mining operations including BHP, Rio Tinto and FMG, to leading HR across a 6,500-strong global workforce at Austal Ships across Australia, the US and Asia. Today, Lisa serves as Chief People Officer at Liontown Resources, where she is helping shape the people foundations of one of Australia's most exciting emerging lithium producers.
Lisa is deeply passionate about making P&C a genuine commercial partner, one that drives capability, builds efficiency, and creates environments where people genuinely thrive. She believes great leadership isn't just a title; it's a responsibility. Inspiring others, holding yourself accountable, and role modelling the behaviours employees expect in a modern workforce.
Speaking at
09:00
How to build a career where your leadership potential is never wasted
Johanna Kennerley
Head of Sustainability and EnvironmentRavenswood Gold
Johanna is a senior legal and ESG executive with deep experience operating at the intersection of environmental law, regulatory enforcement, sustainability governance and operational risk. Over her 20 year career, she has led multidisciplinary teams through complex incidents, negotiated outcomes with regulators and governments, and shaped enterpriselevel ESG and compliance strategies that protect longterm value, reputation and social licence to operate.
Speaking at
09:50
Fireside chat: What will change when mining finally begins to take women's health seriously?
Kate Baker
ManagerOffice of the Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner
Kate is the Manger of the Office of the Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner. She earnt her degree, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of East Anglia in the UK. Kate has worked for environmental consultancies in both the UK and Australia before joining the Queensland Government. Prior to working in the Office of the Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner Kate worked on the development and implementation of the mine rehabilitation reforms within the Department of Environment and Science as well as a range of other resource related operational and implementation matters.
Speaking at
09:50
Fireside chat: What will change when mining finally begins to take women's health seriously?
Renee Acton
Manager - Health, Safety and TrainingKestrel Coal Resources
Renee Acton is an experienced professional in health and safety management, currently serving as the Manager of Health, Safety and Training at Kestrel Coal Resources since May 2019, also holding the role of Superintendent in Health and Safety. Prior to this, Renee worked as the HSET Compliance Coordinator at Ensham Resources Pty Ltd. from May 2018 to January 2020 and as a Health and Safety Advisor at Rio Tinto from November 2004 to April 2018, where responsibilities included critical risk management, incident investigations, operational risk assessments, audits, injury management, and emergency response. Renee holds a Diploma in Health and Safety from The University of Queensland and the National Safety Council Australia.
Speaking at
09:50
Fireside chat: What will change when mining finally begins to take women's health seriously?
Sally Rayner
Chief Operating OfficerDelta Power & Energy
Sally Rayner is the Chief Operating Officer of Delta, bringing more than 20 years’ experience leading safe, reliable operations and large-scale transformation across the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors.
Sally has held senior leadership roles at Rio Tinto, where she led global operational excellence, HSE, risk and assurance, and major project portfolios across complex, multi-site operations. She is recognised for strengthening safety and risk cultures, improving asset reliability, and translating strategy into disciplined execution to deliver sustainable business outcomes.
She is passionate about building strong, values-led teams and creating environments where people feel supported, accountable and connected to a shared purpose. Sally is known for her calm, authentic leadership style and for bringing people together to solve challenges and deliver meaningful outcomes.
Speaking at
11:30
Why women are rising to the top of the shortlist: what the mining industry is finally looking for in its leaders
Clair Osbourne
Chief People OfficerDelta Power & Energy
Clair Osbourne is the Chief People Officer at Delta, leading the people and culture strategy across its power generation and mining operations in New South Wales. She is known for driving values-led leadership and building positive, high-performing cultures that support both strong operational outcomes and safe, inclusive workplaces.
Clair has been instrumental in embedding Delta’s CARE values - Care, Achievement, Respect and Empowerment, into everyday leadership and decision-making, shifting the organisation toward a more empowered, accountable and people-focused culture. She is passionate about strengthening leadership capability, lifting engagement, and creating environments where individuals feel valued and supported to perform at their best.
A strong advocate for diversity in the energy and mining sectors, Clair actively champions greater representation and opportunity for women, working to ensure the industry continues to evolve into one where everyone can thrive.
Speaking at
11:30
Why women are rising to the top of the shortlist: what the mining industry is finally looking for in its leaders
Samantha Langley
Head of Sustainability and Enterprise RiskVulcan Energy
Samantha Langley has more than 20 years’ experience across the mining, energy and resources sector, specialising in environmental and sustainability management, operational compliance and reporting, climate change strategy, and the delivery of decarbonisation projects across complex mining and mineral processing value chains.
As Head of Sustainability and Enterprise Risk at Vulcan Energy, Samantha leads the organisation’s strategic approach to sustainability and risk, bringing deep technical expertise and a proven record of delivering worldclass, lowcarbon projects and driving industryleading resource innovation and sustainability improvement.
Samantha’s leadership has been publicly recognised through industry awards, including being a winner of the 2023 Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA Women in Resources Technological Innovation Award and a finalist in the Minerals Council of Australia National Women in Resources Awards.
She holds a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) from Murdoch University and postgraduate qualifications in Occupational Health and Safety. Samantha is also a Fellow of the AusIMM and serves on the MRIWA College Expert Panel.
Speaking at
13:00
How sustainable lithium extraction is reshaping Australia's role in the global energy transition
Lara Jefferson
Environmental ManagerSQM International Lithium
Lara Jefferson is a sustainability and business transformation leader at SQM International Lithium, working across Australia, Chile, and China.
She specialises in integrating ESG, strategy and emerging technologies to drive performance, transparency, and long-term value across global operations.
With a PhD, MBA and GAICD, Lara brings a rare combination of technical depth and executive perspective and a practical understanding of what it takes to deliver outcomes in fast-moving, high-pressure environments.
She is increasingly focused on how artificial intelligence is reshaping leadership, decision-making and competitive advantage in mining. Having applied AI directly in her work, she’s seen that it doesn’t replace people, but it does quickly change who’s leading the room.
From streamlining complex reporting to strengthening executive communication, Lara uses AI in ways that are practical, time-saving, and like most of us are looking for, make a busy week just that little bit more manageable.
Today, she’ll share how AI can be used not just as a tool, but as a genuine career accelerator in the decade that will define the future of mining leadership.
Speaking at
13:50
AI as a career advantage: how to get ahead in mining's fastest changing decade
Scott Winter
Managing DirectorCritical Minerals Group
Speaking at
14:50
Critical minerals and the equity opportunity in mining's next chapter
Dr Geraldine McGuire
Manager – ESG & Approvals29Metals
I have worked on challenging resource projects throughout Australia, Asia and the Pacific developing solutions which balance economic, environmental, and social components to achieve enduring outcomes and positive legacies. With over 30 years of experience, I am committed to leading diverse high performing teams, managing complex project approvals processes, and resolving stakeholder conflicts in crisis situations. My purpose is to create a better future with low carbon solutions, nature positive opportunities and equitable practices which empower minority groups.
Speaking at
15:20
Small company, strong culture: what the mid-tier does differently and why it is working
Karina Lynch
Co-DirectorIWIMRA Indigenous Corporation
Karina Lynch is a proud Yupungathi woman and a trailblazer in Australia’s mining and resources sector. She serves as Co-Director of IWIMRA (Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia), a Not For Profit Indigenous Corporation dedicated to creating a strong national network for Indigenous women in the industry. IWIMRA empowers women by enhancing leadership capabilities, increasing visibility, and fostering culturally safe spaces for meaningful dialogue and community-driven decision-making. With over 15 years of leadership experience in the mining industry, Karina currently holds the position of Principal Asset Improvement at BHP. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to cultural integrity, inclusion, and the advancement of Indigenous voices in corporate and community settings. Through her dual roles, Karina continues to champion equity, cultural support, and transformative leadership for Indigenous women across Australia.
Speaking at
15:50
Supporting First Nations women by moving from commitment to practice
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