Copper to the World 2025 concluded this week after two full days of discussion, insight and collaboration, bringing together global leaders to address the critical role of copper in powering the future.
Anna Wiley, Asset President Copper South Australia at BHP, highlighted the company’s historical and ongoing significance in the state and its central role in the global copper industry. She outlined major projects underway across South Australia and reinforced BHP’s commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy and advancing long-term water solutions to support future growth.
The Government of South Australia, Department for Energy & Mining reinforced its commitment to positioning the state as a global hub for copper, with initiatives and partnerships designed to attract investment, accelerate innovation and support industry growth, event organisers said.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the scale of new copper supply needed to meet the growing demands of electrification and the energy transition. Speakers stressed that the industry cannot rely on past cycles to deliver future growth, with projects now facing longer development timelines, lower grades and greater execution risks. Stronger investor confidence, streamlined approvals and government support will be vital to ensure new mines and expansions move forward at the speed required.
Platinum Sponsor Sandvik underscored the role of technology in driving this future. Andrew Atkinson, Business Line Manager Automation, highlighted how systems such as collision avoidance are reshaping underground mining. Once viewed as a cost to productivity, these solutions are now delivering safer working environments alongside significant efficiency gains.
Rio Tinto’s Chief Advisor, R&D, Saskia Duyvesteyn shared lessons from technology integration, highlighting progress in underground collision avoidance, the shift toward decision intelligence and the development of a dry stack tailings test bed — all showing how collaboration and iteration can accelerate safer and more sustainable outcomes.
Byrnecut’s Executive Chairman, Steve Coughlan outlined advances in equipment monitoring and predictive maintenance, showing how the company’s systems reduce costs, detect issues early and minimise downtime, with plans to provide operators with real-time feedback to further improve efficiency.
There was also strong focus on copper processing, with presentations exploring how innovation, skills and supportive policy are reshaping the sector. Emerging technologies such as advanced flowsheets, in-situ recovery and 3D modelling were showcased as ways to reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency and unlock new opportunities.
Innovation was on full display during the Innovation Hour, where finalists pitched breakthrough solutions to two key challenges: deep copper mining and copper processing. Judges selected Titeline Drilling for its automated safety-focused exploration drill and Banksia Minerals Processing for its capital expenditure-efficient chloride leaching solution, both recognised as practical breakthroughs with global potential.
Complementing the conference program was the exhibition, featuring leading mining and METS companies, government initiatives and research organisations. The exhibition floor gave delegates the chance to explore new technologies, connect with suppliers and see how innovation is being applied across the copper value chain.
Dallas Wilkinson, Chair of Austmine, said the conference demonstrated the strength of collaboration across the copper ecosystem. “Copper to the World has shown just how critical innovation will be to meeting the world’s future demand for copper. From bold ideas to practical solutions, we’ve seen the capability, creativity and commitment of our industry on full display here in Adelaide. What has shone through these two days is the infectious enthusiasm we all share for copper – the bright, powerful future it represents and the role it plays in driving sustainability, electrification and prosperity.”
Copper to the World 2025 was hosted by Austmine in partnership with the Government of South Australia, Department for Energy & Mining and returns to the Adelaide Convention Centre on September 2-3, 2026.