New Mining Conference in Sudbury “Turning the Tables” on Tradition
Beyond Digital Transformation 2018 (#BDT2018) is a new, one-day mining conference that will take place February 1, 2018, in Sudbury, Ontario. The goal is to provide mining industry leaders and vendors with decades of mining technology experience the opportunity to come together to discuss the ongoing digital transformation of the mining industry and what technologies will be required to drive that change.
Transformation comes with a twist on the traditional mining exposition and trade shows. “In working and having discussions with some of the biggest mining companies in the world, what we’ve been hearing is that the digital transformation of mining is moving ahead very quickly, but that there is not always a ‘one size fits all’ solution to their needs,” says Neha Singh, PACE CEO. “Our thought was to turn the tables on your usual mining conference, and instead of vendors just showing mining companies what they have and hoping it fits, we would provide a forum for the mining companies to tell the vendor what they need!”
Conference partners hope #BDT2018 will help vendors from Northern Ontario, Canada, the United States and beyond to develop a greater understanding of the individual needs of global mining companies in achieving their digital transformation goals. They can then leverage this knowledge into ideal turn-key technology solutions uniquely designed for their mines.
Rick Howes to provide key industry insight
#BDT2018 is very excited to announce mining industry giant and multiple award-winner Rick Howes as Keynote Speaker.
Howes, President and CEO of Dundee Precious Metals (DPM) since 2013, has over 35 years’ experience in the mining industry in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa in various capacities including Engineering and Design, Operations and Maintenance supervision, Site and Plant management, Business Unit Management and Executive Global Management.
Throughout his career, Rick Howes has been closely associated with the practices that make for world-class mining operations including Inco’s North Mine, which won the 2006 Ryan Award as the safest mine in Canada.
A key theme of his career is pushing to innovate in the mining business. He was recognized with the 2016 Outstanding Innovator Award, presented by the for his work with DPM at their Chelopech mine, where he introduced an operational performance project called Taking the Lid Off that combined communication and location technologies, providing real-time production management and tracking to better monitor production and control.
“Rick is a visionary mining executive whose work fundamentally changed DPM’s mining operational management,” affirms Singh. “What he brings to the table is exactly what this conference is about—innovation, transformation and how to keep up with the rate of change. THIS is the exact kind of person mining vendors need to hear from!”
“I am delighted at this opportunity to return to Sudbury and share my perspective on where mining is headed, what will be required from technology providers, and how vendors and mining companies can work together in order to evolve, innovate, and thrive in the digital age,” Howes.
Conference agenda packs a punch
The agenda of speakers includes:
- Samantha Espley, General Manager, Mining & Mineral Processing Technical Excellence Centre, Vale
- Patrick Marshall, Manager, Automation Projects, Barrick Gold Corp.
- Kevin Mcauley, Manager, Sustainable Development and Innovation, Glencore
- Sean McCarthy, Superintendent, Engineering, Barrick Gold Corp.
- Greg Sandblom, Operation and Business Technology Leader, Sudbury Integrated Nickel, Glencore
In another innovative move, #BDT2018 will also direct all proceeds above conference costs to various local and international charities chosen by the conference speakers. “We wanted to attract some of the best and brightest, and people are very motivated when given an opportunity to help a cause near and dear to their hearts,” says Singh.
Individuals unable to attend the conference can also donate to the charities, which include the Canadian Cancer Society, Plan International Because I am a Girl, United Way North East Ontario, the Marathon Food Bank, and Zawadi la Tumaini orphanage in Kenya, directly from the website.
In addition to opportunities for networking, compelling speakers, a trade show, and learning about innovation and new technologies, the conference will also offer discussion on dealing with the people side of change. “Mines truly care about their people and the communities where they operate,” adds Singh. “We’re pleased to bring that element into Beyond Digital Transformation 2018.”
Don’t miss out!
Tickets, registration and sponsorship opportunities, speaker bios, conference agenda and other developing information is available at https://beyonddigitaltransformation.com. There are also examples of early news coverage that help provide an even better sense of what to anticipate at the conference, such as an interview Singh did with CBC Sudbury’s Markus Schwabe. Conference news can also be found on Twitter @futureofmines, or by calling PACE at 705-222-8463.
“The rate of change in mining is fast and getting faster,” enthuses Singh. “We want to help companies get in on the ground floor of developments taking place far below the floor!”
By bringing some of the sharpest minds in mining together with technology start ups and other problem solvers, Beyond Digital Transformation 2018 promises many opportunities for mining companies to speak directly to counterparts from the mining industry, share digital innovation strategies, and explain the problems they are looking to solve so vendors can align their strategies and provide exactly what mining companies need to ensure the best return on investment through improved safety and higher productivity, resulting in future growth and business success.
Conference partners include Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines, Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT), Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association (SAMSAA), the Sudbury District Chamber of Commerce, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, Northern Ontario Angels, and PACE (Partners in Achieving Change Excellence).