AROSE is proud to have hosted the inaugural Mining & Space Conference in collaboration with the 2024 International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC). The event was an outstanding success, surpassing expectations with over 150 people in attendance.
With a commitment to advancing cross-industry knowledge exchange, the conference was curated by AROSE’s Director of Resources & Space, Michelle Keegan, with invaluable support from Sherene Asnasyous and the IMARC team. The theme of the conference was “Where Space Exploration Meets Mining Innovation,” and highlighted the requirements, capabilities, and collaborative opportunities between the resources and space industries.
The agenda focused on the enormous opportunity for technology and knowledge transfer through collaboration in design and investment, with the aim to improve the advancement of both sectors. Key discussions covered the space technologies currently employed in mining operations, the potential future contributions of mining to the space sector, how we can take the next step in bringing more of the space industry to the table, and setting the stage for the next generation of the space and resources industries.
“The space industry is already disrupting what we do in mining via communications and satellite imagery, autonomy, renewable power and more. Taking this to the next level to truly redefine our mines is the path we’re on now.” – Michelle Keegan, Director of Resources & Space at AROSE.
At the heart of the discussions were the shared challenges, the urgency of problem-solving, and the underlying technological capabilities that drive innovation in both sectors. Whether participants came from mining, technology, or space backgrounds, the conversations were critical to all and laid the foundation for future large-scale collaboration.
The agenda brought together leading experts in both industries to not only open awareness on the similarity between each, but to showcase tangible opportunities with which we can move forward together. With space and mining talks interspersed throughout the day, it was clear that the level of integration across business and sectors is already underway.
The day kicked off with Michelle Keegan setting the scene, followed by keynote speaker, Dave Korsemeyer, Deputy Director of NASA Ames Research Center. Dave provided insights about the Artemis program and NASA’s return to the moon, setting the context for Michael “Orbit” Nyak from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to present on his 10-year Lunar plan (Luna10), and how he is bringing together players to collectively establish the design of a lunar economy while highlighting the role of Australian mining technology in this future.
Our executive panel took these insights further with speakers from across the space and mining industries including Stephen McIntosh, an internationally recognised leader with over 30 years at Rio Tinto, including roles as group executive of growth and innovation, health, safety, and environment. Joining Stephen, Aude Vignelles, the former CTO at the Australian Space Agency and space and aeronautics engineer by background, brought a global space background to the table. Together with moderator Deena Shiff, Chair of AROSE, they brought their vision and practical application to the table to help us learn more about the overlap of the space and resources sectors, and how Australia can lead in this area.
The rest of the day was further set by Jonathon Stock, Chief Scientist at NASA Ames helping take us to the next level of thinking on the specific overlaps around exploration, and how we can help to accelerate new technology needed in the discovery of critical minerals, while also helping to shine a spotlight on the moon.
Karl Malitz, Manager of Open Innovation at Rio Tinto, and Katie Hulmes, Head of Ecosystems at Think and Act Differently (TAD) at BHP, brought their considerable expertise in innovation to the conference. As leaders in innovation with almost two decades in the mining industry, and having both been a part of the AROSE ecosystem for the last 3 years, Karl and Katie shared their insights in exploration and operations, and where they see opportunity at the intersection of technology and knowledge from the space sector.
From the space technology sector we heard more from Ben Bussey, Chief Scientist at Intuitive Machines, Chris Shaw at Advanced Navigation and from the mining technology sector from Aaron Baensch at Godelius Robotics and Dave Lawie at IMDEX.
The final panel in discussion with leaders from the mining sector was set to discuss the next steps for collaboration with the space industry. Led by Clare Sykes from Forelight Advisory, this brought insights from UNSW, SIAA, Austmine, National Space Society and Interlune.
Chris Gibbs Stewart, CEO of Austmine, highlighted how the METS sector could both benefit from and contribute to space technology. Meanwhile, Serkan Saydam, Chair of Mining Engineering at UNSW Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering, shared insights on the cross-sector opportunities for mining and space resources from his vast experience working across industry and academia. Clare Larkin-Sykes, the Managing Director at Forelight Advisory, also shared her own insights as a mining engineer having worked across the METS sector, mining and clean energy.
The closing presentation by Lisa Vitaris, CEO of the Space Industry Association of Australia, offered a unique perspective on the opportunity for the mining sector to engage with the world’s largest space conference, IAC, set to take place in Sydney in 2025.
With the support of IMARC, AROSE and other SIAA members were also able to showcase a selection of Australia’s space industry technology on the main floor over the course of the IMARC Conference.
AROSE extends its sincere thanks to all who attended and to all the speakers for their valuable contributions to this inspiring day. Special thanks to Ben Bussey, who travelled from the US to share his story on Intuitive Machines, and our sponsors, Pixxel and Descartes Labs, both of whom also presented during the event. We look forward to continuing the conversation and helping drive innovation to shape the future of both the space and mining industries.
