Close to 10,000 delegates filled Sydney’s ICC during the International Mining and Resources Conference and Expo (IMARC) 2024. The event demonstrated mining’s global impact, fostering advancements and collaboration.
This year’s conference exceeded expectations, solidifying its position as a premier platform for the mining and resources sector worldwide.
Unprecedented Participation and Key Addresses
IMARC 2024 welcomed over 9000 delegates, 600 speakers, 800 mining companies, and 500 exhibitors. This turnout highlighted the conference’s reputation as a must-attend event.
Federal Minister for Resources Madeleine King and NSW Minister for Finance and Natural Resources Courtney Houssos addressed attendees on the opening day. They introduced policies promoting sustainable growth and reinforcing Australia’s critical minerals supply chain.
King emphasised the importance of the mining industry in meeting net-zero targets.
“The resources sector is crucial to Australia’s prosperity and our ability to meet net-zero targets,” she said.
Houssos highlighted NSW’s efforts to attract green industry investment.
“We will need six times the amount of critical minerals currently mined to meet net-zero commitments – and we know all of this can be found in NSW,” she said.
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International Impact and Opportunities
IMARC 2024 went beyond Australia, enabling companies to showcase expertise globally.
“(IMARC works for us because) we’re growing globally, and this is an international show,” said Brent Hutchinson, general manager of Terrain Tamer.
Innovative Exhibits and Active Participation
Colterlec garnered attention with a ute featuring a full range of Moxa products.
“It’s about providing delegates with ‘proof of concept,’” said Colterlec national general manager Shahwar Khan.
Metso’s active participation included presentations on green iron and critical minerals, drawing dignitaries and customers to their stand.
Day Two: Deals and Discussions
The second day witnessed a mix of collaborations and debates. A highlight was the memorandum of understanding between Hexagon and PT Petronesia Benimel.
Hundreds of meetings also took place through IMARC Connect, fostering partnerships and investment opportunities.
IMARC chief operating officer Anita Richards expressed satisfaction with the event’s progress.
“We are thrilled with the momentum and engagement we’re seeing at IMARC this year,” she said.
Fostering Collaboration in Mining
A key theme of IMARC 2024 was collaboration.
During a panel, Jason Elks of FLS discussed the need for partnerships to drive innovation in mining operations.
“Operations want to extract the most material today using yesterday’s technology,” Elks said.
Komatsu demonstrated successful collaboration with Glencore, achieving greater efficiencies through close integration with their client’s operations.
“It’s not successful without that partnership,” said Barry Pamenter, Komatsu’s national manager – mining optimisation.
Valuable Networking Opportunities
Delegates appreciated the networking opportunities IMARC 2024 provided.
MASPRO regional business development manager Roxanne Bekker highlighted the value of connecting with industry leaders.
“I always tend to catch up with the same clients coming to IMARC, touching base and really finding out what the new problems in the industry are,” she said.
National sales manager Peter Lowenhoff echoed this sentiment, stating he had meaningful conversations with several companies.
Looking Ahead to IMARC 2025
As IMARC 2024 concluded, Richards thanked everyone involved.
“As we celebrate the remarkable success of another IMARC, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our founding partners Austmine, AusIMM and Mines and Money, and our host partner the NSW Government, for their unwavering support,” she said.
The success of IMARC 2024 set the stage for next year’s event, which has already sold 70 per cent of its exhibition space.
IMARC will return to Sydney from October 21–23, 2025.
Figure 1: Mark your calendar for IMARC 2025 because it is returning in Sydney the next year.
Mark Your Calendar for IMARC 2025
IMARC returns to Sydney from 21–23 October 2025, focusing on trends in mining, investment, and innovation for a sustainable future.
The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) brings together the most influential figures in mining, offering ideas, inspiration, and a platform for industry collaboration.
The world-class conference program will feature nine concurrent conferences covering the entire mining value chain. Over 370 technical talks, panel discussions, and strategic keynote presentations will be delivered during the three days.
Participants can gain strategic insights from C-suite executives on key topics, including ESG progress, environmental resilience, energy transition, mine development, and digital innovation.
IMARC 2025 promises to be another exceptional event. Mark your calendar: 21–23 October 2025 in Sydney.
