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2026 Speakers

We continue to build an inspiring line-up of speakers who provided real-world experience, bold ideas, and expert knowledge on the path to net-zero mining for The Electric Mine 2026!

Conference Hosts

Daniel Gleeson

Managing Director, International Mining Events

Daniel Gleeson

Managing Director, International Mining Events

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

Executive Director, International Mining Events

Paul Moore

Executive Director, International Mining Events

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

Our Speakers

Peter Wallin

Manager, Boliden Mines Electrification Program, Boliden

Peter Wallin

Manager, Boliden Mines Electrification Program, Boliden

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

Founder & CTO, Nordkust

Johan Gustafsson

Founder & CTO, Nordkust

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

Founder & Managing Director, VV Ventures Ltd (VoltVision)

Manoli Yannaghas

Founder & Managing Director, VV Ventures Ltd (VoltVision)

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

Decarbonisation & Energy Transition Manager, Endeavour Mining

David Preedy

Decarbonisation & Energy Transition Manager, Endeavour Mining

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

Manager, Innovation & Decarbonisation (Lead — ICSV GHG), ICMM

Tariq Kareemulla

Manager, Innovation & Decarbonisation (Lead — ICSV GHG), ICMM

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.

 

Ratna Kanth Dittakavi

Global Sales Manager - eMine, ABB

Ratna Kanth Dittakavi

Global Sales Manager - eMine, ABB

Ratna Kanth Dittakavi is the Global Sales Manager for ABB eMine™, a pioneering portfolio dedicated to advancing sustainable mining through electrification. With a strong foundation as an Electrical and Electronics Engineer from Nagarjuna University, Ratna Kanth brings over 23 years of expertise in fleet electrification technologies, automation systems (Distributed Control Systems) and cybersecurity in operational technology. Currently based in Salt Lake City, USA, Ratna Kanth plays a strategic role in shaping ABB’s global approach to decarbonising mining operations. ABB’s work focuses on delivering innovative solutions such as trolley assist systems and high-power charging infrastructure for battery-electric vehicles, enabling mining companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve operational efficiency. Ratna Kanth has been instrumental in driving collaborations with major industry players and mining operators worldwide, including projects aimed at electrifying underground fleets and implementing advanced charging technologies. ABB’s leadership extends beyond sales-bridging technical innovation with commercial strategies to accelerate the transition toward fully-electric mines.
A frequent contributor to global mining forums and conferences, Ratna Kanth is passionate about sustainability and digital transformation, and advocates for integrating electrification, automation and digitalisation to create safer, smarter and greener mining environments.

Dr Rikard Mäki

Head of Electrification and Automation — Mobile Equipment, Boliden

Dr Rikard Mäki

Head of Electrification and Automation — Mobile Equipment, Boliden

Mark Ryan

Vice President, Equipment Offering, Normet

Mark Ryan

Vice President, Equipment Offering, Normet

Roberto Berardo

SVP Mining, Release by Scatec

Roberto Berardo

SVP Mining, Release by Scatec

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 Jones

Executive Advisor, Innovation & Transformation, GHD

Emma Jones

Executive Advisor, Innovation & Transformation, GHD

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

Managing Director, Conductix-Wampfler Brazil

Alessandro Cezar

Managing Director, Conductix-Wampfler Brazil

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.

Gilney Freitas

Senior Engineer, Vale S/A

Gilney Freitas

Senior Engineer, Vale S/A

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.

Kim Massey

Zero Emissions Manager, Rental Group

Kim Massey

Zero Emissions Manager, Rental Group

Harry Mellor

European Product Director, LiuGong Machinery Europe B.V.

Harry Mellor

European Product Director, LiuGong Machinery Europe B.V.

Harry Mellor is a leading figure in the electrification of construction equipment and the development of next-generation products for mature markets. As European Product Director at LiuGong, he has been instrumental in driving the company’s transition to battery-electric machinery, shaping product strategy, and aligning global R&D with the technical and commercial demands of Europe. Harry has built and led high-performing product teams across Europe, and plays a central role in defining customer requirements, market entry strategies, and the full BEV ecosystem—including charging strategy, power management, and lifecycle battery performance. With deep industry insight and a reputation for strong dealer and customer engagement, he is a recognised voice in advancing zero-emission construction solutions across Europe and other mature markets.

John Hunter

Senior Director, Regulations and IP, Komatsu

John Hunter

Senior Director, Regulations and IP, Komatsu

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

Senior Analyst, Climate, Vale S/A

Anna Gastmaier

Senior Analyst, Climate, Vale S/A

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

Principal Consultant, SRK Consulting

Bob McCarthy

Principal Consultant, SRK Consulting

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.

Hamid Taghavi

Manager: Mine Engineering & Planning, AngloGold Ashanti

Hamid Taghavi

Manager: Mine Engineering & Planning, AngloGold Ashanti

Hamid Taghavi is a Mining Engineering & Planning Manager with over 15 years of experience leading open-pit mine design, long-range planning, project evaluation and cross-functional planning efforts. He specialises in developing optimised mine plans, integrating geotechnical, geological and permitting inputs, and building structured frameworks that improve decision making and team performance. Hamid holds an MBA from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor’s in Mine Engineering, along with multiple certifications in mine planning and risk management.

Zach Bergman

Global Business Development Manager - Niobium Anodes, CBMM

Zach Bergman

Global Business Development Manager - Niobium Anodes, CBMM

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 Anode Active Materials (AAM) 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 anode technologies to develop markets where their ultra-fast charging capability, extremely long life and high power density can create the most value for various applications around the world.

Previously Zach held commercial roles at Powall, a Dutch startup where he drove their growth into the battery materials industry, establishing a market to coat battery active materials with their novel thin film nano coating technology. He also worked as a Business Development Manager for Johnson Matthey Battery Materials where he was responsible for managing product development and qualification of both high nickel and LFP Cathode Active Materials (CAM) for large global cell manufacturers.

Zach is currently based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and holds an Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath in the UK, where he is from.

Clayton Sanders

Lead - Group Mine Technology, First Quantum Minerals Limited

Clayton Sanders

Lead - Group Mine Technology, First Quantum Minerals Limited

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

AGM (Mining), Transformation & Innovation, NMDC Limited

RB Pradhan

AGM (Mining), Transformation & Innovation, NMDC Limited

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 Dos Santos

Senior Consultant, Dos Santos International

Joseph Dos Santos

Senior Consultant, Dos Santos International

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

Senior Manager Energy, Gold Fields

James Koerting

Senior Manager Energy, Gold Fields

James Koerting is a senior mining and energy professional known for driving innovative, large scale renewable energy solutions across remote mining operations. With over two decades of hands on project delivery experience, he has overseen the financing, construction,and hybridisation of remote gas fired power stations with renewable technologies, contributing more than 280 MW of installed capacity across multiple sites. James’ career spans engineering, project management and strategic energy leadership, underpinned by a strong commitment to decarbonisation and long term transformation of the resources sector. In his role as Senior Energy Manager at Gold Fields, James leads the company’s energy and decarbonisation strategy, aligned with the group’s emissions reduction targets. He manages teams responsible for energy security and efficiency, while driving the integration of high penetration renewable systems. His work includes the Agnew, Granny Smith, St Ives and Gruyere hybrid renewable projects, which collectively deliver significant CO₂ reductions across Gold Fields’ operations. Recognised as a mining decarbonisation champion, James brings deep technical, commercial and strategic expertise to shaping the future of low carbon mining energy systems.

Viviana Huerta

Manager - Environment, ICMM

Viviana Huerta

Manager - Environment, ICMM

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

Technical Solutions Expert, Echion Technologies

Maurits Houck

Technical Solutions Expert, Echion Technologies

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

Managing Director, KREISEL Electric GmbH

Markus Kreisel

Managing Director, KREISEL Electric GmbH

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

Vice President Engineering & Surface Mining Vehicles, MacLean Engineering

David Jacques

Vice President Engineering & Surface Mining Vehicles, MacLean Engineering

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.

Tommi Valkonen

Head of BEV Strategy, Sandvik Mining

Tommi Valkonen

Head of BEV Strategy, Sandvik Mining

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

Global Business Line Manager for Mining & Materials, Process Industries, ABB

Björn Jonsson

Global Business Line Manager for Mining & Materials, Process Industries, ABB

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

Senior Manager Energy & Emissions Excellence, SLR Consulting

Jasper Schrijvers

Senior Manager Energy & Emissions Excellence, SLR Consulting

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

Practice Lead Global - Fleet Decarbonisation, BHP

Iain Curran

Practice Lead Global - Fleet Decarbonisation, BHP

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

GHG Alliance Program Manager, Komatsu

Will Dougherty

GHG Alliance Program Manager, Komatsu

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.

André Kaufung

Managing Director, CharIN

André Kaufung

Managing Director, CharIN

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 Bailey

Manager, Powertrain Engineering, Caterpillar

Brad Bailey

Manager, Powertrain Engineering, Caterpillar

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

Global OEM Coordinator- E-Mobility, HYDAC International

Dirshan Daby

Global OEM Coordinator- E-Mobility, HYDAC International

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.

Gonzalo Monsalve Moreno

Decarbonisation Lead, Codelco

Gonzalo Monsalve Moreno

Decarbonisation Lead, Codelco

Gonzalo Monsalve Moreno is an electrical engineer with a Master’s in Innovation and a PMP Certification. He has more than 10 years of experience leading initiatives such as automation projects, analysis and renewal of energy contracts, innovation projects and fleets electrification

Molly Puga

First Mode General Manager, Cummins

Molly Puga

First Mode General Manager, Cummins

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

Strategic Global Account Manager, Scania CV AB

Ebrahim Nikafroozi

Strategic Global Account Manager, Scania CV AB

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 Janissek

Technical Project Manager, CharIN e.V.

Alexander Janissek

Technical Project Manager, CharIN e.V.

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

Global VP, Technology Engineering, FLANDERS

Joy Mazumdar

Global VP, Technology Engineering, FLANDERS

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 Spudic

Head of Technology, Process Industries, ABB

Vedrana Spudic

Head of Technology, Process Industries, ABB

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

Mine Manager, Eldorado Gold

Martin Pichette

Mine Manager, Eldorado Gold

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 Beck

CEO, grivix

Marc-André Beck

CEO, grivix

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

CEO, S1 Vision

Peter Kurstjens

CEO, S1 Vision

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

Manager, Energy Strategy & Efficiency, Barrick (Nevada Gold Mines)

Maxwell Appiah

Manager, Energy Strategy & Efficiency, Barrick (Nevada Gold Mines)

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.

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