AIMEX 2025: South Australia stakes its claim in global mining

The 2025 edition of Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Expo (AIMEX) — and the first iteration held in new host state South Australia — took place September 23-25. The three-day event in Adelaide was far more than just a mining exhibition — it was a defining moment for the Australian resources industry, a declaration of intent and a bold blueprint for the future of mining in a decarbonising world.

Over three impactful days, AIMEX brought together more than 5000 delegates from more than 30 countries, dozens of speakers and hundreds of exhibitors at the Adelaide Showground.

The event pulsed with energy as leaders across industry, government and research explored the evolution of mining, from digital transformation and decarbonisation to safety, sustainability and social engagement.

With South Australia stepping into the spotlight as both host and headline act, AIMEX 2025 cemented the state’s status as one of the world’s most promising mining jurisdictions.

A state on the move

For the first time in the event’s history, AIMEX was held in Adelaide as a result of a successful state-led bid to host the event for the next decade. The location was a strategic choice, showcasing South Australia’s world-class mineral resources, clean energy credentials and strong policy foundations.

Opening the event, South Australia Treasurer and Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis painted a confident picture of a state on the rise. Copper, South Australia’s largest export, was front and centre, with copper exports reaching a record $4.3b, up 17% from the previous year. With overall energy and mining goods exports topping $7b, the industry has become a pillar of the state’s economy, contributing about 30% of private capital investment in the last financial year.

And the future looks even brighter. The state’s abundance of critical minerals, emerging green steel industry and a pipeline of renewable projects are poised to drive a new era of growth. From copper to clean energy, South Australia is positioning itself as a global hub for sustainable resource development.

The copper revolution

No theme resonated more deeply at AIMEX 2025 than critical and strategic minerals, as discussed by BHP (ASX: BHP) group procurement officer Rashpal Bhatti. In a wide-ranging keynote address on day two, Mr Bhatti delivered a powerful message — the world is undergoing a second electrification revolution and copper is the metal that will power it.

In his address, Mr Bhatti said demand for copper is expected to surge to as much as 50mt by 2050, driven by electric vehicles, renewable infrastructure, data centres and energy transmission. Mr Bhatti also discussed BHP’s aim to increase production to 2.5mt, with the company already one of the world’s major copper producers.

Mining to decarbonise

Another standout message throughout the event was that the push to net zero will increase demand for mining, not lessen it. South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) chief executive Nicola McFarlane was clear in her address — decarbonisation will require more copper, more critical minerals and more mining activity overall.

“South Australia’s resources sector contributes 6.4% of gross state product and supports one in every 23 full-time jobs and direct employment in the sector has also grown by 86% in the past five years,” she said.

“With the state already generating 80% of its electricity from renewables and boasting abundant deposits of copper, graphite, gold and rare earths, it is well positioned to benefit from the global energy transition.”

Innovation in action

AIMEX 2025 was not just about ideas, it was about action. Across the expo floor, in the breakout lounges and on the conference stages, innovation was on full display.

Safety was also a major focus, with panels tackling how cultural change and data-driven tools are reshaping the way mining companies approach risk. From the importance of psychological safety to real-time analytics, there was a strong sense that the industry is evolving to meet not only operational challenges but human ones.

The Tailoring solutions to unique mine site challenges panel was also particularly resonant, reinforcing the importance of strong supplier relationships and customised solutions in achieving better safety, productivity and environmental outcomes.

Elsewhere, technology took centre stage — from robotics to AI, IIoT to automation. Attendees explored how operations are being redefined through advanced sensing, predictive analytics and machine learning. The Transformative Technology Zone offered hands-on exposure to tools that promise to revolutionise the industry.

Additionally, the Innovation Hub welcomed key institutions from around Australia, including The University of Queensland, Flinders University, Adelaide University, University of South Australia, Monash University and Edith Cowan University.

One of the standout features of AIMEX 2025 was the Mining Pavilion, proudly sponsored by BHP. Positioned as the beating heart of the exhibition, the pavilion offered a rare opportunity to engage directly with the key players shaping the future of Australia’s mining sector. Far more than a display space, it was a hub of influence and connection. Attendees had the chance to network with decision-makers from industry heavyweights like Magnetite Mines (ASX: MGT) and Andromeda Metals (ASX: ADN), who joined BHP in showcasing cutting-edge developments, strategic insights and investment opportunities, as well as sharing their insights as part of the AIMEX conference.

Networking beyond the show floor

While AIMEX brought together the best of the mining industry on the exhibition floor, the networking didn’t stop there. A series of standout social functions ensured the conversations, collaboration and connection-building continued well into the evenings.

The night before AIMEX commenced the atmosphere was set for a warm welcome to Adelaide, with a vibrant evening of networking proudly sponsored by Motion Australia at the National Wine Centre of Australia. This event officially kicked off AIMEX, offering exhibitors and industry representatives a relaxed setting to reconnect with old contacts, forge new relationships and set the tone for a week of meaningful engagement, all before the show floor even opened.

Held at the Adelaide Showground Atrium at the conclusion of day one, the AIMEX Networking Function, sponsored by TriCab, provided the perfect follow-up to a busy first day. Delegates came together to exchange ideas, share insights and strengthen ties with potential clients, peers and broader community stakeholders. This gathering embodied the collaborative spirit of the mining sector and reminded attendees of the value in face-to-face conversations.

Prospect Awards: shining a light on excellence

In a historic first, the Prospect Awards were hosted in South Australia to align with AIMEX.

Held on the second evening of AIMEX at Adelaide Oval, the awards brought together innovators, leaders and changemakers from across the country. Guests enjoyed a night of celebration, honouring outstanding contributions across the sector in a setting filled with glitz, glamour and genuine appreciation for industry achievement.

The Prospect Awards celebrated excellence across 11 diverse categories. Gold Fields’ Agnew Gold Mine emerged as a standout on the night, claiming both Outstanding Mine Performance and the coveted Australian Mine of the Year Award, thanks to its successful installation of a new Sandvik crushing and screening plant that boosted throughput and safety performance.

Other award winners showcased the depth and breadth of Australian mining innovation:

• Alligator Energy (ASX: AGE) took Discovery of the Year for its Big Lake uranium project in South Australia
• Robson Civil Projects was recognised for Engineering Success of the Year in land rehabilitation at BHP’s Mt Arthur Coal Mine
• BHP’s Yandi seed propagation project set a benchmark for environmental management and sustainability
• Hancock Iron Ore’s Brilliant at the Basics program was recognised for its impactful health and safety outcomes
• Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) ATAL Program won the First Nations Engagement Award for its transformational Indigenous employment model
• Dredge Robotics earned the Innovative Mining Solution award for its remotely operated dredging system

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to MAX Plant and Striker founder Craig Pedley, whose four-decade journey from apprentice to global innovator embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of Australian mining.

These winners, and all nominees, exemplified the core values at the heart of AIMEX — ingenuity, perseverance, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to improvement.

One event, many futures

More than just an industry exhibition, AIMEX 2025 served as a high-impact convergence point for ideas, partnerships and progress. It highlighted how Australia, and South Australia in particular, is not merely reacting to the global shift towards decarbonisation but actively leading it.

The event reflected a mining sector that is modernising its systems, embracing technology and taking real steps to address environmental and social challenges. From safety panels to copper roadmaps and cutting-edge robotics, every element pointed to an industry in transformation.

As the final presentations ended and the showground lights dimmed, the legacy of AIMEX 2025 was already taking shape — in boardroom decisions, investment strategies and workforce planning around the country. The ideas shared over those three days will shape the months and years ahead.

Adelaide now stands proudly as a key player on the global mining stage, not only as host of AIMEX for the next decade, but as a dynamic centre of innovation, sustainability and opportunity.

AIMEX 2025 wasn’t just a showcase of what’s possible — it was a bold statement that the future of mining is here and it’s happening in South Australia.