As the global race for copper accelerates, Copper to the World 2025 is set to bring the conversation to Adelaide on 26–27 August.
Hosted by Austmine, in partnership with the South Australian government, the event provides a global platform for exploring copper’s critical role in energy transition, connecting miners, METS companies, researchers and government to address the future of supply, sustainability and innovation.
Among the most anticipated sessions on the program is Innovation Hour, a dynamic live pitch event that shines a spotlight on breakthrough technologies and ideas poised to shape the future of copper.
Proudly sponsored by Fleet Space Technologies, one of Australia’s fastest-growing advanced tech companies and a global leader in satellite-enabled exploration solutions, Innovation Hour celebrates the power of bold thinking to solve complex mining challenges.
Austmine today announced the six finalists selected to pitch at this year’s session, which will take place on the evening of Tuesday, 26 August. Returning for its second year, Innovation Hour challenges innovators to respond to two of the most pressing issues facing the copper industry:
- Deep Copper Mining – unlocking deeper orebodies with safer, more efficient, and scalable approaches
- Copper Processing Solutions – delivering smarter, cleaner, more sustainable processing technologies
“Innovation Hour is about spotlighting the cutting-edge solutions and technologies emerging from Australia’s METS sector,” said Dallas Wilkinson, Chair, Austmine.
“The two challenges reflect some of the most important issues facing our industry today. Innovation Hour provides a powerful platform to showcase homegrown innovation, spark new partnerships, and accelerate ideas that have the potential to transform and disrupt the copper sector.
“We congratulate this year’s finalists and wish them the very best as they take the stage.”
Three finalists have been shortlisted under each challenge theme. At the event, they will pitch their solutions live to a room of mining leaders, technology decision-makers and investors, as well as a panel of expert judges.
2025 Innovation Hour Finalists
Deep Copper Mining
- Titeline Drilling Pty Ltd
- Orica Australia
- Nome Services
Copper Processing Solutions
- Purium Metals Pty Ltd
- Loop Hydrometallurgy
- Banksia Minerals Processing
Each finalist will present a short, high-impact pitch in front of a live audience, with the judging panel made up of industry and innovation leaders.
The winner will be announced during the closing plenary on Wednesday 27 August 2025.
Expert Judging Panel
The judging panel includes respected leaders from across copper operations, R&D, venture investment and deep tech innovation:
- Vicky Whiffin, Head of Technology, Copper South Australia, BHP
- Saskia Duyvesteyn, Chief Advisor R&D, Rio Tinto
- Mark Frayman, Managing Partner, Orion Industrial Ventures
- Gavin Yeates, Principal, Gavin Yeates Consulting
- Brooke North, Geological Client Manager, Fleet Space Technologies
- Dr Dallas Wilkinson, Chair, Austmine
Explore What’s Next for Copper
Copper to the World 2025 will bring together industry leaders, innovators and policy influencers for two days of discussion and insight into the future of copper.
The program will explore the forces reshaping the sector, including digital transformation, supply and demand dynamics, energy solutions, water and tailings management, and advances in mineral processing.
The event will also place a strong focus on South Australia’s copper production and exploration landscape, alongside international perspectives from Latin America, two regions critical to the future global supply chain.
For more information and to register, visit: http://coppertotheworld.austmine.com.au/