Mark your calendar with AusIMM’s upcoming mining conferences, driving conversations on technology, sustainability and industry trends.
From April to November in 2026, AusIMM will host a raft of essential mining conferences that are set to shape the industry’s future. These gatherings serve as the primary platform for leaders to unveil trailblazing technology, share expert knowledge, and form crucial cross-sector partnerships.
The industry’s brightest minds attend, including geologists, engineers, METS innovators, and executives. Together, they explore the latest advancements across everything from maximising orebody value and sustainable practices to operational safety and strategic planning.
The 2026 conference calendar also introduces an innovative format in Perth, with the Iron Ore Conference 2026 and the Open Pit Operators Conference 2026 set to run simultaneously in June.
With powerhouses like BHP and Rio Tinto continuing to break records in iron ore production, the strategic growth of Western Australian mining will also be a hot-button topic.
Across the calendar year, these blockbuster conferences arrive at a pivotal moment for the mining industry. The spotlight has never been brighter on the critical minerals sector, spurred by the landmark agreement between US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, which will feature in the geopolitics discussion at Critical Minerals 2026. The Perth-based event is renowned for attracting international experts, and the next edition promises to be the biggest yet.
Similarly, gold has been a staple of industry headlines over the last 12 months, with the commodity rising to its highest price in history in October, eclipsing a 40-year-old mark. How this impacts the future of gold mining, and sustainable “green gold” technologies will be discussed by industry icons at the Global Resources and Innovation Expo 2026 (GRX26).
By securing your attendance at these conferences, you can be part of the conversations shaping the future
of mining.
International Mining Geology Conference 2026
April 21–22, 2026 | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
The 14th International Mining Geology Conference will be held at the Brisbane Convention Centre from April 21 to 22. The program will feature insights on sustainable practices, maximising ore body value, and improved
decision making.
The 2024 conference in Perth was a bumper edition, with conference chair Daniel Howe saying that its “thought-provoking keynote presentations, a high-quality technical program and bustling exhibition floor” provided an excellent opportunity to “learn, collaborate and expand professional networks”.
Global Resources and Innovation Expo 2026 (GRX26)
May 5–7, 2026 | Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
After its landmark debut in Brisbane, the Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX) returns in 2026 with even greater momentum and global impact.
This time, Perth will host the world’s most forward-thinking mining companies, METS innovators, policymakers, and researchers to explore the future of mining technology, sustainability, and global collaboration.
Co-hosted by Austmine and AusIMM, GRX26 is where cutting-edge technologies are unveiled, and cross-sector partnerships are forged.
The inaugural 2025 edition brought together some of the biggest names in the sector, including Geoff Pryde (chief technical officer, PsiQuantum) and Marita Cheng (founder and chief executive officer, Aubot and Robogals).
Iron Ore Conference 2026
June 23–25, 2026 | Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Since its humble beginnings in 2002, the Iron Ore Conference has been a vital global forum where industry leaders address the most pressing technical and management challenges. Its reputation is built on insights from world-class speakers, including Australian experts such as Paul Zulli (ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Innovation), and international authorities like Chenmei Tang (Central South University, China).
Past speakers have also hailed from Germany and Zimbabwe. The 2026 conference in Perth continues this legacy with a program focused on technological innovation, health and safety, and geopolitical updates.
Open Pit Operators Conference 2026
June 23–25, 2026 | Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Held concurrently with the Iron Ore Conference, the Open Pit Operators Conference will also take place at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, creating a unique and vibrant experience.
The event is renowned for its high-quality technical programs, featuring experts such as Jonathon Nortier (principal mining engineer, AMC), who previously delivered a paper on determining plant capacity through strategic analysis.
Other keynote speakers have included digital operations and solutions specialist Pieter Lottering (principal, asset consulting, Deloitte) and Dr Koji Saito (executive advisor for research & development, Nippon Steel Corporation, Japan).
The dual 2026 event will offer two distinct programs and a shared exhibition hall for networking. Abstract submissions are now open for both conferences.
Critical Minerals 2026
September 20–23, 2026 | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
As global demand for critical minerals grows, leaders from across the mining, finance, and government sectors will convene in Brisbane for AusIMM’s premier Critical Minerals conference.
The event is a vital forum for discussing the next steps toward net zero and has a strong legacy of attracting the industry’s brightest minds.
Past lineups have featured Australian leaders, including Nicole Roocke (chief executive officer, Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia) and Professor Ian Satchwell (adjunct professor, Sustainable Minerals Institute), alongside global innovators such as Gerard Barron (The Metals Company), a go-to expert on critical minerals for CNN. Program details and registration will be announced in due course.
Mine Health & Safety
Conference 2026
October 5–7, 2026 | Pan Pacific Perth
Join industry leaders at the Mine
Health & Safety Conference 2026 to
shape a safer future for the resources sector.
Held from October 5 to 7 at the Pan Pacific Perth, this vital event transcends traditional compliance to address today’s most pressing challenges. The program will tackle important themes, including psychological safety, leadership culture, and the integration of technology to proactively manage risk.
Combining high-level strategy with practical case studies, the conference serves as an essential forum for professionals dedicated to ensuring every worker returns home safely.
Mill Operators Conference 2026
October 19–21, 2026 | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
From its beginnings as a regional gathering in Mount Isa in 1978, the Mill Operators Conference has grown into a premier global event for the minerals processing industry. Now approaching its 17th iteration, this biennial conference continues its legacy of excellence and innovation. The 2026 edition, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, will once again serve as a global hub, with over 600 metallurgists, engineers, and industry leaders set to explore the latest advancements and emerging trends in mill operations.
Strategic Mine Planning 2026
November 24–26, 2026 | Residence on Langley Park, Perth
Strategic Mine Planning 2026 is a three-day international symposium focused on the latest advances, practices, and challenges in the field.
As the mining landscape has evolved, the 2026 program will address the major trends shaping the industry, including new modelling objectives, supply chain optimisation, and sustainable development practices.
Located in the heart of Perth, the stylish and intimate setting of Residence on Langley Park overlooks the Swan River, making it an ideal venue for focused conferences and professional networking.
This article appeared in the Summer edition of Mining Magazine.
