Dan Gleeson, Editor of International Mining and Managing Director of International Mining Events, is an English graduate that has reported on the mining sector for 16 years. During this period, he has covered mining from both the technology and investment side, interviewing almost every type of mining stakeholder. He has visited mining operations – underground and on surface – across four continents, observing many technical and technological innovations. He and the team at International Mining Events have leveraged this experience in the production of The Electric Mine conference series. In his Executive Director role, Dan is responsible for overseeing the conference agenda, matching key industry themes and figureheads to sessions that engage the audience as well as showcase the acceleration of electrification and decarbonisation across the sector.

Paul Moore is International Mining Editorial Director and Executive Director of International Mining Events. In a career spanning 25 years, he has also been Editor of Mining Magazine and Deputy Editor of Industrial Minerals. Paul has visited a huge range of mines and mining technology suppliers worldwide to better understand what makes the industry tick, and has degrees in both Geology and Mineral Deposit Evaluation. He also founded the International Mining Events business and set up the IM Insight Interviews video series

Dr. Peter Wallin is the Program Manager for Boliden’s electrification program, leading research activities focused on electrification and automation within mining operations. He has a robust background in both industry and academia. Before joining Boliden, he managed a strategic innovation program at the research institute of Sweden, RISE. Peter’s extensive experience also includes seven years as Technology Research Manager at Volvo Construction Equipment, where he managed the research portfolio and developed key technologies within the construction and mining sectors. With a Master’s and Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Mälardalen University, Peter has managed numerous research projects and served on various academic boards across Sweden. His expertise is important in helping Boliden achieve its electrification goals, specifically in enhancing mining truck operations to foster a greener and more efficient future in mining.Dr. Peter Wallin is the Program Manager for Boliden’s electrification program, leading research activities focused on electrification and automation within mining operations. He has a robust background in both industry and academia. Before joining Boliden, he managed a strategic innovation program at the research institute of Sweden, RISE. Peter’s extensive experience also includes seven years as Technology Research Manager at Volvo Construction Equipment, where he managed the research portfolio and developed key technologies within the construction and mining sectors. With a Master’s and Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Mälardalen University, Peter has managed numerous research projects and served on various academic boards across Sweden. His expertise is important in helping Boliden achieve its electrification goals, specifically in enhancing mining truck operations to foster a greener and more efficient future in mining.

Johan Gustafsson has spent 30 years in the heavy industries involving steel and mining, starting out in 1997 working with electric motor control and inverter technology for cranes and hoisting machinery. Back then, operators of production cranes sat in cabins. Then came remote control, semi-autonomy and today, most of those production machines run fully autonomous. I’ve witnessed that entire shift in material handling within very demanding environments, and I know what it takes to move from concept to proven reality. As CTO and Founder at Nordkust, I now bring that experience into mining — leading our mission to prove that heavy transport can be both profitable and emission-free. From prototypes to production, from talk to tonnes, we deliver electric mining trucks that operate reliably in Arctic conditions and set new standards for availability and efficiency. My focus is where engineering meets strategy: Scaling what works, challenging what doesn’t. And helping our clients transition from diesel to data-driven, electric operations.

Manoli Yannaghas has over 20 years leading mining operations and technology ventures across Africa and South America. He is the former CEO of a publicly listed mining company and founder of multiple high-growth businesses in mining, energy and renewables. Currently, he is founder and Managing Director of VV Ventures Ltd (VoltVision), driving digital transformation and operational excellence in industrial power networks.

David Preedy serves as the Group Manager for Decarbonisation and Energy Transition at Endeavour Mining. With over 25 years of extensive experience as a process engineer in the gold mining industry across diverse international landscapes, David is now leading efforts to integrate renewable energy solutions and reduce carbon emissions across Endeavour’s mining operations.

Tariq Kareemulla joined ICMM in 2022 as a Senior Programme Officer in the Innovation team. He leads the surface mining mobile equipment decarbonisation work (ie the Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction pillar within the Innovation for Cleaner, Safer Vehicles (ICSV) initiative). He also works closely with the Environment team on climate change topics. Prior to joining ICMM, Tariq was at Liebherr Mining, working on zero-emission solutions for mining operations. Before moving to the mining & metals sector, Tariq worked in the automotive industry on energy optimisation and low-emission vehicles.
Having moved to France in 2012 to pursue his passion for sustainable mobility, he has been living in Colmar, the Alsatian region of the East France, for over half a decade. Tariq has a M.Sc. in Automotive Engineering for Sustainable Mobility from Polytech Orléans & ISAT Nevers, France, and a B.Tech. in Mechatronics Engineering from Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India.

Dr. Rikard Mäki has a strong research and R&D management background in on-road and off-road vehicle engineering. Rikard has managed people and projects in areas such as mobile fleet investments, electrification of vehicles, mine automation, fleet management and mining equipment. In his current role, Rikard is managing a team responsible for the implementation of electrification and automation solutions for Boliden Mines’ mobile equipment fleet. This includes both machines and supporting infrastructure in underground, open-pit and public road applications. Rikard is also supporting the external research portfolio at Boliden Mines with projects related to mining methods, digitalisation, automation and electrification.

Roberto Berardo is an energy executive with over 15 years of experience delivering renewable and hybrid power solutions for industrial and mining operations across Africa and global emerging markets. As SVP Business Development at Release, he has led the development and execution of PV-plus-battery systems and modular hybrid plants for on- and off-grid mines. With a background spanning engineering, project finance and full-cycle development, Roberto brings a practical, end-to-end understanding of how to design, finance and operate advanced hybrid power systems for energy-intensive industries.

Emma is an experienced innovation leader, project director and facilitator who helps organisations solve complex challenges through systems thinking and strategic foresight. She empowers teams to deliver measurable outcomes across mining, government, education, defence and start-ups. Emma understands the role of people, process, strategy and governance to achieve measurable innovation and collaboration, having led several large-scale systems implementations and initiatives to innovate collaboratively involving multi-disciplinary teams within complex organisations, between competitors and across value chains. Her recent work includes facilitating initiatives with ICMM members to accelerate mining decarbonisation, leading the Charge On Innovation Challenge and establishing the CharIN/ICMM Mining Interoperability Taskforce.

Alessandro Cezar is the Managing Director of Conductix-Wampfler Brazil, a subsidiary of the global Conductix-Wampfler Group, which provides energy and data transmission systems for industrial and infrastructure sectors. With over 25 years of experience leading multinational engineering organisations, he has driven strategic growth, technology transfer initiatives and operational excellence across Latin America. Under his leadership, Conductix-Wampfler Brazil has executed major electrification projects for leading mining and port operations throughout the region. Alessandro holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, a post-graduate degree in Industrial Administration and an Executive MBA. He is fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish.

With 15 years at the forefront of mining innovation, Gilney serves as a Senior Engineer at Vale S/A, where he is a recognised expert in the automation of large electric shovels from Caterpillar and Komatsu. His career is marked by leadership in digital transformation and electrification projects, including Vale’s pioneering deployment of trailing cable reels for mining equipment at Carajás, a milestone in the company’s energy transition strategy. Specialised in process optimisation and mining automation technologies, he also led the implementation of computer vision systems for GET loss detection, improving both safety and operational efficiency. Currently, his work focuses on mine equipment reliability, ensuring maximum asset availability and performance. Gilney holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Universidade de Uberaba and a postgraduate specialisation in Engineering Management and Mining Process Automation, combining strong technical expertise with extensive hands on experience to advance the future of sustainable mining.

John Hunter is currently serving as Senior Director for Regulations and Intellectual Property based in Peoria, Illinois, at Komatsu North America. Prior to taking a full-time position with the Komatsu company, he previously worked as a consultant to Komatsu in support of sales of haul truck products to the European Union. Before joining Komatsu, John had worked for Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), DuPont, Koch and Caterpillar. He has held a variety of different roles during his career in production, environmental, sustainability and safety and risk management, chemical management, six-sigma and latterly in product conformity/product safety and intellectual property protection. John is a native of the United Kingdom but has completed assignments in Belgium and in the United States. His passion is to execute complex projects with the aim of delighting stakeholders beyond their original expectations.

Anna Gastmaier is a climate policy and environmental specialist driving decarbonisation strategies and regulatory compliance in the mining sector. In her current role, she leads efforts to align the company with evolving climate and trade regulations and supports the development of decarbonisation strategies across mining and its value chain within international policy frameworks. Anna brings expertise in climate-related risk assessment, scenario analysis and implementation of global disclosure standards such as TCFD, IFRS and CSRD. She actively engages with policymakers, industry associations and investors, representing Vale in global forums and serving as Chair of the ICMM Decarbonization Working Group. Her work focuses on integrating climate foresight into strategic planning, positioning the company at the forefront of the energy transition and advancing sector-wide decarbonisation through policy leadership.

Bob McCarthy is a Principal Consultant for SRK Consulting based in Vancouver. As a mining engineer with over 40 years’ experience, Bob’s expertise is in mine planning, project evaluations, and new technology evaluation and implementation, such as IPCC and pre-concentration.

Zach Bergman is a battery specialist who has worked on a wide variety of technologies helping to launch and develop new battery materials and products. Currently he is responsible for the growth of the global market for niobium-based batteries including anode and cathode technologies at CBMM, the world’s largest producer of niobium products. He and his team focus on supporting multiple partner companies to promote their different niobium-based technologies. He is especially focused on the development of niobium dominant anodes where their ultra-safe, extreme long life and high power density are key especially in mining and other non-road applications.

Clayton Sanders is a Mining Engineer with over 13 years of experience working internationally in mine technical, operational, project management and technology implementation roles.

RB Pradhan is a seasoned mining professional with over two decades of experience in large-scale iron ore mining, mine planning, project development and strategic transformation.

He currently serves as Assistant General Manager (Mining) in the Transformation & Innovation Department at NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer.

He has been closely associated with NMDC’s flagship operations, particularly the Bailadila Iron Ore Complex, including its largest mine, Deposit-14, where he contributed to the technical, operational and strategic management of high-capacity mechanised mining systems.

Over more than a decade at NMDC’s Corporate Office, he played a key role in mine planning, execution of major expansion projects and long-term strategy aligned with NMDC’s vision of achieving 100 Mt/y production by FY 2030. Pradhan has extensive experience in resource and reserve augmentation, statutory clearances and preparation of mining plans, progressive and final mine closure plans, prefeasibility reports, techno-economic studies and detailed project reports for both greenfield and brownfield projects. He has led major capacity expansions across multiple NMDC mines.

A strong advocate of digitalisation, electrification and sustainable mining, he has driven implementation of fleet management systems, in-pit crushing & conveying (IPCC), proposed high-angle conveyor systems and PPP-based mechanised ore transport solutions. He also played a key role in transforming NMDC’s Donimalai Pellet Plant into a profitable PPP venture.

He holds a Mining Engineering degree, a First-Class Mines Manager’s Certificate, an MBA and executive education from UCLA Anderson, Harvard Business Publishing and IIT Delhi, and continues to champion future-ready, low-carbon mining solutions.

Joseph A Dos Santos is the founder of Dos Santos International. He has Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering (Civil) degrees from Cornell University and post graduate studies in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He has published major study reports on high angle conveyors and has written numerous technical articles on modern continuous haulage systems and equipment. He is the inventor on six US and foreign patents covering the Sandwich Belt high angle conveyor technology. Joseph is a registered professional engineer.

James Koerting is a mining and energy professional, leading Gold Fields’ energy and decarbonisation strategy, aligned with the group 2035 target. James has over a decade of experience in overseeing the financing and construction of gas-fired power plants and the expansion and hybridisation of these power plants with renewable energy, delivering over 280 MW of capacity. Along with driving Gold Fields’ decarbonisation strategy, he leads a team of energy professionals, managing energy security, efficiency and governance.

Viviana is a Decarbonisation Manager at ICMM, where she leads the climate change agenda, working closely with member companies to strengthen sector resilience and accelerate decarbonisation across the mining and metals industry. She brings extensive experience across both the public and private sectors, with a strong background in renewable energy, energy innovation, environmental sustainability and climate policy. Throughout her career, Viviana has designed and implemented climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies for the energy and mining sectors, promoting collaborative approaches that bring together industry, government and civil society. Viviana is an Environmental Engineer and holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the University of New South Wales, Australia.

Maurits Houck is Echion’s Technical Solutions Expert. He completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge and Echion Technologies, focused on the fundamental electrochemistry of niobium metal oxide anode materials. Echion was spun out from the university in 2017, and is now the leading commercial provider of these battery materials. Houck has been part of this journey, from research into the initial samples at the 1-gram scale five years ago, to providing specialist technical support for the implementation of this material, to commercial partners today. His interests lie in how physics can be applied to solve problems in the transportation and energy transition: batteries are the key link. The Echion team of 60-plus specialists work on the R&D, process engineering, cell engineering and commercial implementation of this new battery together with cell manufacturers and OEMs worldwide.

Markus Kreisel is Managing Director of Kreisel Electric GmbH and a leading voice in the electrification of heavy-duty and off-highway applications. As a speaker, he focuses on how to combine advanced safety and high energy density on a battery system level, as well as on battery solutions for mining, engineered to withstand extreme operational and environmental conditions.

David Jacques joined MacLean Engineering in 2001 after graduating from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. David’s career has grown with MacLean over the past 25 years to include senior management positions then Vice President for Engineering, which includes oversight of the teams that design and build its wide range of underground mining vehicles in both diesel and BEV formats. Since 2024, David’s role has further expanded to include Vice President of the Surface Mining Vehicle Division, which aims to bring zero emission mining products to clients who need to advance their decarbonisation targets to include ancillary equipment.

With a background in top tier management consulting and 5-plus years of experience working with the energy transition of the mining sector, Tommi Valkonen is currently responsible for global strategy development and execution for Sandvik’s fully electric underground loader and truck offering.

Björn Jonsson is the Global Business Line Manager for Mining & Materials, within ABB Process Industries division. This global business line brings together 2,000 employees located across 28 countries, dedicated to the mining, cement and battery industries. With over 20 years’ experience in industrial automation, electrification and digitalisation at ABB, Björn has led teams across Europe, North America, Africa, Middle East and Asia, working in close collaboration with customers and partners. Björn holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and an Executive MBA from Stockholm University. In addition to his role as Business Line Manager, Björn has been an active board member at the Swedish Association of Mines, Minerals and Metal Producers (Svemin) since 2016. He is also a thought leader on digital transformation and sustainability in the industry, speaking regularly on these topics.

Jasper Schrijvers is a Senior Manager in the Energy Advisory team at SLR Consulting, leading their global mining and materials sector. He has over a decade of experience in the energy transition, hydrogen and energy systems within the mining industry, leading projects across Latin America, the US and Europe. His expertise bridges engineering strategic consulting and holistic sustainability solutions. Jasper holds an MSc in Electromechanics and Intelligent Mobility and Postgraduate degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from KU Leuven.

Iain Curran has worked in the mining industry for over 25 years both domestically and internationally for many of the original equipment manufacturers as well as some of the largest mining companies in the world. He has held roles in R&D, asset management, maintenance and operations. Iain has spent a significant amount of his career focusing on heavy mobile equipment where he is regarded very much as a subject matter expert. His current role has Iain focusing on BHP’s decarbonisation pathway for mobile equipment and one of the key initiators of the CharIN Mining Task Force.

Will Dougherty is a prominent leader in the decarbonisation field, dedicated to integrating sustainable practices with cutting-edge technology at Komatsu. He spearheads Komatsu’s electric drive truck decarbonisation initiatives through the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Alliance. Established in 2021, the GHG Alliance fosters collaboration among mining industry leaders to stimulate innovation via structured, impactful dialogues. Komatsu’s decarbonisation strategy revolves around the Power Agnostic (PA) platform, which offers adaptability to various power sources, including diesel, hybrid, battery and emerging technologies. Will’s work ensures that Komatsu remains at the forefront of advancing sustainable solutions within the industry.

Since 2015, André has been responsible for realising the association’s strategy and CharIN’s vision: Empowering the next level of green mobility and energy. The Combined Charging System (CCS), the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) and the North American Charging System (NACS) are the common ground on which the CharIN community has based their achievements on over the past 10 years. André is leading the international set up of CharIN with 11 Coordination Offices and Managing Directors all over the world as well as legal entities in Germany, the US and Asia. He also founded and established the CharIN Academy GmbH.

Brad has 20 years of experience in mining electrification, focusing on electric powertrain development for heavy mobile equipment across a range of haul truck classes. Throughout his career, he has helped shape the transition from diesel to electric by developing powertrain systems that reduce emissions and improve performance, without compromising the reliability that mines depend on. He’s also supported industry efforts to set global electrification standards, including contributing to the CharIN Mining Taskforce’s Dynamic Charging Interface whitepaper and engaging in the ICMM’s Innovation for Cleaner, Safer Vehicles initiative. In these spaces, he offers practical engineering perspectives on safety and interoperability. He brings a hands-on approach to scaling up electric mining fleets, with a strong emphasis on safety, reliability and cost-efficiency. Brad’s work supports customers as they pursue reducing emissions and moving toward a net-zero future while optimising productivity and total cost of ownership.

Dirshan Daby is an Australia-based engineering and commercial professional practicing in the field of electrification and optimisation of heavy mobile machinery. With 10 years of experience in hydraulics efficiency and permanent motors, Dirshan now facilitates the development of machines with high voltage architecture for deployment, particularly within mining.

Molly Puga is the General Manager of First Mode, Cummins’ Industrial Hybrid Business. In this role, she is responsible for building a business around retrofit and first fit hybrid solutions for mining and other industrial markets, supporting Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy. Molly has a seven-year tenure at Cummins in various roles ranging from decarbonisation of Industrial and Power Generation solutions, to supply chain strategy and supply risk mitigation, as well as long-term growth strategy. Before Cummins, Molly was a mergers & acquisitions (M&A) professional at Deloitte Consulting with experience on 15 M&A transactions.

Ebrahim Nikafroozi (Nik) is a Mining Engineer with more than 30 years of experience in mining and heavy civil construction, spanning operational leadership and international business management. With early career experience in site operations, Nik combines hands-on industry insight with global commercial leadership from senior roles at Atlas Copco, Epiroc and now Scania. His background bridges technical expertise, strategic collaboration and customer-driven innovation in complex industrial environments. As Strategic Global Account Manager at Scania, he leads global mining partnerships focused on advancing electrified and automated transport solutions. He works closely with major mining companies to align electrification strategies with operational performance, productivity and long-term sustainability goals – ensuring measurable customer and business value. At The Electric Mine 2026, Nik will share insights from real-world customer collaboration and discuss how strategic partnerships, innovation and bold execution are accelerating the transformation toward sustainable mining operations.

Alexander is a Technical Project Manager at the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN), the largest global association focused on advancing interoperable EV charging solutions and the electrification of all forms of transportation. CharIN represents around 280 companies across the entire e-mobility value chain and works to enable a seamless charging experience through global standards such as the Combined Charging System (CCS), the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) and the North American Charging System (NACS). In his role, Alexander works closely with industry partners, standardisation bodies and CharIN member companies to support technical collaboration, interoperability initiatives and the development of global charging solutions. His work includes coordinating international working groups and special projects addressing topics such as conformance testing, charging infrastructure, and emerging applications like heavy-duty and mining electrification.

Joy Mazumdar is the Global Vice President of Technology Engineering at FLANDERS. In this role, Joy provides strategic and operational leadership for global engineering teams focused on advanced development, software engineering, systems engineering and technology innovation. Joy brings over 25 years of experience in electrification, automation and decarbonisation of surface mining equipment. Prior to joining FLANDERS, Joy held leadership roles at Wabtec Corporation and Siemens. He is deeply committed to accelerate adoption of decarbonising technologies paving the way for greener mines. Joy holds 14 U.S. patents, a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta and is an IEEE senior member.

Vedrana Spudić is the Global Head of Technology for Process Industries at ABB and Technology Manager for Business Line Mining and Materials. With over a decade of experience in various technology roles at ABB, she combines deep technical expertise in electrical systems, control and automation with proven leadership in building high-performing R&D organisations. Her work focuses on translating strategic mining technology vision into impactful business solutions while fostering innovation and sustainability in the sector. Dr. Spudić holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Control Engineering from the University of Zagreb.

Martin Pichette holds a diploma in Industrial Maintenance Technology obtained in 2000. Originally from Val‑d’Or, Québec, he began his career as a maintenance planner and quickly progressed into management positions in the forestry and then mining industries. He served as Operations Superintendent in the manufacturing sector, as Mechanical Superintendent at the Lac Herbin mine for Alexis Minerals, and from 2013 to 2018 at Iamgold’s Westwood mine. In May 2018, Martin joined the Eldorado Gold Québec team as Maintenance Director. In 2021, he was appointed Director of Mine Operations and Maintenance, a role in which he also leads the company’s technological strategy and innovation projects.
Known for his forward‑looking vision, Martin actively champions the integration of cutting‑edge technologies within mining operations. He embraces innovation without hesitation and is recognised for pushing the organisation to stay ahead of industry trends. Under his leadership, technology becomes a strategic driver for operational excellence, safety, and sustainable performance. With many years of experience in management and a LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt certification, Martin applies continuous improvement principles that he considers essential to building an effective business strategy and enabling organisations to perform and evolve. Martin has also served as Chair of the Maintenance Committee of the Québec Mining Association, where he contributed to advancing maintenance practices across the province’s mining industry. Beyond technical expertise, his priority is to empower his team to excel by providing them with the tools, confidence and autonomy needed to drive meaningful progress.

Marc-André is the founder and CEO of Grivix, a technology leader in high-power charging solutions for electric heavy-duty vehicles in mining. With over 15 years of experience at the intersection of robotics, energy systems, and sustainable engineering, Marc-André has pioneered innovations that enable ultra-fast, megawatt-level charging—reducing downtime and accelerating the shift to all-electric mining operations.
At Grivix, he leads the development of cooled cable systems and autonomous robotic chargers designed to deliver currently up to 6 MW of power safely and efficiently. These technologies are tailored for the demanding environments of open-pit and underground mines, offering unmatched flexibility and setup speed compared to traditional infrastructure like overhead catenaries or pantographs.

Marc-André is also a key contributor to the R-MCS whitepaper, developed with CharIN and ICMM, defining the future standards for rapid mining vehicle charging. He is deeply involved in collaborative projects with global partners including Komatsu and ABB, helping mining companies achieve their decarbonization goals without compromising operational efficiency.

Known for his pragmatic approach and passion for clean tech, Marc-André brings both strategic insight and hands-on engineering experience to discussions on the future of electrified mining.

Peter Kurstjens is CEO of S1 Vision GmbH, a Liebherr Group corporate venture on a mission to solve underground mining’s most overlooked bottleneck: haulage. With 25-plus years of experience scaling deep-tech hardware ventures – spanning robotics, autonomous UAVs and industrial sensing – Peter brings a builder’s perspective to mine electrification: what it actually takes to move a novel autonomous system from prototype to proven field deployment. He has led organisations of 30-plus across engineering, business development and operations, and has close OEM partnerships and lighthouse pilots in regulated industrial environments across Europe, the US and Asia.

Maxwell Appiah is Manager of Energy Strategy & Efficiency at Nevada Gold Mines, where he leads energy transition and efficiency initiatives across 22 mining operations consuming more than 3,000 GWh annually. With over 15 years of international experience in power systems engineering and mining infrastructure, he focuses on integrating reliable, low-carbon energy solutions into large-scale industrial operations. His work includes electrification strategies, renewable energy integration and grid optimisation, with project evaluations spanning geothermal power, solar-plus-storage systems, pumped hydro storage and dual-fuel power generation. Earlier in his career with Kinross Gold, Maxwell held engineering and project leadership roles across mining operations in the United States, Brazil, Russia and Ghana.

Jesse Sainio Project Manager at Tapojärvi, working with the EU-Horizon MasterMine project.

Leevi Hannula is a mechanical engineering student at Tampere University specialising in mechatronics, with a strong focus on the design of rugged miniaturised electromechanical systems. From an early age, he has accumulated roughly a decade of hands-on experience across the full development chain of mechatronic systems, including mechanical design, custom PCB development, embedded firmware and system integration. Leevi works with the Mechatronics Research Group, where his interests centre on integrating compact mechanisms with embedded control systems and custom electronics. His projects emphasise modular and highly practical machine architectures designed for robustness and real-world functionality despite tight size and packaging constraints. Through both academic and independent engineering work, he focuses on bridging mechanical engineering and embedded systems to develop highly integrated mechatronic devices and platforms.

Lucca Machado studied Business Administration in London, before starting at U&M in 2020 focused on the company’s project to create the first lithium-ion battery retrofit kit for a 200-ton truck as its coordinator. He is part of the third generation of the family business, trying to carry on the legacy of boldness and innovation.

Lucas is a technologist with strong business grounding and experience managing international, distributed teams to get things done. His goal is to improve safety, productivity and environmental impact of mining, a critical requirement for a world of 9 billion people. He has been with Modular Mining, now Komatsu’s Modular ecosystem, for over 19 years with previous roles including Director of Product Strategy and Manager – Technology & Innovation. He began his mining career in the 1990s at Mount Isa Mines.

Brian Parkey is the Climate Manager at Freeport‑McMoRan, leading climate strategy, emissions‑reduction target setting, GHG accounting and scenario analysis for global mining operations. He previously spent 10 years at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality managing air permitting and planning programs. Brian holds a Chemical Engineering degree from Arizona State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in Arizona.

Brian Huff is the Vice President of New Technologies for Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Load and Haul Division. He co-founded and was Chief Technology Officer of Artisan, a manufacturer of battery-electric mining equipment, before it was acquired by Sandvik and became a part of the Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions Load and Haul Division. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California Davis and has over 25 years of hands-on experience with a wide variety of advanced electric vehicle programs.

Thad Litkenhus is a Vice President of Product Management in Caterpillar’s Resource Industries segment. He is currently responsible for the Mining Electrification portfolio focused on delivering electrification solutions across a broad array of Caterpillar mining customer needs. Thad has over 27 years of industry experience across product and technology development, quality, product support, NTI and NPI, as well as machine platform and service solutions introductions. Thad’s experiences span agricultural, construction, power systems and mining industries, which has afforded substantial international engagement and learning opportunities.
Thad has served in a multitude of positions in the drivetrain, power systems and electrification domains as well as product management positions in Large Mining Trucks and Electrification. Previous assignments also included Global Technical Manager responsibility for Electric Drive Systems and Components development as well as the Energy & Transportation Power Systems arenas for Marine, Oil &Gas and Electric Power electronics. Thad has been involved in Electric Drive technology innovation since serving as the NPI Program Manager for Caterpillar’s first-of-its-kind D7E Electric Drive track type tractor.
Thad holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural & Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and has completed leadership and management certificates through Caterpillar, Inc. and Bradley University.

Richard Kraemer is the Haulage Electrification Solutions Manager at Liebherr Mining Equipment. He works with mining customers to help them achieve their mining truck decarbonisation targets. With over 14 years of experience spanning mining engineering, sales support and surface operations, Richard plays a key role in developing battery and dynamic power transfer solutions to support zero-emission haulage. He holds a degree in Mining and Mineral Engineering from Virgina Tech.

James Oliver grew up in the cane fields of Mackay, where early exposure to heavy equipment and industrial problem solving shaped his hands-on approach to innovation. A mechanical engineer with a passion for practical design, continuous improvement and real-world solutions, he has spent his career engineering and leading step-change technologies that drive productivity, safety and sustainability for some of the world’s largest companies.

As CEO of BluVein, Oliver is at the forefront of electrification and automation in heavy industry, pioneering dynamic charging solutions that enable a viable and practical diesel transition. His leadership is rooted in collaboration – working alongside commercialisation partners, mining majors and many of the world’s leading OEMs on technology delivery to industry, ensuring that innovation translates into real-world impact.

Oliver has built and led high-performance technology delivery teams, spearheading manufacturing businesses, equipment production companies and industrial technology firms. He doesn’t just talk about innovation – he delivers it from the ground up, standing side by side with the giants of industry to drive practical, scalable change.

A true pioneer in modern heavy equipment innovation and operational transformation, Oliver is dedicated to making sustainable industry not just a vision, but a viable and implementable reality. His business acumen and engineering expertise ensure that new technologies don’t just exist in theory – they work in practice, delivering real benefits to the industries that power the world.

Dr. Ritwik Majumder, Ph.D., is working as Senior Principal Engineer in the Epiroc Surface division. He is a technology and innovation strategy expert for energy storage applications, microgrid and control of power electronics. He has more than 20 years of R&D experience in grid technologies. At Epiroc, he is working with requirements, opportunities and challenges of integrating electric drills into mine power system. He is also an adjunct associate professor at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. He is inventor of more than 150 patent publications and has authored more than 50 international journal/conference papers.

Sarah is an experienced underground and open-pit mining engineer, with significant operational and study experience. For the last eight years, she has specialised in mine electrification, including five years of open-pit trolley assist design and operational experience with First Quantum Minerals in Zambia, six months providing trolley assist expertise to Fortescue in Australia and 15 months at IGO Limited in Australia working on the Cosmos Underground Electrification Study. She was co-author of the IGO/Perenti/ABB White Paper “Making electrified underground mining a reality”, published in 2024. At Snowden Optiro, she specialises in the financial and ESG benefits of open-pit and underground mine electrification.

David is a mining engineer with over 35 years’ experience. With SRK, David has led several projects involved in either evaluating the opportunity to install conveyor and trolley assist systems into open pits or reviewing the proposals prepared by others. These include the Lebedinsky conventional conveyor system in Russia and the conventional and high-angle conveyor systems at Muruntau, Uzbekistan, among others. The key to success is understanding the impact on the mining schedule, how to integrate batch and continuous systems, the impact on blending and being able to define the best location.

Dr Robert Saers is Vice President of Research & Development at Epiroc’s Surface Division, with global responsibility for surface drilling rigs, automation, digitalisation and electrification. He leads a high performing, global R&D organisation. Prior to Epiroc, Robert held senior R&D and Marketing roles at electric grid OEMs, spanning power electronics, grid integration, microgrids and high‑voltage systems. He holds a PhD in Experimental Physics and maintains an active research footprint with 1,700-plus citations, h‑index 11, and i10‑index 14.

Richie Zhang is Director of APAC for Tonly Heavy Industries (Singapore) Pte Ltd, President Director of PT Tonly Heavy Industries Indonesia and Managing Director of Tonly Heavy Industries Australia Pty Ltd. He is helping the company pioneer green energy and autonomous mining trucks to decarbonise global mines, as well as driving zero-emission fleets, ESG strategy and market expansion across APAC for sustainable mining innovation.

Benjamin Jakob is the CEO of Jakob Mining Vehicles (JMV) and a leading visionary in the transition to zero-emission mining operations. With a strong entrepreneurial background as CEO of the Jakob Gruppe, he combines decades of industrial expertise with a clear focus on professionalising electric mobility for the harshest environments on earth. Under his leadership, JMV is setting a new industry benchmark with the 2026 world premiere of the TerraCharge. While other electric solutions exist, JMV’s mission is fundamentally different: the TerraCharge is the first fully electric light utility vehicle for mining that is engineered and manufactured according to rigorous automotive standards and large-scale production protocols. By bridging the gap between “one-off” conversions and professional automotive manufacturing, Benjamin ensures that JMV’s clients receive a vehicle built for maximum safety, high availability and seamless fleet integration. At The Electric Mine 2026, he will share insights on why the shift to electric mining requires a move away from compromises toward true industrial-grade mining excellence.

Dr. Steffen Mutschler is an experienced professional in the field of drive technology for mobile working machines. His career is characterised by a combination of a solid academic background and many years of practical experience, which has made him a specialist in energy-efficient solutions within this sector. He completed his studies with degrees in Automotive Systems, Mechanical Engineering and a doctorate with focus on power-split transmissions for mobile machines. This education formed the basis for his understanding of complex mechatronic drive systems. Subsequently, Steffen gained over 15 years of experience in the development of solutions for mobile working machines. During this time, he acquired broad knowledge in hydrostatics, mechanics, electronics and machine controls. He was responsible in customer projects for the introduction of electro-hydraulic propulsion systems in mobile machines. His work focused on the development of energy-efficient solutions. In addition to his technical competencies, Steffen possesses knowledge in product compliance and is committed to decarbonisation in the industry. He is active in the German Engineering Association VDI as Member of the Program Committee of the Conference Electrics/Electronics for Mobile Machines. For five years now, he serves as Director Sales & Product Management Electrification of Mobile Machines. In this role, with his team, he is responsible for both portfolio strategy and the worldwide sales of electric drive components and solutions, helping OEMs in various industries with the electrification of their equipment. The product portfolio includes electric motors, inverters, onboard chargers, DC-DC converters and machine software, creating solutions for battery-electric and hybrid machines.

Mehrzad Ashnagaran has over 30 years of experience in electrification and automation for the mining industry. He began his career as an electrical engineer at a major iron ore complex equipped with ABB electrical and automation systems before joining ABB Switzerland in 2000. Over the years, he has held several international leadership roles in sales, industry management and, from 2019, as Global Product Line Manager for Electrification, with a strong focus on mining projects worldwide. He initiated and led the development of ABB’s eMine concept, contributing to the advancement of electrification solutions for all-electric mining operations. Since February 2026, he has been Global Business Development Lead – Mining & Industries at Hitachi Energy.

Tom Maull is Principal Deployment Strategist for Heavy Industry at Elysia Battery Intelligence by Fortescue, where he leads the deployment of Elysia into electrified haul fleets and auxiliary equipment. He focuses on turning advanced battery modelling, software and analytics into practical products that improve asset performance, reduce risk and support decarbonisation in mining operations. His background spans product strategy, battery modelling and technical development across heavy industry, advanced engineering and motorsport.

As head of the Underground Mining Equipment Department at K+S Aktiengesellschaft in Germany, Lars is responsible for ensuring that seven potash and rock salt mines in Germany are optimally equipped with stationary systems and mobile machinery.

Flavien Berthold has 14 years of experience at ABB across engineering, product management, project execution and sales roles. He currently works as Global Sales Manager in the Traction Division, focusing on electrical equipment for mobile equipment, including power converters, motors and energy storage systems. He brings a strong technical background combined with hands on experience from global traction refurbishment programs and complex customer-facing projects. Flavien has international experience and holds an EMBA from the University of St-Gallen. He is driven by direct customer engagement and by connecting customer needs with innovative system solutions that support the mining industry’s transition toward more sustainable operations.

Alfred Marek is Vice President of Engineering for Underground Hardrock Mining at Komatsu, responsible for engineering strategy, operations and technology development across the company’s global underground hard-rock and industrial minerals portfolio. He brings more than 25 years of experience in underground mining, with a career focused on integrating operational requirements with the development and deployment of advanced mining technologies. His experience spans electrification, automation and equipment innovation, with an emphasis on improving safety, productivity and sustainability in hard-rock mining environments. Alfred has been closely involved in the evolution of battery-electric and electric equipment, autonomous systems and digitally-enabled underground operations, supporting Komatsu’s broader transition toward modern, lower emission mining fleets. In his current role, Alfred oversees global product development programs and works closely with engineering teams and customers to introduce new technologies and optimise equipment performance in demanding underground applications. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the advancement of underground mechanisation and automation, helping mine operators address operational efficiency, emissions reduction and workforce safety. Alfred is known for combining practical mining experience with a structured, forward-looking technology perspective. He regularly engages with industry stakeholders on topics including electrification strategies, automation deployment and the operational considerations associated with implementing new technologies in underground mining.

Anthony Cook is currently Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Surface Haulage Business Unit within Komatsu Mining Technologies. He is responsible for leading and executing the sales and marketing strategies to drive revenue growth and market share expansion globally for the Electric Dump Truck (EDT) products. He holds a Bachelor’s in Mining Engineering from Ballarat University and an MBA in Technology Management from Deakin University, Australia. Prior to this position, Anthony was Vice President of Autonomous Systems in the Mining Technology Division for Komatsu Mining and was responsible for Global AHS business covering strategy, sales and support for autonomous mining products. Anthony was instrumental in bringing the Komatsu AHS system into the commercial market in 2008 and expanding it to where it is today. His career at Komatsu began in April of 1998 as a mining engineer in Australia with Modular Mining Systems which is a technology division specialising in real-time fleet management and optimisation. He moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2000 and has worked in various positions leading up to Vice President of Business Development before focusing on the autonomous business in 2008. Prior to Komatsu, Anthony worked for BHP for four years in Western Australia iron ore operations and four years in Queensland coal operations. During this time, he held various engineering roles in planning, drill and blast, truck-shovel operations, draglines, rail and shipping. Anthony also has experience in underground operations working for Western Mining in gold and nickel mines and wrote his mining thesis on underground ventilation.

Mattias Pettersson is the Global Portfolio Manager for Material Handling at Epiroc, where he is responsible for shaping the global portfolio and strategic direction of underground material handling solutions. With a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management from Linköping University, Sweden, Mattias combines strong analytical capabilities with deep industry insight to drive transformation across the mining value chain. In his role at Epiroc, Mattias leads portfolio strategy and transformation initiatives focused on automation, electrification and digital solutions. He works closely with customers, technology partners and internal teams to accelerate adoption of advanced solutions that improve operational efficiency, productivity and safety while supporting the transition toward zero‑emission mining. A key part of Mattias’ work is fostering collaboration across ecosystems, bringing together mining companies, OEMs and technology providers to deliver scalable, future‑ready solutions. His experience spans customer collaboration, strategic partnerships and thought leadership at the intersection of automation, electrification and digitalisation.

At The Electric Mine Conference, Mattias will share practical experiences from a collaborative project with Boliden and ABB, focusing on the delivery of the Minetruck MT42 SG Trolley solution – an automated, emission-free underground truck system. His presentation will highlight current project status, lessons learned and key insights on how cross‑industry collaboration can accelerate the deployment of electrified and automated mining solutions.

Toby Groom is a leading contributor to the evolution of EV and battery logistics globally, bringing more than 25 years of experience across operations, solution design and customer development at DHL. With a background spanning multiple industry verticals, he offers a unique cross‑industry perspective on the regulatory and safety demands shaping today’s electric‑mobility supply chain. As DHL’s lead for EV & Battery Logistics Solution Development within Customer Solutions & Innovation, Toby drives strategic initiatives that help customers navigate emerging regulations and build resilient, compliant EV logistics networks in a rapidly transforming market.

Dave Rawlins, Chief Programme Engineer – Heavy Industry at Fortescue Zero, is a chartered engineer with more than three decades of industry product development and deployment experience. Having graduated from Imperial College in London with a Mechanical Engineering degree, he has spent 30 years in product development, including over 20 years developing large-scale renewable and power systems across marine and energy sectors, including a period as CTO for the High Value Manufacturing Catapult developing advanced manufacturing solutions for electrified propulsion systems. In March 2022, he joined Fortescue Zero as Head of Engineering Technology, spearheading many of the company’s net-zero emissions initiatives across various sectors, focusing on off-highway and leading delivery of heavy industry programs. He has since transitioned to leading development of decarbonised power system solutions across the portfolio of machine applications.

Martin joined ThyssenKrupp Robins in 2006 and stayed with the team through its transition into Virta’s High-Power Conveyor group. His focus has been on innovation for overland conveyor systems, including inventing and developing TK Robins’ Rail-Running Conveyor (RRC) Technology. Following an approach from professor Dr. Craig Wheeler – who had invented and patented the University of Newcastle’s ‘Rail Conveyor’ technology – Martin was instrumental in progressing TK’s joint commercialisation initiative and kicked off the OEM’s projects for the first two RRC systems.

Martin began his career as an Engineering Consultant at Anglo American/De Beers Group. After immigrating to the US, he joined WBM Consulting Engineers in Denver and rose to Executive VP of WBM’s US operations. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg), a Graduate Diploma in Business Management from its Business School, and an MS in Management of Technology from the University of Denver.

Tom is a Technical Leader for Decarbonization at Vale Base Metals, where he co-manages a broad portfolio of decarbonisation initiatives to achieve the company’s climate and nature objectives and commitments. With a background in metallurgical processes, environmental capital projects and sustainability policy, Tom collaborates within the business to establish decarbonisation strategy, develop technologies, assess risk, progress projects and engage with stakeholders. Tom leads the carbon intensity mapping for all base metal products and the corresponding third-party assurance process. He is also the lead on Scope 3 GHG emissions.

Nic Beutler is a Global Product Manager at ABB, driving the electrification of mining operations through integrated solutions covering electric haulage, dynamic and stationary charging solutions, and mine power systems. He focuses on turning decarbonisation strategies into practical, system‑level architectures that align energy, automation and mining operations at scale. Nic has played a key role in shaping ABB’s eMine™ framework, helping mining companies translate decarbonisation ambitions into executable technical and operational roadmaps. He works closely with mine operators, OEMs, utilities and partners to address system‑level challenges such as power demand profiles, grid stability and the interaction between energy, automation and mining schedules.

Nellaiappan (Nells) Subbiah is Product Manager for Rotary Drills at Sandvik Mining. He manages the Sandvik Rotary blast hole drills product line by creating new product development strategies and overseeing the current product upgrades.

Craig Wheeler is a Professor of Engineering at the University of Newcastle and Director of the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies. He worked as a Mechanical Engineer for BHP for 11 years and then as a Research Fellow at the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies for four years. He was appointed as an academic in the Discipline of Mechanical Engineering in 2003. During this time he has initiated significant research programs in the areas of belt conveying technology, new overland transport technologies, dust modelling and minimisation, and tailings dewatering. Dr. Wheeler is the inventor of the Rail-Running Conveyor technology exclusively licensed by the University of Newcastle for the application described in the presentation Craig and Martin Lurie will give at The Electric Mine 2026.

Charl Klopper is an Executive Project Director and Fluor’s Global Underground Mining Lead, with more than 40 years of experience across underground mine operations, capital project development and EPCM delivery. His career spans senior operational leadership and executive project roles, including responsibility for feasibility studies, major capital approvals and multi‑billion‑dollar project execution. At Fluor, Charl leads the company’s global underground mining portfolio, supporting major projects across the UK, Southern Africa, North America and Central Asia. He is known for integrating operational, electrification and infrastructure requirements into development strategies early –ensuring projects are not only technically robust, but execution‑ready. Charl brings a practical, owner‑focused perspective to mine electrification, grounded in governance, constructability and long‑term operational performance.

Ulf Richter holds a Diploma degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialisation in power electronics and energy systems from the Technical University of Dresden, where he graduated in 1997. He joined ABB in Germany in 1998 and has since worked extensively on drive systems for the mining and material handling industries. With over 28 years of experience, Ulf has contributed to the development, standardisation, engineering and commissioning of frequency converter drive systems and their controls, with a strong focus on continuous conveying ap-plications. In his current role as Global Product Manager for Belt Conveyor Solutions at ABB, he plays a key role in advancing gearless conveyor drive technology. His responsibilities include leading development projects and feasibility studies, defining business strategies, and supporting sales and project teams in the execution of complex mining conveyor projects using advanced drive systems.

Moeen Khan is an Organizational Unit Manager for Electrical and Control Systems with over a decade of experience delivering complex engineering solutions across the global mining and metals sector, spanning multiple commodities and all project phases. In addition to his engineering leadership role, Moeen serves as the Mining and Metals Innovation Lead for Fluor South Africa, where he drives the adoption of emerging technologies, leads digital transformation initiatives and guides teams in turning innovative concepts into practical, high‑value solutions for clients. Driven by a strong commitment to innovation and safety, he has collaborated with leading academic institutions to develop next‑generation technologies that enhance underground mining safety and operational intelligence. Most recently, he led his team to the finals of the world’s first global minerals innovation competition, hosted in Saudi Arabia.

Daniel Neumann began his career in the chemical process industry in 2012. In 2015, he started his PhD at RWTH Aachen University. Since 2019, he has been responsible for the energy business at FEV Consulting and, since 2024, additionally serves as Strategy Lead at FEV energy+resources.

Aurora Puriqi is a Business Development Manager and hydro-technical engineer with a strong background in infrastructure projects, renewable energy and international project management. She is currently leading the SubSpace Energy Hub Platform at Hagerbach Test Gallery, where she focuses on driving innovation and collaboration in underground mining, particularly in electrification, energy systems and sustainable infrastructure.

With experience across multiple countries and sectors, Aurora has been actively involved in developing and managing cross-industry initiatives, building partnerships between mining companies, OEMs, research institutions and technology providers. Her work centres on identifying emerging industry needs and translating them into collaborative projects that support the transition toward safer, more efficient and low-emission mining operations. She also plays a key role in shaping strategic initiatives, organising industry events and facilitating knowledge exchange across stakeholders.

Arsalan Anwar, M. AusIMM, is a Mining Engineer with 16 years of experience at the forefront of Pakistan’s most ambitious energy and mining development. As General Manager – Mine Planning, Technical & Expansion at Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), he leads the engineering, planning and expansion of the largest open-pit mining project in Pakistan — scaling from 7.6 Mt/y towards 20+ Mt/y. Arsalan has managed over $1 billion in EPC contracts, delivered multi-phase feasibility studies aligned with JORC standards and driven cost optimisation initiatives. A strong advocate for sustainable mining, he has pioneered the introduction of electric dump trucks at SECMC and is currently driving Solar + BESS integration into mine operations — positioning Thar Coal as a leader in energy transition within the mining sector. He holds a Bachelors in Mining Engineering.

Alexander Richter serves as Chief Engineer for the Hybrid Mining Truck Project of Rolls-Royce Power Systems since its launch in 2021. Throughout his 18-year tenure at RRPS and its product and solution brand mtu, he has developed profound expertise in mining applications and systems engineering, leading international projects from initial concept to hands-on commissioning and field testing. His career focuses on innovative, sustainable powertrain solutions. Alexander has driven major milestones, including 12% fuel savings through powertrain optimisation of mining trucks and a world high-altitude record for engines delivering full power at 5,500 metres without derating. He holds an MSc in Automotive Engineering and is a VDI-certified Electromobility Specialist.

Cameron Lynn is a Senior Specialist in Asset Decarbonisation at Thiess, where he leads and supports initiatives to decarbonise heavy mining assets across global operations. His work spans technology evaluation, field trials and the commercial deployment of decarbonisation solutions for large diesel equipment. Cameron brings a strong operational perspective, having previously worked across Thiess operations in Australia’s Bowen Basin and Botswana in Africa, leading field, electrical, autonomy and technology teams. This experience underpins his focus on practical, site-ready decarbonisation pathways that can be deployed safely and at scale.

Ronald Diaz is currently Vice President of Technical at Anglo American’s Quellaveco operations in Peru. Prior to this role, he has held a number of senior positions in the Latin American mining sector, most recently serving as the General Manager of the Salares Norte operations.

Christoph Kettner is the Global Sales Manager Mining at Siemens Mobility, driving the electrification of mining transportation through dynamic and static charging solutions. His 14-year career includes roles as Chief Engineer and System Manager for dynamic charging solutions, specifically for open-pit mining trucks and on-highway trucks. In these roles, he has led and executed multiple projects globally, supporting customers in their transition from fossil fuels to zero-emission transportation.

Sabri Karabay is a Seasoned Mechanical Engineer and Advisor to the CEO of Nuh Çimento Grubu with over 30 years in heavy construction, project management, R&D and industrial engineering. He has expertise in large-scale infrastructure projects including power plants, dams and quarrying operations. Sabri is an advisor to ÇimNak Ltd, wholly-owned by Nuh Çimento Group, on electrification of mining machinery and autonomous driving. He holds patents and is an author of industry publications on electrification and carbon neutrality.

Christian Ebert has a Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering from RWTH Aachen, in Germany. Since 1992, he has held various roles in ABB for Power Transformers & Service and, since 2020, been the Global Solution Manager for Transportation at Hitachi Energy.

Klas Lundgren is CEO of T Engineering AB, but has previously served as Director Electrical Controls & SW at Saab Automobile Powertrain AB; Director GM Powertrain Controls, Manager Infotainment & HMI SW Development, and Project Leader Autosar at General Motors; and Manager of Electronics Test and Validation, and Manager of Body Electronics at Saab Automobile AB.

Renae Muller is General Manager for Hitachi Construction Machinery, leading the International Operations Section team. With a strong background in global partnerships, contracts, sales and marketing, globally, Renae has successfully managed strategic relationships, negotiated and implemented global supply contracts, as well as built scalable and efficient solutions for complex business requirements, both internally and externally. Renae is well-versed in various aspects of the business, having spent two years working in Japan, and has expanded her team’s portfolio to include global product, technical and engineering support capabilities. Having recently been instrumental in the BEV demonstration, Renae is also well versed in the companies decarbonisation journey.

Bartosz Kozik is a global sales and product leader with 20+ years of experience in the construction equipment industry. He specialises in driving growth, building international markets and leading high-performing teams across sales, business development and product management. As BEV Business Director, Bartosz leads a multi-functional team focused on accelerating electric-vehicle-related business for LiuGong in Europe.

Katherine Lee is a Special Project Development Lead at Epiroc, responsible for leading R&D projects and battery system development programs. Her work focuses on advancing and integrating battery technologies through structured engineering processes and cross functional collaboration. With a background in battery systems and safety-focused design, Katherine leads technical teams from early concept stages though to product delivery. She works alongside marketing, operations and commercial teams to translate emerging battery technologies into safe, certifiable and manufacturable BEV solutions.

Dr. Allen Wilkes leads innovative transformations, large and small, to deliver mine operating, efficiency, safety and environmental gains. Allen’s journey leading change, digitisation, automation & innovation began implementing Modular Mining Dispatch and SAP Systems at BHP’s Escondida (Chile) & Tintaya (Peru) Copper in 2000. As Regional Manager for Continuous Improvement, Allen developed a team of engineers, innovators and problem solvers to deliver GHG reductions across Barrick’s eight North American mines. Allen continued to implement promising change & innovation practices at BHP, Barrick Gold, Goldcorp, Eldorado Gold and Coeur Mining. Always learning, as an employee at Goldcorp Canada, Allen began his research on the environmental and operating success of Canada’s first fully-electric underground fleet at the nearby Borden underground gold mine. (“Promising Practices to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Mining” – University of Southern California). Allen has engaged leadership, leading change at mines producing everything from coal to diamonds, gold to zinc, on every continent with a mine.

Don Toporowski is CEO of ReThink Mining, where he works with global mining companies to accelerate the adoption of technologies that improve productivity and drive operational change. He leads industry-wide consortium projects that bring miners together to co-invest in solutions such as battery-electric vehicles, electrification infrastructure and advanced processing technologies. His work focuses on solving one of mining’s biggest challenges: moving innovation from concept to implementation at scale. Prior to ReThink Mining, Don built and scaled multiple early-stage businesses that attracted over $250 million in investment, and led complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives across government and industry. His experience has shown that the real challenge isn’t innovation, it’s getting it adopted. He is known for his candid, practical perspective on innovation, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, execution and measurable results. Don holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and has completed executive studies at Queen’s University School of Business and MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.

Calum is a leader in the energy sector dedicated to supporting the transition to a lower-carbon future through the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other low-carbon energy solutions for remote power and off-grid operations. As CEO of Cryopeak Energy Solutions, a Canada-based cryogenic technology company and fuel distributor, Calum founded the company in 2012 to meet growing demand for cleaner, more competitive energy for off-grid industries and communities including applications that support mines in sustainable energy solutions and decarbonisation. Under his leadership, Cryopeak has grown to become Canada’s largest small-scale LNG production and distribution company. Calum has over 25 years of experience in the energy industry. Prior to founding Cryopeak, he spent more than a decade in the international energy shipping sector with Teekay Shipping, where he led new business initiatives and advanced technologies focused on floating LNG solutions and the use of LNG as a marine fuel. Originally from the UK, Calum is a Professional Engineer and holds an MBA from the University of British Columbia. He is based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Laura Garcia Quintana, is the Product Manager for Komatsu’s 980E ultra‑class Electric Dump Truck product line. She leads global product strategy, marketing execution and lifecycle management, working closely with cross‑functional and regional teams to align product development with market needs and long‑term business objectives. Laura’s work is driven by Voice of Customer (VOC) and Voice of Business (VOB) insights to strengthen competitiveness and lifecycle value. She holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in International Business and Marketing from Bradley University.

Linda Dittrich is co-Owner and Head of Business & Finance at Nordkust, where she focuses on making electrification work as a business decision, not just as a technology shift. With a background as an auditor and CFO, she brings a strong financial and strategic perspective to electric heavy transport. Her work centres on the factors that ultimately decide whether electrification succeeds in real production: cost per tonne, operational risk, productivity and long-term financial performance. At Nordkust, Linda helps translate transport flows, charging strategy and operational requirements into clear investment logic. This “flow-first” approach ensures that machines and infrastructure are selected only when the business case makes sense. Her perspective is simple: electrification must work in the numbers, in the operation and over time. If it doesn’t, Nordkust will say so.