SPEAKERS
Hear from our sensational, insightful speakers at The Australian Gold Conference (October 2025)!
The Australian Gold Conference 2025
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Hedley Widdup
Hedley graduated as a geologist with first-class honours from the University of Melbourne in 2000. With experience at WMC, Xstrata, and Goldfields, he joined Lion in 2007, working across its portfolio in Australia, Africa, and Asia. He is Chairman of Plutonic Ltd, a Non-Executive Director at Erdene Resource, and a volunteer member of the Melbourne Mining Club Steering Commitee.
Grady Wulff
Grady Wulff is a Market Analyst at Bell Direct, delivering in-depth insights to identify investment opportunities. With a background in finance media and roles at Grafa Finance, Channel 7 and Fox Sports News, she blends sharp research skills with communication expertise to demystify markets for everyday investors.
Sean Russo
Since founding Noah’s Rule in 2004, Sean has been a hands-on, strategic advisor on the management of financial and commodity market risk and negotiations and oversight for hedging execution and debt funding. The team at Noah’s Rule has a strong track record in delivering be-spoke strategic risk advice to CEOs, CFO’s, company boards and senior management.
Daniel Want
Daniel, Chief Investment Officer and co-founder of Prerequisite Capital Management, brings 18 years of self-education and mentorship in investment management, leadership, and economics. With experience as Investment Strategist at an award-winning hedge fund and Portfolio Manager, Daniel leads PCM’s research, consulting, and investment management activities.
COMPANY PRESENTATIONS
Roger Jackson
Roger Jackson, Executive Chairman of Vertex Minerals, brings 25+ years of mining expertise spanning exploration, operations, and governance. Also leading Ark Mines’ rare earth project and serving on QX Resources’ board, Roger champions innovation and sustainability in mining, making him a key voice in the sector’s future.
Alexander Scanlon
Barton Gold
Alex is the founder of Barton Gold and a financial economist with 20 years of experience in financial analysis, mining advisory, and investment. Formerly Managing Director at PARQ Capital and a Director at Lusona Capital, Alex specializes in corporate advisory and investments in natural resources. He holds degrees from Santa Clara University, Oxford, and Cambridge.
Damien Keys
Damien is a geologist with 20 years experience in mining and exploration across a range of commodities. Damien has led teams to exploration success with Gold Fields Australia, Silver Lake Resources, Black Cat Syndicate and most recently at Spectrum Metals with the discovery of the Penny North Gold Mine. Damien has completed a PhD in Structural Geology at James Cook University in Townsville.
Paul Bennett
Medallion Metals
A Mining Engineer with an MBA, brings 25 years of expertise in resource operations, development, and financing. With leadership roles at Newcrest, Western Metals, and Panoramic Resources, he’s a seasoned expert. His experience in equity and debt financing, plus board roles at NickelSearch and Horizon Gold, make him a highly knowledgeable industry leader.
Dean Tuck
Dean is an accomplished geologist and exploration manager with extensive experience across Australia, Brazil, and Southeast Asia. He’s played a key role in multiple discoveries across a wide range of commodities, holding senior positions at companies from BHP Billiton to ASX-listed explorers.
Kris Knauer
Kris Knauer is a geologist-turned-investment banker and experienced listed company CEO. He led the ASX listing of Citadel Resources, completing a DFS on Saudi Arabia’s Jabal Sayid copper project before its $1 billion takeover. Kris began his career as a mining analyst and exploration geologist.
Justin Haines
Justin was appointed CEO of Great Divide Mining Ltd in July 2022, bringing 30+ years of experience in mining and exploration across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. He has held key roles at Hawsons Iron, Leigh Creek Energy, and Carbon Energy to name a few. Justin holds a Master’s in Mining Engineering from UNSW, alongside other accolades.
Ian Holland
Ian is a qualified geologist with over 25 years’ mining industry experience. As former MD of Navarre Minerals, he led the acquisition of Mt. Carlton and transitioned the company into production. His background spans geology, finance, and leadership roles at Fosterville, Renison, Mount Isa, and other significant operations.
Paul Lock
Paul Lock is the Founder and Managing Director of Flagship Minerals, driving exploration and development of critical resources for a low-carbon future. With a background in corporate advisory, trading, and finance at firms including CBA, Rothschild & Co., and Marubeni, Paul brings strategic insight into resource markets and electrification trends.
Luke McFayden
Luke McFadyen is a mining executive with over 15 years’ global experience across commodities including copper, nickel, gold, and graphite. With a strong background in both operations and strategy, Luke has held roles at BHP, OZ Minerals, Syrah Resources and more. He is a Fellow of the AusIMM.
Scott Williamson
Scott is an experienced mining executive with a strong track record across open pit and underground operations. With a background in corporate finance and investor relations, he brings deep expertise in project management and capital markets. Scott holds a WA First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate and is a member of AusIMM.
Ian Bamborough
Mr Bamborough is a geologist with over 25 years’ leadership in exploration, operations, and business development, Mr Bamborough built his career with Newmont and later led ASX-listed Spectrum Rare Earths. He has also served on the Northern Territory Mining Board and the Gold Industry Group.
James Gurry
James Gurry is a seasoned company director and corporate leader with 20 years’ experience in investment banking and strategy. Known for aligning diverse stakeholders, he brings sharp insight into governance, operations and capital markets—refined over a decade of global engagement with top institutional investors and listed companies.
Katie Lourey
Katie is a Risk & Compliance Specialist with deep experience across Superannuation, Insurance, Equities, and Financial Advice. She’s worked with the UK Ombudsman Service and now ensures GBA meets the highest regulatory standards, bringing invaluable insight from decades across the financial services industry.
Richard Carlton
Richard Carlton brings over 30 years of global mining leadership to the stage, with deep expertise in gold and base metals. Having led major operations like Edna May and Waihi, and pioneered metallurgical innovations, Richard offers practical insights into mine development, funding, and operational excellence.
Chris Byrne
With a background in engineering, environmental science, and project management, Chris brings deep expertise from his work with Anglo American in large-scale mining operations. His experience spans open cut and underground projects, technical services, and operations. He is a member of AusIMM and AICD.
Adam Oehlman
Adam Oehlman is a seasoned mining professional with experience across technical and commercial roles. He’s held key positions at Northern Star, Superior Gold, and Goldfields, and most recently served as Principal Investment Analyst at Hancock Prospecting, blending operational insight with strategic analysis and business development expertise.
Phillip Wilding
With two decades in mining, including as COO of Westgold Resources, Mr Wilding brings proven leadership in gold operations, project execution, and team building. He’s overseen multiple mine developments and refurbishments, offering attendees valuable insights into operational strategy, execution under pressure, and scaling gold production in Australia.