IMARC 2023 Highlights and Pitch Battle Winners Announced

The IMARC Conference has wrapped up for another year and what a success it has been. CORE hosted another successful Innovation Zone featuring the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct, Electric Power Conversions Australia, EcoHoist, Team Agency, Space Draft and RadiXplore.

CORE Co-Foudner and AARP National Lead, Tamryn Barker facilitated the Public and Private Collaboration for National Development and Testing Centres for Mining Industry Panel with panellists: Alex Bertram, Industry & Innovation Lead, Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct, Steven Boxall, Chief Executive Officer, Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) and Dr. Ross Digby, Associate Director: Centre for Energy and Infrastructure, Holmesglen.

The conference itself provided some great opportunities to hear from innovators who are leading the charge in reshaping the mining value chain exploring key themes such as decarbonisation, net-zero goals, the role of Industry 4.0 technologies, the importance of sustainability, collaboration, and the future vision of mining operations.

IMARC 2023 METS Pitch Battle

Our Business Engagement Lead, Renu Kannu was the MC for the METS Innovation Pitch Battle that featured six companies including EcoHoist, RadiXplore, Corehesion, EPCA, Torqn and Ziltek.

The METS Pitch Battle and its winners underscore the mining industry's commitment to reshaping the value chain in pursuit of sustainability and innovation. These themes, combined with the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies and a focus on collaboration and engagement, are setting the course for a greener, more efficient, and prosperous future for the mining sector.

Sean Manning, CEO of Ziltek (South Australia), and Clayton Franklin, Chief Engineer of Electric Power Conversions Australia (Western Australia), emerged as the winners of IMARC's 2023 METS Pitch Battle. Their innovative approaches highlight the mining industry's capacity for change and the critical role they play in advancing sustainability.

Sponsored by CORE Innovation Hub, the winners will receive 6 months of complimentary part-time memberships at the Perth CORE Hub and Adelaide CORE Hub, including access to co-working spaces, participation in industry networking events, promotional marketing through CORE, and access to CORE's extensive national network of 6000 industry contacts.

Accelerating Innovation in a Data-Driven World

In today's fast-paced data-driven world, leveraging data and analytics has become instrumental in driving innovation within the mining industry. The winners of IMARC's METS Pitch Battle, Sean Manning, CEO of Ziltek, and Clayton Franklin, Chief Engineer of Electric Power Conversions Australia showcased how harnessing data can accelerate progress in achieving sustainability goals. Their success underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in an increasingly complex and interconnected global economy.

The Role of Industry 4.0 Technologies

Industry 4.0 technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and machine learning, continue to play a pivotal role in the mining sector's evolution. These technologies enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and increase safety.

Innovation as the Driver of Sustainability

The mining industry's crucial responsibility in making the world more sustainable can only be achieved through innovation. Incorporating new technologies and skills is imperative to address environmental concerns and meet global energy transition objectives. This imperative forces us to consider the future of work, emphasize skill development, and create a pipeline of talent prepared for the demands of an evolving mining sector.

Fostering Collaboration and Engagement

To support start-ups and scale-ups, greater emphasis must be placed on fostering collaboration and engagement. IMARC's METS Pitch Battle showcased the potential of small enterprises to drive innovation within the mining industry. Nurturing these ventures through platforms like CORE Innovation Hub is crucial for the industry's growth and sustainability.

The Future Vision of Mining Operations

Looking forward, it is essential to contemplate the future vision of mining operations. Visibility, insight, and automation are critical elements for the industry's transformation. Companies must strategically invest in cutting-edge technologies and practices that align with sustainability goals and the global energy transition.