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- The biggest names in the mining and energy sectors are heading to Perth this week for the Resources Technology Showcase 2019
- Tech discussions will focus on how robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and more can be best used in the world of resources and energy
- Global carbon footprint reduction — and, in particular, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry — are among key discussion points
- Upskilling opportunities are available for conference-goers from senior managers of the world’s biggest resources companies
The biggest names in the mining and energy sectors are headed to Perth this week.
The Resources Technology Showcase 2019 is bringing together some of the biggest names in the mining and energy industries.
BHP’s Mike Henry, Fortescue’s Elizabeth Gaines, Woodside’s Shaun Gregory, and Rio Tinto’s Santi Pal will be some of the 10 keynote speakers taking to the stage over two days.
Many more senior managers and tech experts will be taking part in panel discussions about the future of the global resources industry.
Tech highlights
While the big players like Shell, BHP, and Fortescue will be highlighting their own technology, panel discussions will focus on efficient use of revolutionary tech in the industry as a whole.
With artificial intelligence (AI) breaking new ground across the globe over the last decade, the resources industry is readying itself to harness the power of automated tech.
The conference will highlight how the resources world can take AI out of the innovation lab and into large-scale production.
Hand-in-hand with AI will be talks of how disruptive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tech can be best put to use. Chevron Australia, for example, uses inhouse software with Microsoft Hololens hardware to create hands-free, unrestrained environments for workers.
The general tech discussions will broach the topic of sea, air, and underground robotics, and the Internet of Things.
A likely highlight for many attendees will be Woodside’s presentation on its robotics program and collaboration with NASA, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
Footprint features
The resources industry is a frontrunner in discussions of global carbon emission reductions, so a showcase like this would be remiss to brush over the topic given the global political climate.
Technology’s role in decarbonising the mining and energy sectors drives Wednesday afternoon home with an hour-long panel discussion on the topic set to wrap up the first day.
Creating more efficient mines will be discussed on Thursday, while a key area of focus for the whole conference is the world of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
LNG has become Australia’s third-largest export by value, right after iron ore and coal. Export of LNG over the 2019 financial year raked in roughly $50 billion — putting Australia second only to Qatar in terms of global LNG production.
Independent energy advisory firm EnergyQuest, however, predicts Australia will surpass Qatar in LNG production over the 2020 financial year.
As a far less emissive substitute for petrol, the world’s energy sector is looking to LNG to reduce its carbon footprint without a loss of power.
This week’s conference is a platform to bridge the gap between cleaner energy and innovation by big-cap miners delving into LNG.
A global skill refinery
Along with company highlights and a whirlpool of ideas, conference-goers will also receive some of the best education and training available from those who know their industries like no other.
Premier Mark McGowan will join senior managers from Woodside, INPEX, BHP, and Fortescue in an upskilling masterclass panel designed to help leaders maximise diversity and reform procurement.
The marketing, operations, and infrastructure required to build a world-class mine will be discussed by Fortescue’s Chief Operating Officer on Thursday afternoon.
The ingenuity behind INPEX’s massive Ichthys LNG project will be discussed by the company’s President.
This is just scraping the surface of what can be gleaned at the Resources Technology Showcase 2019. Some of the best minds in the industry will be sharing knowledge that can only be gained from years of experience, making this conference one that is not to be missed.
