Bringing together the brightest minds and the boldest leaders from across the globe, Resourcing Tomorrow is an international mining event that drives real change in the sector. Having attended the influential gathering in December 2024, we catch up with Andrew Thake, Divisional Director, about its plans for an even more impactful 2025 programme.
Q&A WITH ANDREW THAKE, DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR, RESOURCING TOMORROW
Firstly, please introduce our readers to Europe’s most influential and largest mining event, Resourcing Tomorrow.
Andrew Thake, Divisional Director (AT): Resourcing Tomorrow is where the world’s mining and energy leaders meet, designed to bring together key stakeholders from across the mining value chain.
With 2,100 attendees, it serves as a crucial platform for industry leaders, investors, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the critical challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
We focus on fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and promoting sustainable practices, making it the must-attend event for anyone invested in the future of mining.
How did the 2024 edition of Resourcing Tomorrow provide a dynamic platform for collaboration and networking?
AT: The 2024 edition was meticulously structured to maximise networking opportunities. We featured dedicated networking sessions, interactive workshops, and a vibrant exhibition floor.
Our event app facilitated seamless connections, and the diverse range of attendees — from CEOs to emerging tech start-ups — created a rich environment for knowledge sharing and partnership building. The feedback we received highlighted the quality and quantity of valuable connections made.
What were some of the key learnings and insights that resulted from last year’s edition?
AT: Last year’s edition underscored the urgent need for the mining industry to embrace technological innovation and sustainable practices.
Key takeaways included the importance of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and automation for improved efficiency and safety; prioritising environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations to secure social license and attract investment; developing robust strategies for critical mineral supply chains; and fostering greater collaboration between industry, government, and local communities.
Attendees left with a clearer understanding of the path forward in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Can you tell us more about the key theme of the 2024 event, ‘Breaking Out of the Echo Chamber’, and why the mining industry must do this?
AT: The ‘Breaking Out of the Echo Chamber’ theme was central to our 2024 event. We recognised that the mining industry often operates in silos, leading to missed opportunities and a lack of diverse perspectives.
This theme emphasised the need to engage with a broader range of stakeholders, including non-traditional partners, to drive innovation and address complex challenges.
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What range of topics were covered at the 2024 edition of Resourcing Tomorrow, and who were some of the key speakers?
AT: The 2024 programme covered a wide range of topics, including critical minerals, sustainable mining practices, technological innovation (AI, automation, and digitalisation), ESG and social responsibility, investment and finance, and the future of the mining workforce.
We were honoured to host a line-up of distinguished speakers, including:
- Mark Cutifani, Chair, Vale Base Metals
- Dominic Raab, Senior Strategic Advisor for Global Affairs, Appian Capital Advisory and former UK Deputy Prime Minister
- Mark Bristow, President and CEO, Barrick
- Robert Wilt, CEO, Ma’aden
- Ross Beaty, Chair, Equinox Gold
- Francesco Gattiglio, Vice President External Affairs, Europe, Albemarle
- Marley Palin, Head of Portfolio and Performance – Exploration, BHP Xplor
- Rohitesh Dhawan, President and CEO, International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
- Andrew Carlisle, Managing Director – Mobility, Fortescue Zero
- Marna Cloete, President, Ivanhoe Mines
- Brian Menell, CEO, TechMet Ltd
- Mark Kristoff, CEO, Traxys
- Ali Russell, Managing Director, Extreme H
- Ernest Scheyder, Journalist, Thomson Reuters and author of The War Below: Lithium, Copper, and the Global Battle to Power Our Lives
- Adam Matthews, Chief Responsible Investment Officer, Church of England Pensions Board and Founder, Transition Pathway Initiative
- Khalid Al-Mudaifer, Saudi Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources
- Geoffrey Pyatt, former US Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Energy Resources
- Michael Mainelli, Executive Chairman, Z/Yen Group and 695th Lord Mayor of the City of London
Their insights and expertise provided invaluable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Equally, what leading mining and energy companies attended the event in December?
AT: Resourcing Tomorrow attracted a significant number of leading mining and energy companies. Attendees included representatives from mining companies such as BHP, Anglo American, Barrick, Albemarle, Freeport-McMoRan, and Vale, as well as energy companies including Ørsted and SSE.
This strong participation underscored the event’s importance as a key platform for industry engagement and collaboration.
As Divisional Director of Resourcing Tomorrow, what were some of your personal highlights from the 2024 edition?
AT: One of my personal highlights was witnessing the vibrant energy and enthusiasm of the attendees – the level of engagement and the quality of discussions were truly inspiring.
I was also particularly proud of the diverse range of speakers and the insightful presentations that addressed critical industry challenges.
Seeing the connections made and the potential for future collaborations was incredibly rewarding.
In your opinion, how successful was the 2024 edition of Resourcing Tomorrow, and how did it build on previous events?
AT: The 2024 edition was a resounding success. We saw record attendance, exceptional feedback on the programme, and a significant increase in networking activity.
We built on the success of previous events by enhancing our focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
The event finished on a high with our Resourcing Tomorrow Awards and Gala Dinner at Guildhall, where we were honoured with the presence of Gina Rinehart, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Finally, looking ahead, how excited are you for the upcoming 2025 edition this December?
AT: I am incredibly excited about the 2025 edition of Resourcing Tomorrow. The mining industry is in a dynamic place at the moment, with geopolitical tensions impacting supply chains and energy security.
We are already planning an even more ambitious programme that will address the evolving needs of the mining industry. We are committed to continuing to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, and we look forward to welcoming the global mining community to another exceptional event.
