Critical minerals and rare earths top a huge agenda at IMARC 2025, as a record number of delegates, exhibitors and speakers gather at Australia’s largest-ever mining event.

Over the next three days (21–23 October), more than 11,000 attendees and 550 speakers from 125 countries will tackle the major resource and energy challenges and opportunities facing the world, including how to capitalise on Australia’s reserves of the resources needed to power the global energy transition.

The event was opened by NSW Premier Chris Minns, who was joined NSW Finance Minister and Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos and Australia’s Assistant Minister for Resources Senator Anthony Chisholm. IMARC is one of the world’s largest mining events, and this year takes place against a backdrop of rising tensions over the security of resources needed for the global energy transition, and the historic deal between the US and Australia announced overnight.

IMARC 2025 brings together government leaders, investors, operators, and innovators from across five continents, as well as CEOs, Chairs and Directors, mine operators, explorers, commodity buyers, vendors, thought leaders, and ESG experts.

IMARC is also one of Australia’s largest trade shows, featuring over 550 companies showcasing cutting-edge mining technology, automation, AI, sustainability and digital tools making IMARC one of the largest trade shows in the Southern Hemisphere. It is an important showcase for Australian companies to meet potential customers, investors and partners from across the world.

For the first time, IMARC 2025 will also feature Ministerial-level representation from every Australian state  and territory, including South Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Szakacs MP, Minister for Energy and Resources Victoria, Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio and Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Hon. Dale Last.

The unique format of IMARC sees Ministers and government representatives from five continents joining industry executives, innovators and investors on a huge program of presentations, panels and roundtables.

“IMARC isn’t just the biggest, it’s the most consequential,” said Anita Richards, COO of Beacon Events. “Across every hall and stage, you’ll see the ideas and technologies redefining how mining contributes to a sustainable future.” 

The IMARC 2025 program features around 500 expert speakers across six key streams:

• Mining Innovation (sponsored by Continental)
• Digital Transformation (sponsored by Convergio Industrial Tech)
• Mine & Project Development (sponsored by DRA Global)
• Energy Transition & Decarbonisation
• Investment (sponsored by Fender Geophysics)
• Global Opportunities

Speakers include Saudi Arabia’s Vice-Minister for Mining Affairs HE. Khalid Al Mudaifer, Thiess Group Executive – Australia East Rae O’Brien, European Investment Bank Vice Chair Nicola Beer, South32 Vice President of Global Commercial and Supply Chain Rob Jackson, and European Commission Director for Decarbonisation Joaquim Nunes de Almeida.

IMARC 2025 will also highlight the latest in mining technology, equipment and services, from automation and AI to decarbonisation solutions and digital transformation tools. The exhibition features 550 solution providers from around the world, showcasing the latest technology, machinery, and services that are driving innovation and productivity across the mining sector. 

IMARC 2025 also introduces several new initiatives:

• The Mining Operators Series, a new program for frontline professionals featuring CPD sessions, technical talks and miners-only networking.
• The expanded Free Mining Guest Pass, opening full access to the conference and expo for on-site mining employees, engineers and supervisors.
• The Innovation & Investment Alley, connecting startups and research teams with venture capitalists and industry partners to accelerate commercialisation.

“IMARC is where the most influential people in the mining industry come together to share ideas, source inspiration, and meet face-to-face,” Ms Richards said. “The event has become the central forum for governments, industry and innovators to forge partnerships, navigate geopolitical challenges and shape the future of mining.”