A Memorandum of Understanding between digital reality solutions leader Hexagon and PT Petronesia Benimel was one of many highlights in another jam-packed day at the International Mining and Resources Conference and Expo (IMARC) in Sydney today. 

Day 2 was abuzz with scores of secondary school students exploring the world of mining, with VR goggles, electric vehicles and simulators capturing young imaginations and helping create the next generation of professionals. One student was overheard telling their teacher “I want to work in mining now!”  

Meanwhile the business of IMARC continued, with hundreds of meetings between miners and investors at IMARC Connect, and investment-focused sessions in the Fender Geophysics Investment Theatre and the DRA Mine & Project Development Theatre.

IMARC veterans observed it was one of the busiest days they can recall. Many of the theatres were full throughout the day, with high-profile sessions including decarbonisation, tailings dam management and the world’s first “digital mine” in Newmont Plenary Theatre and Caterpillar Energy Transition and Decarbonisation Theatre. 

There were also stimulating presentations, panels and interactive discussions in the Jacobs ESG Collaboration Theatre, the MMG Global Opportunities Theatre, the Hatch Mining Innovation Theatre and the Convergio Digital Transformation Theatre.

Day Two saw IMARC 2025 sales continue to surge, with over 100 contracts signed and nearly 60% of next year’s show floor already locked in. The strong commitment reflects the value IMARC brings to its participants as a premier global platform for collaboration and business growth in the mining sector. 

“We are thrilled with the momentum and engagement we’re seeing at IMARC this year," said Anita Richards, Chief Operating Officer at IMARC. 

"From insightful discussions to our strong sales performance for 2025, IMARC continues to cement its place as the go-to event for shaping the future of mining.”

Tomorrow, on the third and final day of the conference, the spotlight will be on:

• First Nations participation in mining, with the ‘Beyond Indigenous Engagement’ panel at 9.05am set to explore ownership and shared prosperity in the mining sector, sharing insights from First Nations leaders, including representatives from the National Native Title Council.
• Diversity and inclusion in the workforce, with a panel led by AusIMM’s Stephen Durkin who will examine strategies for building a skilled, more diverse workforce at 9.35am.
• The next generation of budding miners, with more than 200 year 5 and 6 students from Sydney primary schools visiting IMARC to participate in interactive STEM activities, listen to role model talks from industry professionals, and partake in an exciting tour of the exhibition floor.

Finally, tomorrow evening, delegates will don their best outfits to attend IMARC’s highly anticipated Gala Dinner, which will bring together industry leaders, government representatives and global partners to celebrate innovation, collaboration and growth in mining, including a special award for a true legend of the industry.