UQ Tailings Innovation Summit
Brisbane I Australia
17 - 20 November 2026
Bringing together world-leading innovators from the mining industry, academic institutions, technology providers and the finance sector with policy makers, regulators, communities, and civil society organisations to advance responsible tailings management and zero harm through innovation.
Building on the outcomes of the MIT Global Summit on Mine Tailings Innovation in 2024, the UQ Tailings Innovation Summit will focus on cross sector dialogue - broadening the conversation about solution pathways for responsible tailings management beyond the mining industry.
The Summit is designed for leaders and practitioners from across mining, government, research, finance, technology, community and environmental sectors who recognise that responsible tailings management is a shared challenge. Meeting growing global demand for minerals while protecting people, communities and the environment will require unprecedented collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing. The Summit provides a platform to connect expertise, challenge assumptions, and identify practical pathways towards safer, more transparent and more sustainable tailings management.
Summit Themes
Reduce
Technologies, policies and financial incentives to reduce tailings at source.
Recover
Opportunities to recover value from tailings.
Re-imagine
Strategies to eliminate tailings and reduce harm to people and planet.
Innovate
Collaboration models to move tailings innovations from concept to scale.
Key Dates
17 November
Pre-summit Workshops and Welcome Reception
18 November
Summit Day 1 and Gala Dinner
19 November
Summit Day 2
20 November
Post-summit Workshops
Program
Get a first look at what's ahead.
Draft program
While we're still confirming speakers and session details, the draft program provides an overview of the key topics, challenges and opportunities that will be explored throughout the Summit.
Visit the Program page to learn more.
Workshops
Looking to dive deeper into the topics shaping the future of tailings management? Explore our pre- and post-summit workshops for focused discussions, expert insights and practical learning opportunities.
Visit the Workshops page to learn more
Invited Speakers
Explore our growing line up of invited speakers and panel members
Visit the Speaker page to learn more
Venues, accommodation and travel
Information on the Summit and Workshop venues, hotel options and visa requirements for travelling to Australia
Delegate Tickets
Take advantage of our special discounted rate and attend a second workshop for only $199.
Please note that, due to workshop timings, delegates may register for a maximum of one pre-Summit workshop and one post-Summit workshop.
All tickets are inclusive of catering and entry to the Welcome Reception
All prices and payments are in Australian Dollars (AUD), ex GST.
Prices displayed in US Dollars (USD) are approximations only, provided solely as a guide for international attendees.
Summit and Workshop
Access the full Summit program plus exclusive pre and post-event workshops for a complete, hands-on experience.
Full rate: $1,100 AUD (~S760 USD)
Student: $750 AUD (~$516 USD)
Summit Only
Attend the full Summit program, including keynote sessions, panels, and cross-sector discussions.
Full rate: $750 AUD (~$516 USD)
Speaker: $600 AUD (~$415 USD)
Student: $500 AUD (~$345 USD)
Workshop Only
Participate in specialised pre or post-Summit workshops focused on practical, solution-driven collaboration.
Full rate: $399 AUD (~$275 USD)
Student: $199 AUD (~$140 USD)
Tickets for an additional workshop can be purchased as part of the registration process.
Summit Dinner
Connect with speakers, industry leaders, researchers and colleagues in a social setting.
$199 AUD (~ $140 USD)
Tickets to the dinner can be purchased as part of the registration process.
Partner with us
Sponsorship of the Summit offer organisations a unique opportunity to:
- Build ecosystems and strategic connections that support the scaling of innovative solutions across mining, construction, policy and regulatory domains
- Identify and engage with innovative solutions relevant to your organisation’s operational environmental and sustainability challenges
- Position your organisation at the forefront of the industry’s shift from risk management to value creation
- Demonstrate leadership in circular economy innovation in mining, and align your brand with forward-looking, responsible, and sustainable industry practices
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact
Professor Daniel Franks,
Director Global Centre for Mineral Security, UQ
Tabatha Chavez Matus,
Manager – Innovation, and Data and Research, ICMM
E: Tabatha.Chavezmatus@icmm.com
The UQ Tailings Innovation Summit is hosted by the Global Centre for Mineral Security at UQ's Sustainable Minerals Institute in partnership with ICMM.
Supported by the Queensland Government.
Contact us:
Allana Cooper/ Gillian Ievers, SMI: smievents@uq.edu.au
Owen Newton, Programme Officer, ICMM: owen.newton@icmm.com