Australia’s Assistant Minister for Resources Senator Anthony Chisholm will tonight (Monday 20 October) officially welcome more than 180 Ministers, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Consul-Generals and officials at an official reception to mark the start of the 2025 International Mining and Resources Conference and Expo (IMARC) in Sydney.

IMARC is one of the world’s largest mining events, and this year takes place against a backdrop of rising tensions over the security of resources needed for the global energy transition. On Tuesday, Senator Chisholm will be joined by NSW Premier Chris Minns to open three days of speeches, panels and events.

IMARC 2025 has attracted over 11,000 delegates and decision-makers from more than 120 countries, including Government leaders and policymakers, CEOs, Chairs and Directors, mine operators, explorers, investors, commodity buyers, vendors, thought leaders, innovators, and ESG experts.

IMARC is also one of Australia’s largest trade shows, bristling with the latest in mining innovation, AI, automation, robotics, safety, sustainability and productivity. It is an important showcase for Australian companies to meet potential customers, investors and partners from across the world.

For the first time, IMARC 2025 will also feature Ministerial-level representation from every Australian state and territory, including NSW Finance Minister and Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos, South Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Szakacs MP, Minister for Energy and Resources Victoria, Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio and Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Hon. Dale Last.

Guests at tonight’s reception are expected to include ministerial, diplomatic and other official representatives from the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Qatar, Morocco, Uganda, Peru, Indonesia, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Morocco, Sweden, Zimbabwe, Timor Leste, and others.

A global spotlight on securing the resources of the future

IMARC 2025 comes as China moves to tighten controls over the export of its rare earths. Europe, the US, Japan and many other countries are seeking sustainable long-term partnerships to reduce their diversify and strengthen their supply chains, and access to Australia’s extensive reserves of critical minerals is high on the agenda for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s meeting with US President Trump.

Daniel Kirwin, CEO of Beacon the operator of IMARC, said this year’s event comes at a time of unprecedented tensions around the security of the supply of the critical minerals and heavy earths needed for defence, energy storage, wind turbines, advanced aerospace and electric vehicles.

“IMARC is about creating a platform for multi-lateral dialogue and action. The security of the supply of critical minerals is clearly one of the major challenges the industry is grappling with, and we expect this week’s event to shine a spotlight on the challenge – but also the opportunity – that this represents for countries like Australia,” he said.

Julian Kettle, Senior Vice President, Vice Chair Metals and Mining at leading global consultancy Wood Mackenzie, said it was important for Australia to be proactive and visible on the international stage at a time when its natural resources are experiencing a major surge in global demand.

“With the world looking to reduce its reliance on non-aligned supply chains, and Australia’s reputation for a stable, sustainable and productive resource ecosystem, there is no better time for Australia to capitalise on the enormous opportunities that exist. We need to move faster, be more bold, more collaborative and more accommodating. We may need to work with parties we may not ideally wish to collaborate for longer than we may want. The time to deploy capital is now, we must stop talking and start doing.”

NZ Resources Minister, Shane Jones, echoed these remarks, saying being proactive and visible on the international stage was crucial to unlocking his country’s natural resources opportunities.

“IMARC presents an unparalleled opportunity for us to showcase our potential to a diverse range of stakeholders, potential investors and partners. We will be attending with a firm eye on trade and investment, connecting NZ’s mining industry with global partners,” he said.

Collaboration is the key

IMARC Event Director Sherene Asnasyous said the need for a collaborative approach is one of the key drivers of IMARC, and is evidenced by the fact that international government delegates play an active role across the program, delivering keynotes, leading trade missions, promoting investment-ready projects and creating partnerships to tackle the challenges and opportunities that require a multi-national approach.promoting investment-ready projects.

“A consistent theme of IMARC is that governments and industry must work together across jurisdictions to de-risk supply and unlock capital,” Ms Asnasyous said.

“IMARC plays an essential role in providing a platform for these collaborative conversations and brings the right people to the table to forge the partnerships needed to navigate geopolitical challenges and shape a shared future for the industry globally,” she said.

His Excellency Khalid Mudaifer, Vice Minister for Mining Affairs in the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will be a keynote speaker on the first morning Plenary Session, and is leading a large delegation from the Kingdom.

“IMARC has long been a place where ideas become action, and where collaboration defines the path forward,” His Excellency said ahead of the event.

“As we all gather here, our shared purpose is clear: to build a minerals industry that is sustainable, resilient, and equitable— one that powers global prosperity and supports the energy transition.”

For more information and to register for IMARC 2025, please visit the IMARC Website.

About IMARC:

Collaborating on trends in mining, investment and innovation towards a sustainable future

IMARC is the premier gathering for the most influential minds in the mining industry, a dynamic hub where ideas ignite, and inspiration flows – it is the ultimate meeting ground for global industry leaders. As Australia’s largest and most significant mining event, IMARC attracts over 10,000 decision-makers, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, commodity buyers, technical experts, innovators, and educators from more than 120 countries. For three action-packed days, attendees will engage in cutting-edge learning, forge valuable deals, and experience unparalleled networking opportunities.