Below is a message from Sherene Asnasyous, Event Director - IMARC:   July 31, 2026 - Over the past few months, I've had the privilege of meeting with mining companies, governments, investors and industry leaders across Australia and around the world, and one thing has become increasingly clear; there has never been a more important time for this industry to come together. Whether the conversation is about attracting investment, securing critical minerals, adopting new technologies, delivering projects faster, developing the workforce or strengthening international partnerships, the opportunities and challenges facing our industry are shared globally. That is exactly what IMARC has always been about. I'm delighted with the momentum we're seeing for IMARC 2026, and particularly with the calibre of speakers, sponsors and attendees who have already committed to joining us in Sydney this October. Our plenary program is bringing together some of the world's most influential mining executives, investors, policymakers and technology leaders, representing every stage of the mining value chain. These are leaders who aren't simply talking about the future of mining, they're making the decisions that are shaping it. You'll see some of our featured speakers highlighted below, and I can honestly say this is just the beginning. Our team continues to confirm new Australian and international speakers, government delegations and industry leaders every week as we build towards October.   Here are the updates that I'm particularly excited about: World-class speakers confirmed: We're continuing to welcome influential mining executives, investors, policymakers and technology leaders from across the globe. Featured speakers include Dr Gracelin Baskaran (CSIS), Maria van der Hoeven (EITI), Rick Rule (Rule Investment Media), Jake Klein (Endura Mining), Marley Palin (BHP), Ion Hann (Agnico Eagle), Ivan Vella (IGO), Vanessa Torres (Perenti), Mark Kristoff (Traxys), Abigail Hunter (SAFE), Benjamin Gallezot (Office of the Prime Minister of France), Elsabe Muller (Alcoa Australia), Lawrie Conway (Evolution Mining), Katie Charuga (Fortescue), Daniel Havas (Lynas Rare Earths), John Hopkins (Export Finance Australia), Paul House (IMDEX), Edward Rigg (Argonaut), Nic Earner (Alkane Resources) and Chris Lauritzen (MACH Energy), with many more announcements to come.   Recognising the industry's future leaders and innovators: Nominations are now being accepted for the IMARC NextGen Leaders Award, proudly sponsored by UNSW, and the Mining Beacon Breakthrough Innovation Award, proudly sponsored by RFC Ambrian. These awards recognise emerging industry leaders and breakthrough technologies driving the future of mining.   Growing international participation across Southeast Asia: One of the things I'm most passionate about is ensuring IMARC continues to be Australia's largest and most international mining event. We're pleased to have confirmed official government delegations from the Philippines and Cambodia, while discussions continue with Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. These delegations will create new opportunities for investment, collaboration and long-term partnerships throughout IMARC.    Supporting the people behind our industry: Finally, I'm proud to confirm that both Miners' Promise and MATES in Mining will join IMARC 2026 as our Charity Partners. Mining is ultimately about people, and these two organisations perform incredibly important work supporting the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities connected to our industry. Throughout IMARC, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about both organisations and participate in fundraising activities that directly support their ongoing work.   As an Event Director of IMARC, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing the conversations and partnerships that begin during Australia's International Mining Week and continue long after the event has finished.   Thank you to everyone who has already committed to participating in IMARC 2026, and to those I've had the pleasure of meeting over recent months. The enthusiasm and support from across the industry has been incredible.    If you have yet to register for the event, the next early bird deadline is Friday, 7 August. Not only can you save up to $750 on Delegate Passes, but it's also your final chance to book a FREE Expo Pass for the event.