The WA Mining Conference and Exhibition 2026 is returning to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on 16 and 17 Sep 2026, bringing together senior leaders, technical experts and industry innovators under one roof. The event is designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping Western Australia’s mining sector today.
Figure 1: WA Mining Conference and Exhibition branding highlighting the 2026 industry event in Perth [Courtesy: PCEC]
Across two packed days, delegates will gain direct access to insights spanning digital transformation, autonomous haulage systems mining, decarbonisation, investment attraction and workforce evolution, each session built to deliver strategies that translate into real operational outcomes.
A Conference Agenda Built Around What Matters Most to the Sector
Day One opens with Aaron Walker, Head of Economics at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, setting the economic scene with key market insights and trends shaping the sector. The program then moves into the Digital and Autonomous Transformation session, led by Romana Dew, Senior Spatial Scientist at CSIRO, exploring how artificial intelligence, automation and advanced data systems are reshaping modern mining operations.
The Human and Machine Partnership Takes Centre Stage
The spotlight then turns to workforce integration, with Kate Flanagan, Chief Technology and Information Officer at Hancock Iron Ore, and Luke Forsyth, Partner at Deloitte Technology and Transformation, leading The Human and Machine Partnership session.
The discussion focuses on how organisations can successfully bring people and technology together in increasingly automated environments, a topic directly tied to the broader conversation on autonomous haulage systems mining and the human capital challenges it creates.
Energy, Investment and the Path to Decarbonisation
Geoff Batt from the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia will present The Energy Equation, unpacking practical pathways for mining decarbonisation strategies Australia-wide, covering renewables, electrification and low-carbon fuels. Stephen Land, Chief Investment Officer of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, will follow with Competing for Global Capital, outlining how Western Australian Projects can attract the investment required to move from pipeline to production.
Workforce capability is also a dedicated focus, with Justin Boehm, Regional Manager at the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association, joining industry experts for Talent for Tomorrow. The session explores how businesses can build future-ready teams equipped for automation and technological change.
Day Two: Approvals, Circular Mining and Social Licence
Day Two carries the momentum forward with forward-focused sessions covering project approvals, circular mining and community engagement. The program equips delegates with actionable strategies to strengthen operational performance and build long-term social licence to operate.
Figure 2: Delegates and exhibitors engaging on the WA Mining Conference exhibition floor [Courtesy: Bulk Handling Review]
ESG Reporting and Responsible Operations in Focus
ESG reporting mining Australia-wide has become a non-negotiable priority for operators seeking access to capital and community trust. The 2026 agenda reflects this reality, with sessions designed to help delegates navigate evolving ESG expectations, disclosure requirements and stakeholder engagement in a sector facing growing scrutiny from investors and regulators alike.
What the Exhibition Floor Has to Offer
Beyond the conference sessions, the exhibition floor will showcase cutting-edge technology, live demonstrations and innovative solutions from across the mining value chain. Three dedicated zones will shape the experience:
- The Transformative Tech Zone, highlighting digital tools and autonomous haulage systems mining applications driving operational efficiency
- The Decarbonisation Zone, focused on practical mining decarbonisation strategies Australia’s operators can implement now
- The Mining Pavilion, presenting the broader ecosystem of products and services supporting the next generation of Western Australian mining
The event is backed by leading industry bodies, including the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies and the Minerals Council of Australia, with support from event sponsors Blackwoods and Conveyor Integrated Business Solutions.
Industry Outlook
Western Australia’s mining sector continues to play a pivotal role in Australia’s economic output, underpinned by strong global demand for critical minerals, iron ore and energy transition materials. As ESG reporting mining Australia requirements intensify and pressure mounts to advance mining decarbonisation strategies Australia-wide, conferences like WA Mining 2026 serve as a critical gathering point for operators, investors and technologists to align on the path ahead.
Figure 3: Mining haulage and excavation operations illustrating large-scale resource extraction activities [Courtesy: Business India]
Future Direction and Impact on the Western Australian Mining Sector
For the Western Australian mining industry, WA Mining 2026 arrives at a defining moment. The convergence of autonomous haulage systems, mining advancement, the energy transition, and tightening ESG reporting mining Australia obligations means the sector must move quickly and cohesively. The 2026 program directly addresses each of these pressures through speaker sessions, exhibition zones and peer-to-peer engagement.
Mining decarbonisation strategies Australia’s operators adopt over the next two to three years will shape their competitiveness for the decade ahead. Events like this provide the rare opportunity to pressure-test strategies, benchmark against peers and access the thinking of those leading the sector’s transformation. With strong demand and limited availability, the window to secure a place at WA Mining 2026 is narrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When and where is the WA Mining Conference and Exhibition 2026?
Ans. The event runs on 16 and 17 Sep 2026 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Q2. What topics will be covered at WA Mining 2026?
Ans. Key topics include autonomous haulage systems mining, mining decarbonisation strategies, ESG reporting, digital transformation, workforce development and investment attraction.
Q3. Who are some of the confirmed speakers?
Ans. Confirmed speakers include representatives from CSIRO, Hancock Iron Ore, Deloitte, the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.
Q4. What exhibition zones will be available?
Ans. The exhibition features the Transformative Tech Zone, Decarbonisation Zone and Mining Pavilion, each showcasing solutions relevant to modern mining operations.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only. All content is based on information published online. Colitco does not hold any position in the organisations or events mentioned. Readers should verify event details directly with the organiser before making attendance decisions.
