London, UK, December 5, 2024 — The final day of the Resourcing Tomorrow Conference in London proved to be a fitting conclusion to three days of thought leadership, innovation, and global collaboration within the mining and resource sectors. Hosted at the Business Design Centre, today’s sessions underscored the event’s overarching themes: technology and innovation, critical minerals, finance and investment, and geopolitics and supply chains.
Morning Insights: Technology Drives Mining’s Future
The day began with a keynote panel addressing the role of technology as mining’s most valuable asset and a burgeoning investment opportunity. Expert panellists, including Alfred Lam of Chrysalix Venture Capital and Taylor Melvin of Ivanhoe Electric, emphasized how partnerships between technology companies, mining firms, and governments are reshaping the sector. They highlighted the meteoric rise of mining tech startups and breakthroughs in digital solutions, which are enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Rebecca Campbell of White & Case, who facilitated the discussion, noted, “The fusion of technology and mining is no longer optional—it’s the backbone of future competitiveness.”
Critical Minerals: Unsung Heroes of Food Security
A subsequent session shed light on the crucial yet often overlooked roles of phosphates and potash in global food security. Panellists such as Noralee Bradley from Nutrien and Dr. Jana Plananska of Norge Mining unpacked how these minerals bolster agricultural productivity amidst climate challenges.
This discussion also addressed sustainable fertilizer management, aiming to balance increased food production with environmental stewardship. The panel called for global collaboration to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of these minerals.
Collaboration for Sustainability and Innovation
Midday sessions focused on fostering cross-sector collaboration to achieve energy transition goals, decarbonization, and workforce transformation. Speakers like Marna Cloete of Ivanhoe Mines and Jon Stanton of Weir Group emphasized the need to “break out of the echo chamber” by engaging stakeholders across industries and government to craft actionable strategies.
Participants discussed how mining companies can accelerate their ESG commitments while addressing skill shortages to attract the next generation of talent.
Strategies for Uncertain Times: Geopolitical Risks and Resource Security
The 2024 geopolitical landscape has emerged as a significant factor influencing global mining operations and supply chains. With the record number of democratic elections, ongoing conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine war, and the ripple effects of disrupted shipping lanes, the mining industry finds itself at the crossroads of critical challenges and strategic opportunities.
In a keynote panel discussion, Madeline R. Young-Touré, Michael Schmidt, Olivia Lazard, Dan Marks, Dr. Gracelin Baskaran, and Charles Hendry delved into the profound interconnection between geopolitics and mining. The panel highlighted how geopolitical tensions not only disrupt mining operations but also emphasize the essential role mining plays in ensuring energy security, technological advancements, and national defense capabilities.
Next Generation Mining Workforce: Building the Future
The conference’s NextGen Program aimed to inspire young professionals and students to pursue careers in mining. Panels explored the changing expectations of the future workforce, emphasizing the importance of diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance.
The “Hearing from Students” session allowed attendees to engage directly with emerging professionals, gaining insights into their aspirations and views on mining careers. Wendy Tyrrell of The Long View facilitated a compelling conversation that explored the generational shift in workforce values.
Copper and Beyond: Addressing the Energy Transition
Copper took centre stage in a panel discussing its pivotal role in the energy transition. Ernest Scheyder of The War Below moderated as panellists explored how supply shortages and increasing demand impact investments. Quentin de Hults of the International Copper Association stressed that copper’s availability is critical to scaling renewable energy technologies, such as EVs and solar panels.
Exploring New Frontiers: Space and Deep-Sea Mining
The afternoon delved into innovative frontiers, including space and deep-sea mining. A panel on space mining considered its feasibility, led by Ian Crawford of Birkbeck College and Sarah-Jane Gill of the UK Space Agency. Concurrently, the deep-sea mining debate explored ethical and environmental implications, with Andy Whitmore of the Deep Sea Mining Campaign advocating for stringent international regulations.
Financing the Future: Addressing the Funding Gap
The funding challenges faced by junior miners were tackled in sessions facilitated by Alex Gorman of Peel Hunt. Innovative financing models, government incentives, and ESG integration were proposed as solutions to unlock critical mineral potential.
Caroline Donally of Sprott USA underscored the importance of sustainable investments, noting, “Responsible financing isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity for future-ready mining.”
Closing with Celebration: The Pitch Battle Grand Final
The day concluded with the Pitch Battle Grand Final, where standout mining projects competed for recognition. The event showcased cutting-edge solutions and entrepreneurial spirit across exploration and production.
The Resourcing Tomorrow Outstanding Achievement Awards and Gala Dinner, held at the iconic Guildhall in London, was a highlight of the final day of the conference. This glamorous evening celebrated excellence and innovation across the global mining sector, recognizing individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have made remarkable contributions to the industry.
The highly prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by SLR Consulting, was presented to Mrs. Gina Rinehart AO, Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to mining and philanthropy. Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Mrs. Rinehart was lauded by hundreds of industry leaders for her transformative leadership.
Other notable winners included:
- Mining Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by Stratum, awarded to Marna Cloete, President of Ivanhoe Mines, for her pioneering leadership and contributions to sustainable mining.
- Rising Star of the Year Award, sponsored by Eldorado Gold, awarded to Fabiana Di Lorenzo, Senior Director of Impact and Innovation at the Responsible Business Alliance, celebrating her dynamic role in shaping the future of ESG initiatives.
- Mining Deal of the Year Award, sponsored by Pinsent Masons, recognizing Gold Fields for its landmark US$2.16 billion acquisition of Osisko Mining and the Windfall gold project in Canada.
The awards also shone a spotlight on sustainability and exploration:
- The Best ESG Initiative by a Mining Company Award, sponsored by Onyen, went to IMPACT Silver Corp for its visionary green-powered zinc mine blueprint in Mexico.
- The Best ESG Industry Initiative of the Year Award, sponsored by Barrick, resulted in a tie, with InvestBank and the Nisga’a Lisims Government sharing the accolade for their significant progress in global ESG leadership and innovative partnerships.
- Exploration Discovery of the Year Award, sponsored by TM Partners, was awarded to Cornish Tin for revitalizing the historic UK tin mining district with promising drilling results.
In addition to these industry-leading achievements, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was honored as the Most Improved Mining Jurisdiction of the Year, sponsored by Beacon Events. The award recognized the country’s remarkable progress toward its Saudi Vision 2030 goals, accepted by a delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.
The evening epitomized the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and transformation that defined this year’s conference, with winners inspiring the global mining community to pursue excellence in sustainable and forward-thinking practices.
Looking Ahead
As the curtain falls on Resourcing Tomorrow 2024, Andrew Thake, Divisional Director of the event, expressed optimism for the future. “This conference has demonstrated the power of innovation, collaboration, and resilience in shaping the future of mining,” he said.
Mark Your Calendars: The next Resourcing Tomorrow Conference will take place December 2–4, 2025, promising another year of transformative insights and networking opportunities.
