September 24, 2026
Global mining experts gather in Wollongong as sector faces safety and clean energy pressure
UOW conference to examine how AI, automation and advanced monitoring can make mining safer and reduce its environmental impact
As the clean energy transition drives growing demand for critical minerals, the mining industry is under increasing pressure to expand production while improving worker safety and reducing its environmental impact.
How can AI, automation and advanced monitoring help the sector meet that challenge?
That question will be at the centre of the 9th International Symposium on Mine Safety Science and Engineering and Green Mining Conference 2026, hosted by the University of Wollongong (UOW) from 28 September to 2 October.
More than 200 mining industry professionals, researchers and technology experts from Australia and overseas will examine some of the sector’s biggest challenges, including mine safety, critical minerals, decarbonisation and the growing use of AI and automation in mining.
Delegates will explore how AI, advanced sensors, automation and real-time monitoring can detect hazards earlier, improve operational decisions and reduce environmental impacts. Conference will also focus on how emerging technologies can move more quickly from research into operational mines.
UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Max Lu said hosting the conference in Wollongong connected the Illawarra’s mining and heavy-industry heritage with its transition towards more advanced, technology-led and sustainable industries.
“Mining and steel industries have shaped the Illawarra’s economy and communities for generations,” Professor Lu said.
“UOW has an important role in working with industry to turn research and new technologies into practical solutions that make mining safer, cleaner and more productive.
“Bringing experts from around the world to Wollongong provides an opportunity to connect the region’s industrial experience with the technologies that will shape its future.”
Conference Chair Professor Ting Ren said the industry was facing pressure to meet global demand for minerals while improving safety and environmental performance.
“The challenge is not simply how we mine more, but how we do it more safely, efficiently and with less impact on the environment,” Professor Ren said.
“Mining will play an important role in the global energy transition, but increasing production also brings safety, environmental and operational challenges.
“This conference gives researchers and industry an opportunity to look at those challenges together and discuss solutions that can be applied in real mining operations.”
Pre-conference workshops will focus on underground mining hazards including spontaneous combustion and mine fires, dust control and dynamic hazards associated with deeper mining operations.
The conference is being organised by the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Innovative Composites for the Future of Sustainable Mining Equipment at the School of Engineering with support from the International Committee on Mine Safety Science and Engineering.
EVENT DETAILS
What: 9th International Symposium on Mine Safety Science and Engineering and Green Mining Conference 2026
When: 28th September to 2nd October 2026 from 8 am-8 pm
Where: Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
More details: https://conference.uow.edu.au/green-mining-conference/