The participation of the Sultanate of Oman at this month’s International Mining and Resources Conference + Expo (IMARC) marks another milestone in the continued internationalisation of Australia's largest mining event, and its emergence as one of the most significant gatherings on the global resources calendar.

IMARC Event Director Sherene Asnasyous said Oman’s attendance reflects IMARC’s growing significance as a platform where governments, miners, investors, financiers, equipment manufacturers and technology providers can forge new commercial relationships and strategic partnerships.

“The breadth of countries represented this year highlights the increasingly global nature of the resources sector. From established mining jurisdictions such as the United States, Brazil, Chile, Canada and Peru to emerging centres of critical minerals development across the Gulf region, Southeast Asia, Africa and Central Asia, IMARC provides a rare opportunity for international collaboration at scale.”

“We are also delighted to again have very strong representation from Europe, including France, Germany, Finland, Italy and the European Union.”

Finland will lead a high-level business delegation focused on mining technology, innovation and sustainable resource development, showcasing world-leading expertise in automation, mineral processing and mining solutions while pursuing new commercial partnerships with Australian industry.

The German delegation will focus on strengthening cooperation across the critical minerals value chain, supporting the long-term supply needs of its advanced manufacturing, battery and clean energy sectors, while promoting German engineering and industrial capability.

The broader European Union presence, including representatives from the European Commission, highlights Europe's commitment to expanding investment, innovation and collaboration with Australia on sustainable critical and strategic minerals development.

Together, these delegations reinforce IMARC's position as a key global forum for advancing investment, trade and international cooperation in the resources sector.

Commercial Opportunity

For Australian mine operators and Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) businesses, the unprecedented international presence at IMARC presents a significant commercial opportunity to engage directly with the world and position themselves at the centre of the next generation of global mining growth.

With thousands of global decision-makers gathering in Sydney, Australian companies have direct access to potential customers, partners, investors and government representatives from across the world's most important mining and critical minerals jurisdictions. Rather than travelling across multiple continents to establish these relationships, businesses can engage with senior leaders from around the world in a single location over three days. Local decision-makers will also be well represented, including BHP Chief Enterprise Performance Officer Edgar Basto, Iluka CEO Tom O'Leary and Alcoa Australia President Elsabe Muller.

Ms Asnasyous said the growing international participation reflects the increasingly strategic role mining plays in global economic development, energy security and industrial policy. "Mining is no longer simply about commodities. It sits at the intersection of energy security, technology, critical minerals, industrial policy, decarbonisation and economic development," she said.

As competition for investment, talent and critical mineral supply intensifies globally, the ability to connect international stakeholders in one location has become increasingly valuable. “The partnerships, investments, innovation pathways and government-to- government relationships that emerge from the event can influence projects, supply chains and commercial opportunities for years to come,” Ms Asnasyous said.

IMARC Founding Partners

The event's growing international influence is underpinned by the strong support of IMARC's Founding Partners: the Victorian Government, Austmine, AusIMM and Mines and Money.

AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin said: “As the peak body for resources professionals and a Founding Partner of IMARC, AusIMM is proud to bring the international mining community to Australia at a time when trusted leadership and collaboration matter more than ever.

“As access to strategic resources reshapes global policy, trade and investment, Australia has a leading role to play as a trusted and reliable resources partner. This standing is underpinned by the expertise, judgement and leadership of the professionals AusIMM represents.

“IMARC is an important platform to connect with international partners, strengthen strategic relationships, and showcase Australia's leadership across the global resources sector.”

Austmine CEO Tony Davis said the scale of international participation at IMARC reflects the growing opportunities for Australian METS companies globally.

“Australia has built a world-class METS sector, with innovative technology, expertise and capability that is highly relevant to the mounting challenges mining companies are facing around the world,” Mr Davis said.

“IMARC gives Australian companies the opportunity to build those international relationships here at home – to understand where the opportunities are, connect directly with decision-makers and turn those connections into real commercial outcomes.”

Ms Asnasyous said the Founding Partners' collective leadership continues to strengthen IMARC's position as a globally recognised meeting place for the resources sector, while the event had also been strengthened through its strategic partnership with the Minerals Council of Australia and NSW Minerals Council.