AIMEX 2025 showcases a new era for mining in South Australia

The 2025 edition of Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) marked a new chapter for Australia’s mining industry, delivering three days of insight, innovation and connection in Adelaide.  

From discussions on green copper and digital transformation to a night celebrating excellence at the Prospect Awards, AIMEX 2025 brought the full mining value chain together under one roof. 

“AIMEX has always been where the mining community comes to share ideas and spark collaboration,” said Rebecca Todesco, Show Director for AIMEX. “This year felt particularly special – not only because it was our first time in South Australia, but because of the optimism and ambition we saw across the sector.” 

A confident start in South Australia 

The event was opened by South Australia’s Minister for Energy and Mining, Tom Koutsantonis, who highlighted copper’s critical role in the state’s economy and its expanding contribution to export growth.  

“There was an increase in reported energy and mining goods exports to around $7 billion,” he said. “South Australia’s largest exported commodity is copper, both refined and concentrates. That was up 17 per cent on the previous year, which reaped for our state a record $4.3 billion in copper exports.” 

Koutsantonis described South Australia’s strong resource base and evolving infrastructure as key drivers for new investment – particularly in copper and critical minerals. 

Todesco said the location shift was a natural fit. 

“Adelaide is at the centre of so many of Australia’s emerging mining conversations – from copper and rare earths to renewables and resources infrastructure,” she said. “Hosting AIMEX here for the next decade allows us to amplify those opportunities on a global stage.” 

Innovation and the copper revolution 

A standout session came from BHP’s Group Procurement Officer, Rashpal Bhatti, who outlined the company’s “grand copper vision” in a keynote that set the tone for Day Two. Bhatti described how BHP plans to scale production and modernise value chains to meet soaring global demand for copper – the essential metal powering the electrification era. 

“What we’re seeing is a genuine copper revolution,” said Todesco. “The energy transition is reshaping how miners think about supply, value, and responsibility – and AIMEX is where those strategies are being shared and refined.”  

The state’s voice and global perspectives 

On Day Three, South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) Chief Executive Nicola McFarlane reminded delegates that the journey to decarbonisation will depend on the strength of the mining sector itself. 

“Decarbonisation doesn’t mean less mining – it means more mining,” McFarlane said. 

The comment resonated across the event, reinforcing the theme that the resources industry remains central to achieving net-zero goals. 

“There’s a real sense of unity in how the industry is tackling this challenge,” Todesco said. “The conversations at AIMEX showed that decarbonisation and mining are not opposing forces – they’re part of the same solution.” 

Insights, partnerships and practical solutions 

Across multiple conference streams, speakers tackled some of the industry’s most pressing topics: safety, workforce resilience, digital transformation and critical commodities strategy. 

Discussions explored how data-driven decision-making, automation and predictive tools are changing risk management and operational efficiency. The ‘Tailoring solutions to unique mine site challenges’ panel stood out for its practical focus, emphasising the importance of collaboration between suppliers and operators. 

TriCab Group’s Shane Plumridge summed it up well: “The goal of any supplier should be to become a trusted partner with their customer.” 

“Partnership was the word of the week,” Todesco said. “Whether it’s in safety, sustainability or technology, AIMEX continues to prove that progress happens when suppliers and operators work together.” 

South Australia on show 

For the first time in its history, AIMEX was hosted in Adelaide following a successful state-led bid that secured the event for the next decade. New exhibit zones, fresh product categories and expanded networking areas gave delegates a clear view of how South Australia is positioning itself as a resource and innovation hub. 

“You could feel the pride in the room,” said Todesco. “South Australia showed it’s not only open for business but leading the way in future-focused mining.” 

A night to celebrate: the Prospect Awards 

The energy carried through to the Australian Mining Prospect Awards, held at the iconic Adelaide Oval. The gala recognised outstanding achievements across safety, technology, environmental management, and Indigenous engagement. 

“The Prospect Awards are always a highlight,” Todesco said. “They remind us that behind every innovation or operational milestone are passionate people driving change in our industry.” 

The awards added a celebratory close to a week defined by collaboration and forward thinking – embodying AIMEX’s dual role as both a technical showcase and an industry gathering. 

Looking ahead 

AIMEX 2025 demonstrated that Australia’s mining industry is not standing still. From electrification and critical minerals to workforce innovation, the event captured a sector in motion. 

“This year’s AIMEX was a statement of intent,” Todesco concluded. “The industry is moving faster, thinking smarter and collaborating more openly than ever before. And we’re proud that AIMEX is where those conversations begin.” 

As the mining community looks to the future, AIMEX will continue to be the meeting point for innovation, connection and progress. 

To stay updated on AIMEX and future events, visit www.aimex.com.au