The 2014 Underground Operators’ Conference was held in more positive economic times. In the interim, the global market downturn has had a severe negative impact on our industry and by association, many of our colleagues. Some have been fortunate to maintain full-time employment throughout this period, while others have not.

Eighteen months out from the conference we all hope that circumstances will have improved. Nonetheless there are opportunities to be realised and it is in difficult times that innovation thrives through necessity. We need to be adaptable and smarter! We need to share ideas and collaborate to ensure that the mining industry as a whole moves forward. Finally, we need to communicate our ideas; throughout history people have built on the ideas of others and ultimately society has benefitted. It should be no different in the mining industry.

It is for that reason that regular forums such as The AusIMM Underground Operators’ Conference are vital to the development of the profession generally. UGOPS2017 will provide an opportunity for practitioners to share their learnings, provide inspiration and produce an ongoing reference for years to come. The conference’s organising committee is particularly keen to hear from colleagues working overseas to share their experiences.

On behalf of the organising committee of the 13th AusIMM Underground Operators Conference, I invite you to the Gold Coast in October 2017 to share your ideas and experience, to learn from your colleagues, to renew past acquaintances and extend your professional networks.

Peter Hills FAusIMM(CP)
Conference Chair 

Contact: Eliza Sanneman
Telephone: +61 3 9658 6105 
Please click here to express your interest