With its rich critical mineral resources, emerging midstream processing capabilities, and alignment with the Future Made in Australia Act, Western Australia is uniquely positioned to lead the global energy transition. The passage of this landmark legislation injects $22.7 billion into renewable energy, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing. This session will explore how WA can harness these opportunities to establish itself as a renewable energy superpower while addressing challenges such as energy security, infrastructure development, regulatory hurdles and meaningful community engagement. 

• What opportunities do the Future Made in Australia Act and state funding provide for renewable energy and critical minerals?
• How can WA accelerate the development of common-user infrastructure and project-ready land to lower capital costs and attract investment for critical minerals projects?
• What steps is the WA government taking to improve regulatory approval timelines and reduce bottlenecks without compromising ESG standards?
• How can mining companies and the government ensure meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners, and what best practices exist for sharing the economic and social benefits of critical minerals projects?
• How are new demands for supply chain transparency and carbon footprinting under EU battery passport regulations impacting Australian miners?
• With increasing global competition for critical minerals investment, how can WA position itself as a leader in midstream processing and a stable, sponsor-friendly environment for developing critical minerals projects?

Where is industrial and climate policy headed, and what does this mean for mining and decarbonisation? Following the WA election and in the run up to the federal election, this panel of political insiders will provide valuable insights into key policy developments and their potential influence on climate strategy, decarbonisation investments, and strategic priorities in the mining sector.

• Political insiders' views on the Australian federal election and likely outcomes for the mining industry: Will the climate and energy policy direction remain the same, or should mining anticipate changes? 
• What kind of influence does the crossbench have on the house of representatives and the Senate?
• What are the key takeaways from the recent state election regarding climate policy, decarbonisation investments, and the impacts on the mining industry?
• What are the likely impacts on investments in decarbonisation and clean energy including renewables, storage, nuclear etc., as well as overall funding for industrial decarbonisation?
• Has Donald Trump's reelection posed a setback for global decarbonisation efforts, and in particular the mining sector?
• More broadly, how are international policy developments impacting Australian miners?

• How are miners harnessing digital platforms to balance baseload power while maximizing the efficiency of solar, wind, and battery assets for reliable, off-grid operations?
• AI-driven asset performance: forecasting energy availability, pinpointing operational bottlenecks, and driving smarter, real-time energy management
• Exploring innovative approaches to shrink the carbon footprint of existing equipment, measure  and advance sustainability across mines

BARISTA SPONSOR

• Progress and next steps for Fortescue’s recent partnerships with leading OEMs, including Liebherr and XCMG, to realise zero emissions mobile equipment in line with 2030 targets 
• Developing a comprehensive zero-emission mining ecosystem, setting a benchmark for the global mining sector and working towards scalable solutions for other operations worldwide

The path to low-carbon mining presents unique challenges for mid-tier mines, particularly as they navigate competing priorities like mine expansion and sustainability. This roundtable will bring together mid-tier mining leaders for a focused discussion on decarbonisation's role within their strategic agenda, the pressures they face in aligning sustainability with operational and financial goals, and the technologies shaping their future. 

• How are mid-tiers balancing stakeholder interests, operational pressures and decarbonisation goals? 
• What are the primary risks and challenges in pursuing decarbonisation?
• Achieving 2030 goals: What technologies and strategies are being deployed, how confident are miners in meeting these targets, and what challenges could stand in the way of achieving interim milestones?
• What are some examples of successful collaboration on renewable energy and decarbonisation solutions with peers or other energy providers?
• What additional emerging technologies and innovations are being considered or piloted to support sustainability targets?

This joint case study will provide both the miner’s and the independent power producer’s (IPP) perspectives on Tropicana Gold Mine’s groundbreaking shift to hybrid power.

• The Miner’s Perspective: key drivers behind integrating 61MW of renewables and battery storage with existing gas power systems—creating Australia’s largest off-grid hybrid power station
• Lessons learned from incorporating renewables at the site
• How the project aligns with AngloGold Ashanti’s net-zero carbon goals
• The IPP Perspective: Technical and commercial considerations for delivering this large-scale hybrid power solution  
• Insights from integrating renewables and storage into existing thermal infrastructure
• Key takeaways for future off-grid hybrid energy projects in the mining sector

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural Think Tank, this session will bring together attendees to brainstorm, debate and hypothesize the ideal energy mix for a remote mine. Attendees will be presented with a hypothetical mining operation and asked to collaborate with peers to propose a renewable energy solution that balances financial feasibility, technical innovation, decarbonisation goals and social responsibility.

THINK TANK SPONSOR

Transitioning to low-carbon operations requires a fundamental shift in how mining companies evaluate projects, integrate technology, and manage operations. As companies aim to align with global climate goals, they face immense challenges in balancing profitability, operational readiness, and adopting step-change technologies. This panel brings together mining leaders and decarbonisation experts to discuss their strategies, progress, and the practical steps needed to operationalise decarbonisation effectively.

• How are mining companies performing against their planned decarbonisation pathways, and what lessons can be shared from successes and setbacks?
• How are mining companies balancing the need for capital discipline and immediate operational objectives with the urgency of funding energy transition initiatives, such as fleet electrification and renewable integration?
• What step-change technologies are currently under development, and what timelines are realistic for their deployment?
• While waiting for large-scale electrification, what interim solutions can mining companies adopt to improve energy efficiency and reduce diesel reliance?
• What key policy developments are currently shaping the implementation of decarbonisation strategies in mining, and how are companies adapting to evolving regulations and incentives?
• How are miners addressing workforce challenges, including the upskilling needed to manage new technologies and operational models required for decarbonisation?

SESSION LEADER

LUNCH SPONSOR

• Key drivers for implementing the 95MW Kathleen Valley Hybrid Power System, incorporating solar, wind, battery storage, and LNG
• Engaging in groundbreaking agreements with Traditional Owners to foster equity and socio-economic progress
• Setting a new standard for integrating renewables into mining operations

• Yuri Renewable Hydrogen to Ammonia Project: Developing green hydrogen/ammonia at scale
• Developing the hydrogen value chain: Importance of Traditional Owner engagement, shared infrastructure, and government support
• Carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS): Key to Yara Pilbara’s decarbonisation strategy

Hydrogen is set to play a crucial role in supporting the production of green iron. As demand for low-emission raw materials grows, this interactive workshop will examine the policy landscape, investment opportunities, and technological innovations needed to scale hydrogen solutions for greening iron ore and steel production.

• How will the $1 billion Green Iron Investment Fund support hydrogen-based iron and steel projects, and what role will WA play in this transition?
• What other policy and funding initiatives at the federal and state levels are driving the development of green iron and hydrogen-based steel production?
• What role do mining companies see for green hydrogen as part of decarbonisation pathways?
• What are the key technical and economic challenges in scaling hydrogen solutions for mining, and how can lessons from current projects be applied across the sector?
• What lessons can be drawn from projects like Whyalla Steelworks and WA’s NeoSmelt initiative to accelerate green iron adoption?

• Case studies from recent hybrid mining microgrids for maximizing renewable energy penetration
• Key takeaways from high-penetration renewable energy with advanced control systems for mines
• Is 100% renewable energy achievable for miners today?

• Achieving net zero (Scope 1 and Scope 2) emissions for the Bellevue Gold Project by 2026.
• Embedding decarbonisation into feasibility studies, operational design, and employee incentives.
• Insights from Bellevue Gold’s hybrid power station, integrating solar, wind, gas, diesel, and battery storage, with a plan to achieve up to 80% renewable energy supply annually.
• Preparing for other decarbonisation options and seeking high-quality carbon offsets

BARISTA SPONSOR

As mining companies set ambitious decarbonisation targets, integrating renewable energy and storage solutions into operations has become a critical focus. These projects, however, face significant hurdles, from high capital costs and feasibility challenges to technological constraints and the complexities of powering electrified fleets. This panel will explore the strategies, innovations, and collaboration needed to overcome these barriers and operationalise renewable energy solutions for mines, especially in remote and off-grid locations.

• What are the main hurdles mining companies face when transitioning to renewable energy systems, and how can they overcome challenges like feasibility studies, procurement delays, and cost uncertainties?
• How can renewables and storage systems be scaled to meet the growing energy demands of electrified mining fleets and machinery, and what solutions are emerging to address these power needs?
• With the high initial capital costs of renewable projects, how can mining companies balance project payback timelines with the operational benefits of decarbonisation? 
• How can miners mitigate land-use challenges, such as disputes, deforestation, and biodiversity impacts, when implementing large-scale renewable energy projects?
• What role are government policies and programs playing in accelerating the deployment of renewable and hybrid energy systems for mining operations?
• What can be learned from mining companies that have successfully integrated renewables and storage, and what best practices can be applied to streamline future projects?

SESSION LEADER

• Applying a Real Carbon Price: Incentivising business units to embed carbon costs in their decision-making, by charging all business units and operations for every tonne of CO₂e
• Funds used for trials and proof of concepts, and infrastructure enablers for energy efficiency and emissions reduction projects
• Regulatory Compliance Costs: Funds used for purchasing offset units for regulatory compliance
• Price Transparency: Charging business the average monthly spot price of generic ACCUs

• What are the key differences in risk allocation and operational control when financing renewables on balance sheet versus signing a PPA?
• How do the financial implications, such as upfront capital requirements, impact a mining company’s decision to invest directly in renewable energy versus outsourcing through a PPA?
• How are current market conditions shaping the choice between financing renewables on balance sheet versus using PPAs? How do you anticipate these dynamics changing in the future?
• How do on-balance-sheet financing and PPAs compare in terms of flexibility and scalability to adapt to future energy demands, particularly with increasing electrification in mining operations?

In a world of fluctuating commodity prices, funding transformative decarbonisation projects presents significant challenges. This panel brings together industry leaders, financial experts , government representatives and policymakers to explore innovative strategies for financing decarbonisation while balancing economic viability and sustainability. 

• How are fluctuating commodity prices impacting the feasibility of decarbonisation projects, and what innovative financial solutions can mitigate these risks?
• What strategies are miners adopting for allocating capital to decarbonisation initiatives while ensuring operational and financial stability?
• How can government funding mechanisms (e.g.,Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), ARENA, CEFC, etc.) complement private financing to accelerate decarbonisation initiatives?
• What opportunities exist for mining companies to tap into green loans, sustainability-linked bonds, and other ESG-focused financing tools?
• How do the growing demand and strategic importance of critical minerals for the energy transition impact financing strategies for decarbonisation projects?
• What are some real-world examples from mining companies that have secured funding through innovative financial strategies, government partnerships, and private investment?
• How do mining companies balance immediate operational goals with long-term decarbonisation commitments, especially when addressing shareholder expectations?

DRINKS SPONSOR

This inaugural Decarbonising Mining Awards will celebrate achievements, leadership, and innovation in mine decarbonisation. The gala evening will be an outstanding opportunity to network with mining and decarbonisation specialists and celebrate projects and partnerships that demonstrate commitment to excellence in mine decarbonisation. 

AWARDS SPONSORS

As the pathway to decarbonisation continues, mining will become a significant user of energy storage technologies for power and mobility. This presentation will provide an update on the latest advances in energy storage technology, its economics, and mining applications. Following this presentation, attendees can move to a dedicated workshop for a hands-on, interactive deep dive into energy storage solutions tailored to mining operations.

• Global updates on the commercial readiness and cost-effectiveness of energy storage solutions for firming renewables
• Suitability, performance, and scalability in a mining context 
• Circular economy and disposal plans

• Transitioning from a 57-year-old open-pit operation to underground block caving with electric conveyors, eliminating reliance on 200-tonne diesel trucks, and slashing emissions by 80%
• Implementing coal-free furnace operations, paving the way for broader adoption of hydrogen or electrification technologies in processing magnetite
• Targeting a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero thereafter, leveraging Tasmania’s renewable energy resources, wind power expansion, and innovative underground mining solutions

In this interactive session, miners will ask storage experts their most urgent questions about how these technologies can effectively address the industry's pressing decarbonisation goals. 

• Could you provide a cross-country snapshot on how energy storage (and hybrids) is helping support load growth and decarbonisation for heavy industry?
• Where should energy storage investments be prioritized to maximize impact in supporting a decarbonised, electrified future: at the bulk transmission connection level or through behind-the-meter demand response solutions?
• How does/can energy storage help decarbonise Australian mining operations and what experiences can be learned from other markets including China and North America?
• Can you provide examples on specific LDES technologies that are ready to be incorporated today, including the challenges related to these technologies?
• What measures are being implemented to ensure the longevity, reliability, and recycling of batteries used in mining operations, and how do these measures balance with the cost implications?

WORKSHOP LEADER

• Enhancing fuel performance: Operational insights on Aderco’s fuel additives driving efficiency, cost savings, and emissions reductions across mine sites
• From waste to value: A circular approach to maximizing fossil fuel efficiency and optimising resource use
• Future-Proofing mine mobility: Ensuring the reliability and performance of alternative fuels in the transition to decarbonised mining operations

• Retrofitting mining haul trucks with  BEV conversion technology 
• Insights from the successful demonstration to Tier 1 mining companies and the impact of the world’s first retrofitted electric mining truck with the highest energy density
• Scaling the future: The role of funding, innovation, and industry collaboration in accelerating electric retrofits across the mining sector

This session aims to foster connections, knowledge sharing, innovative ideas, and collaboration to advance decarbonisation efforts in the mining industry. Attendees are invited to join themed tables hosted by experts in the main networking area on critical topics of interest, including: 

• Renewable Energy Integration in Mining        
• Energy Storage Solutions for Mines        
• Electrification of Mining Fleets        
• Diesel Displacement: Biofuels; Renewable Diesel and Gas        
• Scope 3 Emissions and Value Chain Decarbonisation    

BARISTA SPONSOR

• Details on partnerships between Canadian miners and Indigenous to co-develop renewable energy projects to reduce diesel dependency, decarbonise, and drive economic development including the Tahltan Nation’s historic agreement for revenue sharing on run-of-river projects 
• Creating unique business models that balance community ownership, employment, and training opportunities with sustainable energy infrastructure
• Beyond individual projects, what is the potential to create renewable energy hubs that serve both mines and nearby communities?

This panel will bring together mining leaders and experts to address the challenges and next steps in fleet decarbonisation, focusing on actionable strategies to drive the transition.

• How are collaborations accelerating the development of zero-emission fleets, and what lessons can the industry draw from current trials?
• What are the key obstacles in integrating electrified fleets into existing mine operations, and how can mines adapt their infrastructure and planning to support this transition?
• How can battery storage and renewable energy be optimized to support fleet decarbonisation, and what innovations are emerging to manage energy demands and peaks effectively?
• With around 16,000 large haul trucks to be decarbonised, how can the sector address supply chain bottlenecks and develop alternative pathways to accelerate timelines?
• Are mines considering smaller vehicles as an alternative to traditional large haul trucks to accelerate fleet decarbonisation, and what are the pros and cons?
• How can Tier 1 miners set a precedent for the sector, and what practical steps can smaller miners take to leverage shared insights and partnerships to advance their fleet decarbonisation goals?

SESSION LEADER

This panel will explore best practices for meaningful engagement, collaboration, and partnership with Traditional Owners to advance renewable energy initiatives that support mine decarbonisation and deliver long-term benefits to communities.

• How are miners working with Traditional Owners to explore renewable energy partnerships?
• Examples of best practices and case studies in successful traditional owner partnerships in decarbonisation projects.
• What’s different about this approach to energy infrastructure for miners and communities - what are the risks and potential benefits? 
• What are some common mistakes miners make when approaching Traditional Owners to consult on projects that impact their lands? 
• What are the different opportunities for government funding and support for these projects?

2024 has seen some of the first trials of battery electric, hydrogen, and alternative fuel trucks operating on mine sites, providing essential insights on the next steps for the widespread rollout of zero-emissions trucks. This panel will provide insight from leading OEMs on progress and the next steps for proving and scaling up alternatives to diesel-powered heavy haulage trucks. 

• What lessons have been learned, and what changes must be made to adapt to zero-emissions trucks?
• What are the next steps for scaling up zero and low-carbon trucks, and what are the main challenges?
• How are collaborations evolving with key industry stakeholders, such as charging infrastructure providers, to ensure miners have access to the resources they need to displace diesel from fleets? 
• How are OEMs addressing the issue of equipment compatibility, given that many mining companies operate with fleets made up of equipment from different OEMs?
• Will the equipment and infrastructure be commercial-ready, available, and in operation in line with mining’s net zero timelines?

• Updates on the progress of the PET plan in realising the Pilbara’s world class renewable energy potential and decarbonising regional industry, including outcomes from the initial Expressions of Interest for Priority Projects and the current status of projects.
• The next steps in the development of common-use transmission infrastructure, connecting world class renewable resources to major industrial demand centres
• Effectively mobilising investment and funding through collaboration between local communities and Traditional Owners, private investors and industry, and the Federal Governments ‘Rewiring the Nation’ programme.
   

As regulatory frameworks like the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS) and Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) evolve, mining companies face increasing demands for transparency in climate and nature-related impacts. This workshop will equip participants with strategies to address complex disclosure requirements, align operations with net-zero and nature-positive goals, and ensure compliance with emerging global standards.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding ASRS and AASB S2 Requirements: Break down Scope 3 and scenario analysis expectations and their implications for mining operations.
• Integrating Nature Metrics with Financial Reporting: Learn how sustainability data and financial metrics are converging to meet regulatory demands.
• Aligning with Global Frameworks: Explore how TNFD and ISSB-adopted standards are reshaping reporting strategies.
• Building Cross-Functional Collaboration: Discover best practices for integrating efforts across finance, sustainability, and operational teams to streamline reporting.
• Leveraging Technology for Transparency: Harness AI and digital tools for supply chain visibility, predictive emissions analysis, and compliance tracking.

Building the transition and interconnection infrastructure needed to support large-scale electrification and renewable energy integration in the Pilbara is a cornerstone of Western Australia’s decarbonisation strategy. This panel will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the Pilbara Energy Transition (PET) Plan, its progress, challenges, and opportunities for mining companies and communities. Topics will include funding allocation, partnership development, infrastructure priorities, and balancing industrial needs with environmental goals.

• What strategies are being employed to effectively coordinate partnerships between private entities, Traditional Owner groups, and the State Government to accelerate infrastructure development and ensure equitable benefits from the energy transition?
• How can the $3 billion Rewiring the Nation allocation be best utilized to target priority projects that achieve the maximum decarbonisation impact while supporting mining operations?
• What are the technical and regulatory challenges associated with building common-use transmission infrastructure in the Pilbara, and how can these be overcome to ensure seamless interconnection across mining operations?
• With growing demand from fleet electrification and other industrial processes, how can the Pilbara’s renewable energy capacity be expanded and optimized to meet immediate and future energy needs?
• What lessons from major Pilbara decarbonisation initiatives, such as large-scale solar and hydrogen projects, can be applied to other mining regions facing similar challenges?

• Identifying real vs. perceived decarbonisation barriers: insights from Canadian mining companies
• Case Studies of success and failure: Canadian lessons in leadership alignment and systems integration as crucial components for decarbonisation project success
• Canada’s mining decarbonisation experience, highlighting the value of cleantech acceleration and the importance of prioritizing scalable solutions and building robust pilot programs

BARISTA SPONSOR

Many mining companies have launched successful pilot projects to test electrification, alternative fuels, and renewable energy solutions. However, scaling these projects across entire operations remains a significant challenge. This panel will explore the hurdles, strategies, and real-world lessons learned in expanding pilot projects into full-scale, commercially viable decarbonisation initiatives.

• What are the key challenges mining companies face when transitioning from small-scale trials to full-site implementation of decarbonisation initiatives?
• How can mining leaders effectively align internal stakeholders—including finance, operations, and procurement—to support large-scale decarbonisation projects?
• What are the main infrastructure gaps that need to be addressed for scaling electrified fleets, hydrogen projects, and renewable energy integration?
• What financial strategies and partnerships can help mitigate the risks associated with scaling up decarbonisation projects?
• What can mining companies learn from industries that have successfully scaled decarbonisation initiatives, and how can these insights be applied to mining operations?

This session will be entirely audience choice content. Any registered attendee can submit a presentation title and abstract through the event website by March 21st. Summit attendees will then review and select the most interesting abstracts. The authors of the most popular abstracts will be invited to present during this session. 
Do you have a story to tell? Submit your idea here.

The day after the Decarbonising Mining Awards, attendees will hear directly from the evening’s winners in this roundtable discussion. These trailblazers in mine decarbonisation will share first hand insights into the innovative projects, partnerships, and strategies that earned them recognition. This discussion will focus on overcoming challenges, scaling success, and driving meaningful progress toward a low-carbon mining future.