Industry leaders will gather in Perth this November to tackle the question of what being ‘AI-ready’ really means for mineral processing plants, at Mipac’s second Path to Progress event.
This event will bring together plant managers, processing and operations leaders, metallurgists and others to cut through the AI hype, focusing instead on the foundations plants need to have in place before they 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:
– Digitisation and standardisation of plant data and systems (and why this is important),
– The role of people, data and mindsets, and
– Real-world lessons learned from piloting AI in mineral processing operations.
A full schedule of speakers have already been announced, including:
– 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
– Rob Johnston, Manager or 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
– Neil Freeman, Innovation expert, Oxford University-trained metallurgist and holder of three mining technology patents
– Elsa Jordaan (data scientist with focus on industrial applications)
– Grant Wellword (technology expert in minerals processing)
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.”
Event details
The Path to Progress 2 | Get Your Plant AI Ready
Mon, 3 Nov 2025 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM AWST
DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront
1 Barrack Square Perth, WA
Australia 6000
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 30 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 on Mipac, please visit.