Innovation is the driving force behind mining’s evolution. From mechanisation to automation, from data analytics to AI-driven operations, the industry has embraced technological shifts. But today, the challenge is not just about developing new solutions—it is about scaling them, increasing efforts across borders, and finding common ground and alignment in an industry that has traditionally operated in silos.

This is where collaboration becomes a critical enabler of progress. The Global Open Innovation Colab at GRX25 has been designed to catalyse those championing innovation today. From mining companies, to METS (Mining Equipment, Technology & Services) innovators, research institutions, and global technology hubs, it will bring together leading innovators and technology leaders from across the world to align on industry-wide priorities and explore pathways for collective action.

At GRX25 - the Global Resources Innovation Expo - this initiative will play a central role in advancing collaboration in the sector. Held in partnership between Austmine and AusIMM, GRX25 represents a new era of industry engagement, combining Austmine’s expertise in METS innovation with AusIMM’s deep connections to mining leadership and professional development.

Moving Beyond Isolated Innovation

Despite significant advancements in technology, the mining sector still struggles with fragmented innovation efforts. The pace of transformation varies across geographies, and many companies are investing in similar technologies or duplicating solutions without a clear pathway to integration or shared learning. While some industries have successfully adopted open innovation models - where competitors actually collaborate for the good of the industry - mining has often maintained an often closed, risk-averse, siloed approach.

The Global Open Innovation Colab is a step toward changing this. With confirmed participation from the Mining Innovation Hub of Peru, Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (Canada), Global Mining Guidelines Group (Canada), NORCAT and BHP’s Think and Act Differently, the Colab is designed to drive collective thinking and develop industry-wide strategies that extend beyond GRX25.

Key Objectives:

• Building trust and alignment across global innovation ecosystems
• Exploring open innovation models that can thrive in mining’s unique risk environment
• Identifying priority challenges that require cross-border, cross-sector collaboration
• Laying the groundwork for ongoing cooperation beyond GRX25

How GRX25 is Driving Global Alignment

GRX25 is more than a conference - it is a platform for action. As the evolution of the Austmine Conference, it has been built with a clear focus on outcomes, industry alignment, and tangible progress. The Global Open Innovation Colab exemplifies this, with a structured three-stage format designed to turn discussions into commitments:

Connect – Introductory Meet & Greet (20 May 2025)
A session designed to facilitate early knowledge exchange between global innovation leaders. Participants will introduce key initiatives, identify common challenges, and establish the foundation for deeper collaboration.

Strategise – Collaboration Café: Building Trust and Alignment (22 May 2025)
A panel-driven discussion exploring how to embed open innovation into a traditionally risk-averse industry. This session will address challenges related to trust, business models, and the structural barriers that slow down collaborative progress.

Align – Global Open Innovation Colab (22 May 2025)
An interactive session focused on defining at least one to two shared innovation priorities that will be progressed beyond GRX25, with measurable outcomes to be reported at GRX26.

Why This Matters Now

The global mining sector is facing mounting pressure - from sustainability targets and geopolitical risks to supply chain constraints and workforce challenges. These forces are accelerating the need for new ways of thinking, new models of collaboration, and new technological breakthroughs. However, without alignment, the pace of change will be slow and inconsistent.

What if we could change that?

The Global Open Innovation Colab is an opportunity to do more than just discuss innovation - it is an opportunity to shape the sector’s collective response. By participating in these sessions, mining and METS leaders can actively contribute to an industry-wide movement towards structured, high-impact innovation.

As the sector shifts towards a more networked, collaborative, and solutions-focused future, initiatives like this will be essential in ensuring that the best ideas are not just explored, but executed at scale.

Join us at GRX25 from 20 - 22 May 2025 in Brisbane to be part of this critical discussion and help shape the future of mining innovation.