The Melbourne Mining Club’s recent luncheon at the historic Melbourne Town Hall brought together a vibrant cross-section of the mining industry, from seasoned professionals and technical experts to students and emerging leaders, for an afternoon of insight, inspiration, and connection.
Gekko Team & Mark Davies from Rio Tinto at the Melbourne Mining Club Luncheon
The centrepiece of the event was a compelling conversation between Mark Davies, Chief Technical Officer at Rio Tinto, and Peter Ker from the Australian Financial Review. With a portfolio that spans exploration, studies, major capital projects, technology development, and decarbonisation, Mark offered a rare glimpse into the future-facing work shaping Rio Tinto’s global operations.
From the complexities of building the next generation of iron ore projects in Africa to the chemistry and technical breakthroughs emerging from Rio’s Bundoora facility, Mark’s insights underscored the scale and ambition of innovation in mining. By the end of the conversation, Peter Ker summed it up perfectly: Mark might just have the coolest job at Rio Tinto.
The event was opened by City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece, whose enthusiastic welcome highlighted the mining sector’s enduring importance to Melbourne and Victoria. His remarks celebrated the industry’s contributions to the region’s economy, innovation, and global reputation, setting a tone of pride and optimism for the afternoon.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the luncheon was the continued emphasis on student engagement through the student table initiative. This program offers university students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the mining industry, connecting directly with professionals, hearing from senior leaders, and gaining firsthand exposure to the ideas and innovations shaping the sector’s future.
Events like these play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world industry experience. They help students build networks, spark curiosity, and see the tangible impact of their future careers. It was especially inspiring to witness students actively engaging in the conversation, asking thoughtful questions, and connecting with keynote speaker Mark Davies, whose insights offered a powerful glimpse into the future of mining.
Gekko Systems is proud to continue supporting this initiative, one that reflects our deep commitment to education, innovation, and the development of future industry leaders. Encouraging student participation isn’t just an investment in talent; it’s a way to ensure the mining industry continues to evolve with fresh perspectives and bold ideas.
As the mining industry continues to evolve, events like the Melbourne Mining Club luncheon serve as vital platforms for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. We look forward to many more opportunities to bring the industry together, spotlight visionary leadership, and support the next generation of mining professionals.
Watch the full conversation between Mark Davies and Peter Ker.
