PRESS RELEASE: Perth event to define what ‘AI-ready’ means for mineral processing

Media release
9 October 2025

Perth event to define what ‘AI-ready’ means for mineral processing

What does it really take to prepare a mineral processing plant for artificial intelligence? Industry leaders will meet in Perth on 3 November to tackle this question, at Mipac’s second Path to Progress event.

The event, which will will bring together plant managers, processing and operations leaders, metallurgists and industry experts, aims to cut through the AI hype and focus instead on the foundations needed before processing plants can reap the full benefits of AI technology.

“Something that we see quite often with our clients is that, whilst there is a keenness to jump into new technology like AI and machine learning, there is also a large gap in knowledge about what structures and processes need to be in place before these technologies can deliver significant value,” says Dominic Stoll, Solutions Manager at Mipac.

To address this gap, the event – titled ‘Get Your Plant AI-Ready: A Guide to AI Foundations in Processing Plants – will cover topics such as:

• The instrumentation, control elements and control strategy fundamentals needed before AI can add value
• How digitising and standardising plant data sets the stage for AI success
• The critical role of people, culture and mindset shifts in AI adoption
• Lessons learned from real-world AI pilots in mineral processing

Confirmed speakers include:

• Rob Johnston, Manager of IS Solutions Delivery at CITIC Pacific Mining and co-chair of the Global Mining Guidelines AI and Data Applications Working Group
• Sophia Marmara, Metallurgy Lead at Northern Star Resources
• Paul Lucey, global leader in mining, energy, robotics and AI
• Matthew Schneider, AI thought leader and strategic advisor
• Iain Murray AM, John Curtain Distinguished Professor
• Neil Freeman, Innovation expert, Oxford University-trained metallurgist and holder of three mining technology patents
• Elsa Jordaan, Principal at Deployed Analytics, data science leader with 20+ years’ experience applying AI and analytics across energy, resources and finance

Between 2:30pm and 5:30pm, these speakers will take part in fireside chats and panel discussions, with the event taking a relaxed, peer-to-peer approach designed to foster discussion, networking and knowledge sharing.

“We’re very excited to be hosting the second Path to Progress event in Perth this November,” says Mipac Managing Director, Eddie De Rivera. “Our first event in Brisbane in May was a resounding success, and I look forward to bringing together our network of contacts in Western Australia for more productive and thought-provoking discussions on the theme of technology and progress.”

To find out more about the event and purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-path-to-progress-2-get-your-plant-ai-ready-tickets-1727655166109. Discounted early bird tickets available until 20 October.

About Mipac: Mipac is a global provider of process control and digital solutions for the mining, minerals processing and related industries, offering expertise in advanced control, process optimisation and data management to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. For more information about Mipac’s products and services, visit: https://www.mipac.com.au/

Media Contact: Lina Cronin, Communications Specialist | [email protected] | (08) 6424 9900