Industry innovation leadership at GRX25
From May 20-22, the Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX25) saw the collaboration of more than 1,300 international mining leaders and government representatives, reinforcing Australia’s position as a global leader in the resource sector.
The GRX25, a partnership between industry peak bodies Austmine and AusIMM, was a call to action for delegates to embrace the transformative change that is revolutionising the global resource sector.
During the three-day program held in Brisbane, attendees learnt from industry and innovation experts, experienced a high-tech exhibition, shared insights at action-oriented workshops and connected with professionals at various networking events.
At the event, Australia’s world-class Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector was given a platform to connect with global decision-makers, showcase cutting-edge solutions and build new commercial and research pathways across international markets.
Austmine chief executive Christine Gibbs Stewart says that Australia showcased what makes the country a global leader in the industry.
“We are an industry at the cutting-edge and it is exciting that our METS sector is pioneering the solutions of tomorrow,” she said.
“We have a highly innovative community which must be fostered and grown and GRX is a dynamic new platform for growing the next generation of mining tech.”
Innovation front and center
The GRX25 attracted change-makers who are focused on embracing the future of resources through collaboration and innovation. At the heart of the buzzing exhibition floor was the Accenture Innovation Zone which showcased 24 future-focused companies. Entrepreneurs and start-ups that are addressing some of the industry’s most significant challenges, including decarbonisation, increasing safety and productivity simultaneously and data integration.
The Accenture Innovation Zone captured the imagination of delegates featuring everything from next-gen robotics to quantum sensing AI-powered modelling and electrification tech.
Highlights included:
- Loop Hydrometallurgy’s Halion Loop™, a breakthrough process for low-cost, low-emission copper extraction using saltwater-based chemistry.
- Jevons Robotics’ battery-electric robots, removing personnel from high-risk blast areas.
- Pointerra’s geospatial intelligence platform, enabling faster, collaborative decisionmaking.
- Theia Simulation, offering real-time simulation tools for fleet decarbonisation.
- Nomad Atomics’ compact quantum sensors, which provide new gravity data insights for exploration.
AusIMM chief executive Stephen Durkin says the dynamic platform allowed entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life and connect with key-decision makers who understand the immense value their innovations will bring to the sector.
“The Innovation Zone at GRX25 demonstrates our commitment to fostering collaborative and progressive approaches to complex challenges,” he said.
International engagement highlights
With participation from delegates from more than 20 countries, the event highlighted the importance of international connection in driving a more resilient, sustainable and technologically advanced resource industry.
Most notably in attendance was the Philippines Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga who led a delegation of more than 20 senior representatives from major companies including Nickel Asia Corporation, OceanaGold, Apex Mining, FCF Minerals and Genluiching Mining Corp.
Vietnam’s largest publicly owned mining company, Vinacomin, was represented by 15 attendees. Masan High-Tech Minerals chief executive Ashley McAleese presented a keynote exploring Vietnam’s critical minerals roadmap.
“GRX25 was a showcase of Australia’s unparalleled mining and METS expertise on a global stage,” Mr Durkin said.
“The number of international delegations and organisations attending underscores the world’s recognition of our leadership and innovation.”
The event featured a series of curated initiatives to bolster targeted international engagement, including:
- Australia-Southeast Asia Mining Innovation Exchange — a high-impact roundtable connecting Australian suppliers with buyers and partners from the region.
- International B2B Meetings — coordinated by Austmine and Austrade, ensuring overseas delegates can identify and connect with Australian companies aligned to their operational needs.
- Global Open Innovation Colab — sponsored by Baker Hughes, saw the collaboration of mining innovation hubs, R&D teams and collaboration partners from across the globe.
The Global Open Innovation Colab was a strategic meeting of minds that provided a rare opportunity for leaders to connect, strategise and align on shared industry challenges.
The Colab represented and international ecosystem of mining excellence with participants from The Centre of Excellence for Mining Innovation (Canada), Expande (Chile), Mining Innovation Hub of Peru, NORCAT, Prospect Innovation, Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO), BHP’s (ASX: BHP) Think & Act Differently and the Global Mining Guidelines Group.
GRX25 Industry Leaders & Awards Dinner
The action-packed program was closed with a celebration of Australia’s most innovative and forward-thinking industry companies and individuals at the GRX25 Industry Leaders & Awards Dinner.
More than 800 industry leaders, government representatives, executive and professionals gathered at the awards to showcase those who are shaping the competitive, sustainable and future-ready Australian resource sector with their excellence across innovation, export, emerging talent and leadership.
“This year’s winners and finalists reflect the bold thinking, collaborative spirit and technological excellence that are driving the future of our industry,” Ms Gibbs Stewart said.
2025 Industry Leaders Award Winners
Craig Senger Excellence in Export Award?(Supported by Austrade)
- Winner: Austin Engineering (ASX: ANG)
From its Perth headquarters, Austin Engineering has firmly established itself as a global force in mining equipment, with manufacturing capabilities spanning four continents and strategically positioned to serve major mining regions worldwide.?Austin’s international sales trajectory has been extraordinary, sustaining year on year increases since 2020. The company’s signature products reflect superior Australian design expertise, with customised solutions that are readily accepted in diverse markets.
Outstanding Innovative METS Company(Sponsored by Coal Australia)
- Winner: BluVein
BluVein’s dynamic charging system represents a true paradigm shift in mining electrification, a solution that can make battery-electric heavy haulage viable without compromising productivity. ?Its patented technology delivers unparalleled advantages, allowing trucks to operate with smaller batteries and increased payload capacity while reducing both capital expenditure by 69% and operational costs by 43% compared to traditional methods. ?
Exceptional Innovation in Mining Award?(Sponsored by Sandvik)
- Winner: Roy Hill
Rail track inspection traditionally requires intensive manual assessment with safety risks and potential for error. Roy Hill’s TrackDefectX, is an innovative AI system that automatically detects rolling contact fatigue and other critical rail defects. Through collaborative development across digital innovation and engineering teams, Roy Hill has built a solution that significantly extends rail lifespan while reducing maintenance costs. TrackDefectX radically improves pit to port safety outcomes and is scalable and adaptable to rail systems worldwide.
Champion of Innovation Award?(Sponsored by Emesent)
- Winner: Russel Mineral Equipment (RME) founder and executive chair Dr John Russell
Dr John Russell is a true champion of innovation who has revolutionised concentrator maintenance worldwide. He founded Russell Mineral Equipment based in Toowoomba Queensland in 1985 and has built a world-leading company which operates in 64 countries, with 12 international sales and service centres, employing more than 450 people worldwide. There are more than 440 mine sites across the planet served by RME’s equipment and services, including more than 570 Russell mill relining machines.?John’s story is one of persistent innovation and enduring commitment to his employees, his customers and the planet. He has been recognised through numerous industry awards and is a true trailblazer through his inspiration bold, visionary thinking. ?
Excellence in Resources by a New Professional?(Presented by AusIMM)
New for 2025, this Award recognises an outstanding individual in the first five years of their career who has delivered an initiative, project or innovation that is making a meaningful and positive impact.
- Winner: Thomas Taylor MAusIMM, Senior Metallurgist, Fortescue (ASX: FMG)
Thomas has been recognised for his exceptional contribution to both the industry and broader resources community. His award-winning submission outlined a real organisational challenge that was resolved under his guidance through a range of innovative solutions. Additionally, Thomas has made a meaningful impact in his role as an AusIMM new professionals network ambassador, helping to connect and inspire other emerging leaders and support their career growth.
AusIMM chief executive Stephen Durkin says that the company is proud to recognise Mr Taylor’s outstanding contribution to the sector and community.
“This year’s finalists exemplify the talent and progressive leadership required to drive our sector forward,” he said.
Building on the momentum of the successful 2025 event, GRX26 it is set to return next year to the unofficial mining capital of Australia, Perth from May 5-7, 2026.
“The response from across the industry has been overwhelmingly positive,” Ms Gibbs Stewart said.
“It’s clear there’s strong demand for a platform like GRX, where we can come together with purpose and ambition to shape the future.”
“We are thrilled to bring GRX to Perth in 2026, a city known for its mining excellence and pioneering METS innovation,” Mr Durkin said.
“We firmly believe that GRX will continue to grow its global impact and relevance and become an international showcase for Australia’s world-class resources sector, professionals and cutting-edge technology.”