Copper to the World 2025 opened in Adelaide with strong conversations on copper’s role in powering a sustainable future. A highlight of the first day was the panel session “Digital Integration: From Pit to Port”, proudly moderated by our CEO, Mark Read.

As a member of Austmine, Verbrec was proud to participate in the session, contributing to discussions on the future of digital integration across the copper industry.

Mark led a panel of industry leaders to explore how copper’s complex value chain, from exploration and mine planning to processing, logistics, and export is being transformed through AI, automation, and advanced analytics.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Mark was joined by an outstanding panel of experts, each bringing real-world perspectives and innovation to the stage:

• Gustavo Pilger – Head of GEOVIA R&D, Dassault Systèmes
• Joe Delaney – Industry Advisor, Energy & Mining, Salesforce
• Felix Taconas – Copper Mining Specialist
• Caroline Tiddy – Associate Professor, University of South Australia
• John Vagenas – Founder & Managing Director, Metallurgical Systems

Together, they unpacked the opportunities and challenges of breaking down silos to achieve seamless digital integration across the copper industry.

Key Takeaways

• Integration is advancing: Despite copper’s highly complex value chain, progress is being made in connecting data and systems across traditional silos.
• Culture is the biggest barrier: While technical, strategic, and organisational challenges can be addressed, the panel agreed the most significant hurdle is cultural—shaping behaviours and fostering collaboration to embrace new ways of working.
• Digital integration is inevitable: The consensus was clear—over the next decade, digital integration will be a game changer for copper operations, enabling smarter, safer, and more connected mining.

Looking Ahead

As the conference continues, conversations sparked in this session will ripple through the wider Copper to the World program. With copper playing a critical role in powering global progress, the integration of digital technologies from pit to port will shape not only the future of the industry but also its ability to meet the world’s growing demand for sustainable, reliable resources.

Verbrec remains committed to enabling the energy transition for the resources sector, driving a safer, more sustainable future.