The Government of Ontario, in partnership with the Canadian Consulate General in Sydney, is organizing a mining export mission to the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2024 in Sydney, Australia with an outreach program in Perth.

Why Australia – Opportunities Exist

Mining has long been a cornerstone of the Australian economy. The gold rushes in 1850s were pivotal in the early development of the country. Today, it remains one of the country’s most well-established sectors.  It is a major contributor to Australia’s economy, accounting for around 13.6% of total GDP in 2023. The industry is strongly export-oriented with mining sector accounting for 75% of the country’s exports. The outlook for Australia’s mineral exports continues to improve, as the world economy rebounds from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia is the world’s largest producer of lithium and a global top five producer of gold, iron ore, lead, zinc, and nickel.  It also has the world’s largest uranium and fourth largest black coal resources, respectively.  As the fourth largest mining country in the world (after China, the United States, and Russia), Australia will have ongoing demand for high-tech mining equipment, representing potential opportunities for Canadian suppliers.

There are over 350 operating mine sites across the country, of which approximately one-third are located in Western Australia (WA), one-quarter in Queensland (QLD) and one-fifth in New South Wales (NSW), making them the three major mining states. By volume, Australia’s two most important mineral commodities are iron ore (29 mines) – of which 97% is mined in WA – and coal (over 90 mines), which is largely mined on the east coast, in the states of QLD and NSW. In contrast to most global production, the majority (around 75%) of black coal in Australia is produced from open-cut mines.  This ratio of 3:1 open cut/ surface to underground mines also applies to the broader (i.e., non-coal) local mining sector.

With the growing demand to lower carbon emissions in the Mining Industry, there is a growing demand for technologies that will limit greenhouse gas emissions by otherwise polluting industries. In 2022, the Western Australian Government announced funding for a new bill to allow carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) to be further deployed in Western Australia (WA). The Australian government, the International Energy Agency (IEA) and UN’s lead agency for assessing climate science, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) say the technology will be critical to meeting net zero emissions targets to slow the trajectory of global warming.

Also, as the shift of mining automation moves from integration of existing equipment to the implementation of the next generation of digitally enabled technology as well as solutions for the decarbonization from mining, equipment, technology and service companies, the projected growth for the sector is estimated to add more than $50 billion to the local economy by 2030.

With the high cost of labour in Australia, there is strong interest in automation technology such as driverless vehicles (trucks and trains), drills, and excavation equipment.  This interest is strongest in the iron ore sector, where the large scale of mine operations justifies the investment in automation.  The Australian mining industry is, in many areas, an early adopter of technologies, such as mobile and wearable technologies.  There are also moves to convert particular types of heavy moving equipment, e.g., underground loaders, to non-diesel power, for both environmental and occupational health and safety.

The mining sector is set to be an early adopter of blue hydrogen production. There’s a strong drive to decarbonize mining operations. Hydrogen can be used to store renewable energy to generate electricity, it can power equipment, trucks, and cars, and it can even be used in certain mining processes as a reductant. In March 2020, four mining giants – BHP, Fortescue, Anglo American and Hatch – formed the Green Hydrogen Consortium, pledging to work together to accelerate renewable energy-powered hydrogen production and its application to the resources sector and other heavy industries. According to the Director of the CSIRO Hydrogen Energy Future Science Platform Dr Daniel Roberts, “There are a whole range of opportunities for hydrogen in the mining sector.”

One of the other key opportunity areas for Canadian exporters in the Australian mining industry is maintenance and service. Mining companies remain strongly focused on reducing operating costs, so products and services that enhance or extend existing infrastructure, and improve the bottom line, are likely to be well-received. Heavy construction equipment and drilling equipment are also leading sub-sectors.

Why IMARC – Networking • Learning • Connecting

As one of the largest and most influential mining events, The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) covers all aspects of the mining supply chain from exploration to investment, production and optimization through new technologies and global opportunities, alongside discussions on health and safety, renewable energy, critical minerals, and sustainability. Over the last 10 years, IMARC has developed into a leading platform for the global mining industry, attracting 9,000+ registrants from 120+ countries, and welcoming participation from 50 countries at a government or ministerial level.

More information about IMARC is available at https://imarcglobal.com/

The world-class Conference Program featured seven concurrent conferences covering the entire mining value chain with more than 600 mining leaders and resource experts, 340 technical talks, panel discussions, and strategic keynote presentations that took place throughout the three days. Participants gained strategic insights from c-suite executives on progressing ESG and environmental resilience, accelerating mining’s energy transition, and the digitization of mines.

The innovative Exhibition demonstrates the ground-breaking technology, world-class content, and a vivid showcase of all the elements that make the mining industry great. IMARC is the only place in Australia where you can discover inspiration and new ideas, find practical solutions, and see demonstrations of the latest products and innovations from startups through to some of the biggest names in the mining industry. Whether it’s for exploration, mine development, sustainability, or safety, you’ll find what you need to transform your operations at IMARC, with more than 500 exhibitors throughout the 20,000m2 expo floor.

IMARC also provides unmatched Networking opportunities, serving as the meeting ground for the entire mining industry.

There are thousands of opportunities to network, brainstorm, and knowledge share across the three days at the ICC Sydney from 29 – 31 October 2024.

Why Join the Mission – Showcase & Lead Generation

Joining the Ontario mission to IMARC represents an excellent opportunity for innovative Ontario companies possessing the following products, solutions, technologies or services to showcase their offerings, and to learn about the latest industry/market trends. Participation in the mission also provides a unique platform and unrivaled visibility to access potential clients and partners from key markets across Australia and Asia Pacific region.

• Mining Equipment, Technology & Services (METS): Exploration, Drilling, Ventilation, Safety, Maintenance & Services, AI applications, Digitalization and Big Data, Automation, GIS, GPS, Drone, Spatial Data Visualization, 3D modeling, Digital Twins, Internet of Things, Information Technology, Communication, Consulting, Engineering
• Environmental and Clean Technologies: Water and Waste Water Management, Waste Reduction, Energy Efficiency, Green Technology, Renewable Energy, Battery-Electric Vehicles, Reclamation and Remediation of Legacy Mine Site, Carbon Emissions Reduction
• Infrastructure, Facility Management and Intelligent Transport for Mining

The mission program will include

• 1:1 export advice and consultation
• Turn-key individual exhibit space within the Ontario/Canada pavilion at the 2024 IMARC
• Shared meeting space within the Ontario/Canada pavilion at the 2024 IMARC
• Company listing (as an exhibitor) on IMARC website
• Company listing in the Ontario SourceFromOntario website
• Marketing support including mission directory
• Showcase opportunity at IMARC 2024
• Access to IMARC conference sessions and networking events
• B2B matchmaking program via IMARC platform
• Meeting(s) with the key sector players in Sydney and Perth
• Networking activities in Sydney and Perth
• Mine site visit (TBC)

Mission Program (draft, subject to change):

Business Program in Perth. October 24-25, 2024 

• Networking Activities
• Meetings with local government, industry association and business partners
• Mine Visit (TBC)

Business Program in Sydney, October 28 – November 1, 2024

• Market/Sector Briefing (TBC)
• Networking Activities
• Meeting with local government, industry association and business partners
• Exhibit in the Ontario Pavilion at IMARC 2024 (12 spots only).
• Pass to access conference, exhibition, networking activities, event app and meeting platform.
• Listed as exhibitor on IMARC webpage, with company logo and profile
• 3-5 minutes presentation onsite at Ontario METS Showcase during IMARC.
• IMARC Gala Dinner (one ticket per company)
• B2B Meetings via IMARC platform
• Mine Visit

How to Apply – Early Bird Rate Available Until July 26

• Registration Fee: Early Bird Rate $3,500 per company until July 26, 2024; $4,000 per company after July 26, 2024. Maximum 2 participants per company
• Apply by: August 16, 2024
• Available Spot(s): 12. (application may close early due to space limitation). Application is taken on a “First come, First Served” basis.
• Application Link: https://www.eventreg.mgcs.gov.on.ca/?eventid=FA7BA2DE-5033-486A-9F14-8FCDE9228A25&lang=en

Estimated Travel & Accommodation Costs: Helpful for Travel Planning

• Airfare: Mission participants are responsible for booking and purchasing their own flights. Please check with travel agent for all available flights.  As of May 26, 2024, the lowest available standard economy tickets for Air Canada flights from Toronto to Perth on Oct 21 and from Sydney to Toronto on Nov 2 are priced at $2,366. And, the lowest available economy ticket for a flight from Perth to Sydney costs $357-$418 as of May 26, 2024.
• Air Canada Discount Code: As part of the “Going Global” partnership between the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), Ontario Centres of Innovation (OCI) and Air Canada, OVIN/OCI has obtained a Discount Code from Air Canada that may reduce your cost of travel on Air Canada flights for the Ontario Mining Mission to IMARC 2024. The discount code along further instructions will be shared with the companies who have registered to participate in this mission at a later time.
• Accommodation: Mission participants are responsible for all the costs associated with their accommodation, meals, and other personal and incidental expenses.
• Sydney Hotel: Hotels near ICC Sydney (IMARC venue) are conveniently close, providing varied options for every preference. From upscale to boutique, these lodgings offer easy access for event attendees, allowing a smooth transition between the venue’s vibrancy and the comfort of nearby stays. Hotels that offer special rate to IMARC participants are available at https://imarcglobal.com/arrival
• Perth Hotel: Since most activities in Perth are group activities, we may recommend a hotel for group stay. If you have preference, you may book your own hotel at a refundable rate, so you can make your decision when we finalize the hotel selection.

Visa Requirement(s): Canadians Need ETA for Trip to Australia

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country.

• If you are holding Canadian passport, you do need to apply for an ETA before visiting Australia. It is an easy process and you will get the visa/travel authority upon submitting your application on the app.
• Please visit government website to get more information about ETA application. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#Overview. If you hold other passport, please consult with the Australian Consulate in Toronto. https://canada.embassy.gov.au/

Questions? Contact:  Email: Lisa Qi

Senior International Market Consultant, Trade Programs Branch, Trade and International Engagement Division – Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade