Australian METS shines at IMARC24

Australia’s innovative and sustainable solutions for the mining industry were on show at this year’s International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC24).

Australia’s mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector has for decades supported resources projects in Australia and around the world. This year, Austrade was proud to highlight the Australian solutions that can support miners to reach their sustainability and efficiency goals. 

Held in Sydney from 29–31 October, IMARC24 brought together industry leaders across the mining value chain. With over 7,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors from more than 120 countries, there were significant opportunities for knowledge transfer and insights.

Minister for Resources, Madeleine King, gave a keynote address on the opening day. In her speech, she unveiled priorities aimed at fostering sustainable growth, reinforcing Australia’s critical mineral supply chains, and supporting the country’s path toward net-zero emissions.

She also discussed CSIRO’s recent Australian attitudes toward mining 2024 survey report. Minister King noted the positive shift in public attitudes towards the mining industry in the last 10 years, with a growing trust and acceptance towards the sector. The survey included a focus on critical and energy transition minerals, to measure community sentiment about the mining industry’s role in renewable energy efforts.

New report highlights METS opportunities in Southeast Asia

An event highlight was the launch of the METS Opportunities in Southeast Asia report, part of Austrade’s broader METS initiatives in Southeast Asia.

Austrade and Austmine partnered to produce the report, which outlines market entry strategies for Southeast Asia and opportunities for Australian METS companies. It describes the demand for Australia’s advanced METS capabilities, driven by the region’s focus on modernising mining operations and improving sustainability.

Susan Kahwati, Austrade’s Head of Green Economy and Agrifood, and Christine Gibbs Stewart, Austmine’s CEO, emphasised working cooperatively to support Australian METS companies to expand overseas. They highlighted the many opportunities available in Southeast Asia and the support the 2 organisations could provide to Australian METS exporters.

The Austrade team at the Austrade Collaboration Lounge.

Connecting Australian METS and international companies

Austrade hosted delegations from Vietnam, Peru, Chile and Mongolia, helping them understand the trade and investment opportunities in Australia and connecting them to Australian METS companies.

Throughout the 3-day event, Austrade highlighted Australia’s capabilities in sustainable mining practices and advanced mining technologies. Australia’s efficiency, safety and environmental stewardship were emphasised. Austrade also spoke with international delegates interested in investment opportunities and partnerships across Australia’s critical minerals and METS sectors.

To assist international customers, Austrade’s Accelerating Sustainable Mining report, launched last year at IMARC, has been translated into Indonesian, Vietnamese and Spanish. The report describes Australia’s strong METS capabilities in sustainable mining.