21st - 23rd July 2026
Main Stage Schedule
Please be advised that the conference program is not final and is subject to change
Official welcome
The Queensland Mining & Engineering Conference officially begins with a welcome address from Mayor Greg Williamson.
Opening Remarks
Join us for the official opening of the Day One Queensland Mining & Engineering Conference.
LANDCROS – The next evolution of Hitachi Construction Machinery
Join Sean Ryan, General Manager – Mining Sales, at Queensland Mining Expo 2026 in Mackay as he unveils LANDCROS – the next evolution of Hitachi Construction Machinery. This presentation explores the global rebrand to LANDCROS and what it means for Australian mining customers, while showcasing the latest innovations including the EX5600-7P and EH4000AC-5. Discover how increased productivity, improved fuel efficiency, and advanced AC drive technology are delivering reliable, intelligent solutions for the future of mining – built on a proud foundation of Japanese engineering excellence.
Sustainability in Practice: ESG, regulation and the resources sector
Exploring how Queensland’s mining sector is embedding ESG and sustainability into operations, balancing regulatory demands, environmental responsibility, and productivity to deliver long-term value across the Bowen Basin and beyond.
Commodity Outlook: What Next for Coal, Metals & Minerals
This panel examines emerging strategies to expand mineral resource production across Queensland’s mining sector – both as a way to diversify the state’s portfolio and ensuring greater operational sustainability to meet global economic and political challenges.
From Data to Decisions: AI & Predictive Maintenance in Mining
As Queensland’s resources sector modernises, digital transformation is redefining productivity, safety, and sustainability. This session explores how data analytics, artificial intelligence, automation, and remote operations are driving the next era of operational excellence.
The Next Mining Boom: Advancing Downstream Processing Capabilities
Demand for critical minerals is increasing at a rapid rate - with Australia well positioned to capitalise on global supply and demand pressures. This panel will look at how Queensland can position itself to benefit from a shifting commodity outlook to ensure competitiveness and sustainability.
An Expert Panel Discussion
Hear from industry leaders as they explore the key themes and driving forces shaping the field today. Drawing on their combined expertise, panelists will share diverse perspectives to help attendees better understand the wider industry landscape.
Choosing the Right Wall Liner and Conveyor Components Through Wear Testing
From testing lab to mite site, this presentation will provide practical insights into component selection for mining applications. It covers an overview of state-of-the-art experimental wear testing, such as testing of wall liners, and computer modelling of bulk materials and resulting wear. The presenters will also discuss testing methods and wear mechanisms of a wide range of conveyor components, such as conveyor belts. Finally, the session will explore meaningful selection criteria derived from the lab tests, to optimise reliability, efficiency, and service life on the mine site.
Mining Megatrends and Future Opportunities
Hear from Minerals Council of Australia CEO Tania Constable on how regional and global megatrends such as growing demand for critical minerals, urbanisation and the growing middle class in Asia, electrification and the energy transition are influencing demand for our high-quality Australian coal and other minerals. Tania will also provide insights into how the Federal Budget will affect mining including its impact on taxation, skills, costs and mining’s competitiveness.
Industry Insight Session
Session details to come.
Unlocking Operational Efficiency Through Trusted Strategic Partners
This panel will delve into how operational efficiency isn’t always driven by innovative ways of working, but rather, underpinned by pivotal partnerships to offer the equipment and services that fit the bespoke issues facing mine sites.
Opening Remarks
Join us as we kick off Day Two of the conference with Bryson Head MP, Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Resources and Critical Minerals and Member for Callide.
The Changing Face of the Queensland Resources Sector
This panel explores how Queensland’s resources sector is evolving amid shifting commodity cycles. Industry leaders discuss optimising operations, leveraging local talent and the METS sector, and maximising resource value. The conversation will examine strategies to attract investment, unlock new projects and commodities, and position Queensland for long-term, resilient growth success.
Skills, Diversity and Inclusion: Building the Workforce of the Future
As mining shifts toward remote and digitally connected operations, worker well-being demands renewed focus. Beyond physical safety, mental health, fatigue management, and the pressures of isolation are becoming critical risk factors. This panel explores how the industry can strengthen support systems, build resilience, and create safer, healthier workplaces for a modern mining workforce.
Industry Insights with Dan Iliffe – Regional General Manager, Queensland – Whitehaven Coal
Session details to come.
Regional Futures: Building the Workforce for a Diverse and Connected Economy
Mining has provided Greater Whitsunday a highly skilled technical workforce — one of the region’s biggest competitive advantages. But the next decade demands a workforce that is more digitally capable, more adaptable, and more connected across sectors. Delivered by Greater Whitsunday Alliance, this session focuses on what this shift means for businesses on the ground — how they attract, retain, and upskill the workforce needed to stay competitive, win work, and expand into emerging sectors.
Future Tech: What You Need to Stay Competitive in a Digital Mining Industry
The technology curve in mining and METS is steepening fast. Automation, AI, autonomy, electrification, and quantum enabled optimisation are no longer future concepts — they are current operating realities. Delivered by Greater Whitsunday Alliance, this session focuses on what technology adoption means for cost, capability, competitiveness, and decarbonisation — and how businesses can prioritise and practically respond.
Unlocking the Critical Minerals Value Chain: From Exploration to Processing
Queensland and Australia are positioning themselves as key suppliers of critical minerals needed for batteries, electric vehicles and renewable energy. This panel examines how production is being scaled, policy and investment settings enable growth, and how industry can move beyond extraction to capture greater value in supporting global supply chains.
Exploration to Exit: Sustainable Mining Through the Lifecycle
This panel will look at actionable strategies that can be taken throughout a mine site's life to ensure sustainable operations, greater efficiency and a more conscious rehabilitation process.
Risks and opportunities for the Queensland resources sector
Hear from Senator Susan McDonald as she dives into the risks and opportunities for the Queensland resources sector.
Strategies for Expanding Coal Processing
This panel will explore the strategic, technical, and financial pathways to scaling coal processing operations.
Mental Health, Fatigue Management and Remote Operations Challenges
The mining industry has long been associated with rigorous safety standards for physical hazards, but the well-being of the workforce extends far beyond personal protective equipment and compliance protocols. This panel will explore the evolving landscape of worker safety in mining, with a particular focus on mental health, emotional well-being, and holistic support systems.
Becoming “Investment Ready”: What Mine Sites can do to Attract Both Local and International Partnership Opportunities
This panel highlights the necessity for investment to level-up mine operations and what actionable strategies can be taken to not just be ready for investment in the future, but right now.
Expert Perspectives on the Industry
This panel brings together leading industry professionals who will share their knowledge, insights, and real-world observations on timely subjects. Whether addressing trends, challenges, or innovations, the discussion will offer valuable takeaways for attendees.
Stronger Together: Building Lasting Community Partnerships in Queensland’s Mining Future
Queensland's mining sector is strengthening ties with local and Indigenous communities, with Indigenous Land Use Agreements being registered across 51.5 per cent of the state as of July 2024. This panel explores how genuine partnerships, local procurement, and shared value initiatives are shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for Queensland’s resources industry.
Mine Pitch hosted by the Resource Industry Network
Mine Pitch is a unique opportunity for Queensland innovators; start-ups and scale-ups to get a foot in the door to showcase their product and/or service solutions that can benefit the Mining, METS and Resource sector. Its a platform for some of Australia’s largest and most profitable companies to procure innovative new products and services locally, providing direct access to a panel of decision makers to gain feedback, advice, and connections to relevant parties for product trials.