50 Best Leadership Speakers for Mining Companies (2026)
- Jonno White
- Mar 25
- 20 min read
Finding the right leadership speaker for your mining company can transform your next conference, executive retreat or safety stand-down from a forgettable event into a turning point for your team. The mining industry faces unique leadership challenges, from managing remote site operations and fostering safety culture to navigating digital transformation and community engagement. A great speaker understands these challenges and delivers practical insights your leaders can apply the moment they return to site.
This guide brings together 50 of the best leadership speakers for mining companies in 2026. Whether you are planning a corporate conference, a site leadership day, an executive offsite or an industry event, you will find speakers here who specialise in safety culture, operational excellence, resilience, innovation, indigenous engagement, women in mining, mental health and much more.
If you are looking for someone who can help your mining leadership team build a culture of clarity, alignment and high performance, Jonno White is a standout choice. As a Certified Working Genius Facilitator and bestselling author, Jonno works with mining and resources organisations to unlock the potential of their leadership teams. But more on that below.
How to Choose the Right Leadership Speaker for Your Mining Company
Selecting the right speaker is about more than a polished presentation. Here are the key criteria to consider when booking a leadership speaker for a mining company event.
Industry relevance. Does the speaker understand the mining sector? The best speakers for mining companies either have direct mining experience or have worked extensively with resources organisations. They understand shift work, FIFO culture, safety-critical environments and the pressures of commodity cycles.
Practical takeaways. Mining leaders are pragmatic. They want frameworks, tools and strategies they can implement, not just motivational stories. Look for speakers who leave your team with something tangible.
Cultural fit. Consider your audience. Are they frontline supervisors, middle managers or C-suite executives? A speaker who connects with one group may not land with another. Ask for references from similar audiences.
Customisation. The best speakers tailor their content to your company's specific challenges. They conduct pre-event briefings, learn your language and reference your strategic priorities.
Track record. Check testimonials, video clips and client lists. Has the speaker delivered for other mining companies? Have they spoken at major industry conferences like IMARC, Mining Indaba or the World Mining Congress?
Availability and logistics. Mining events often happen in remote locations or require flexible scheduling. Confirm the speaker can accommodate your logistics, including travel to regional or international venues.
Follow-up resources. Great speakers provide post-event materials, whether that is a book, a workbook, a follow-up webinar or access to online tools that extend the impact of their presentation.
The 50 Best Leadership Speakers for Mining Companies (2026)
Global Leadership and Team Development Speakers
1. Jonno White
Organisation: Consult Clarity (Clarity Group Global)
Location: Brisbane, Australia (works globally)
Website: consultclarity.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonno-white
Jonno White is a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, bestselling author and dynamic keynote speaker who helps mining and resources organisations build cultures of clarity, alignment and high performance. His book "Step Up or Step Out" has sold over 10,000 copies, and his Leadership Conversations Podcast has reached listeners in over 150 countries across 230+ episodes.
Jonno's approach is built on Patrick Lencioni's Working Genius framework, which helps leaders and teams discover their natural areas of genius and frustration. For mining companies, this means faster decision-making, less friction between departments and a leadership team that operates at its best. He also facilitates sessions using DISC profiles and StrengthsFinder, making him versatile for a range of leadership development needs.
His 93.75% satisfaction rating at the ASBA 2025 National Conference speaks to the quality of his delivery. Jonno has worked with organisations in the UK, India, Australia, Canada, Mongolia, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, the USA, Finland and Namibia. He delivers keynotes, half-day and full-day workshops, executive team offsites and MC/emcee services. Whether your mining leadership team needs help with difficult conversations, team alignment or building a high-performance culture, Jonno brings energy, depth and practical tools.
Contact: jonno@consultclarity.org
2. Mark Cutifani CBE
Organisation: Former CEO, Anglo American
Location: Global
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-cutifani
Mark Cutifani is one of the most respected mining executives of his generation. With over 48 years of experience spanning underground coal mining in Australia to senior executive roles across six continents, 20 countries and over 30 minerals and metals, Cutifani brings unmatched depth to any leadership conversation. As CEO of Anglo American from 2013 to 2022, he led a transformational restructuring that delivered industry-leading results and repositioned the company as a sustainability and innovation leader. He was inducted into the US Mining Industry Hall of Fame in 2024 and received a CBE for his contributions to global mining investment. Cutifani is a sought-after keynote speaker at events like the AusIMM Underground Operators Conference and Mines and Money, where he challenges mining leaders to stop apologising for their industry and lead with purpose.
3. Pierre Lassonde OC
Organisation: Co-Founder, Franco-Nevada Corporation
Location: Canada
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pierre-lassonde
Pierre Lassonde co-founded Franco-Nevada Corporation in 1982, pioneering the gold royalty and streaming business model that transformed mining finance. He served as Chairman of the World Gold Council from 2005 to 2009 and was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame in 2013. An Officer of the Order of Canada, Lassonde speaks on business leadership, entrepreneurship, disruptive thinking and sustainability at mining conferences, investment forums and academic institutions worldwide. His estimated speaking fee reflects his stature in the industry, but the insights he delivers on innovation, risk management and long-term thinking are invaluable for mining leadership teams.
4. Andrew Forrest AO
Organisation: Founder and Executive Chairman, Fortescue
Location: Perth, Australia
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrew-forrest
Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest founded Fortescue, one of Australia's largest companies, and has become one of the most vocal advocates for transformational leadership in the mining sector. He regularly delivers keynotes at major industry events and academic institutions, challenging the industry to lead on decarbonisation, indigenous engagement and sustainable mining practices. Forrest's leadership style is bold, visionary and action-oriented, making him an inspiring (if unconventional) speaker for mining company events focused on innovation and purpose-driven leadership.
5. Michelle Ash FAusIMM
Organisation: NatGold Digital / Former Chief Innovation Officer, Barrick Gold
Location: Australia / Global
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-ash
Michelle Ash has a distinguished 30+ year career in mining, having held executive roles including Chief Operating Officer at Acacia Mining and Chief Innovation Officer at Barrick Gold. She is widely recognised as a leading voice on digital mining, disruptive innovation and technology-driven transformation. Michelle speaks at conferences including IMARC and Mines and Money, and her expertise spans iron ore, base metals, coal and gold mining. She is an outstanding choice for mining companies looking for a speaker who can address the intersection of technology, leadership and operational excellence.
6. Sam Houston
Organisation: Strategist Solutions / The Reflective Edge
Location: Australia / Global
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samhoustons
Sam Houston is a strategic advisor, transformation leader and executive coach who specialises in the mining, oil and gas, and heavy industrial sectors. With experience as an Executive Director, Vice President and CTO, Sam advises boards and C-suite leaders on execution strategies, leadership development and organisational resilience. He holds a Master of Science in Business and Strategic Leadership from Cranfield University, a post-graduate Diploma in Executive Coaching, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management. Sam is a global keynote speaker and qualified systemic team coach, making him an excellent choice for mining companies seeking deep, practical leadership development.
Safety Culture and Workplace Wellbeing Speakers
7. Shawn M. Galloway
Organisation: CEO, ProAct Safety
Location: USA
Website: shawngalloway.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shawngalloway
Shawn Galloway has over twenty years of experience in safety systems, strategy, culture, leadership and employee engagement. As CEO of ProAct Safety, he is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers on safety culture transformation. His framework, The Five Core Capacities for Sustainable Safety Excellence, covers system capacity, leadership capacity, engagement capacity, cultural capacity and strategic capacity. Galloway is the co-author of "Steps to Safety Culture Excellence" and a trusted advisor to organisations across mining, oil and gas, and manufacturing. His presentations are data-driven, practical and tailored to the specific challenges of high-risk industries.
8. Terry L. Mathis
Organisation: Founder, ProAct Safety
Location: USA
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terry-mathis
Terry Mathis founded ProAct Safety in 1993 and spent nearly three decades pioneering innovative approaches to safety culture improvement and behavioural strategies. Though now retired from day-to-day consulting, Mathis remains a respected voice in safety leadership. He co-authored "Steps to Safety Culture Excellence" with Shawn Galloway and is known for his ability to connect with audiences from frontline supervisors to C-suite executives. His approach to safety culture transformation is practical, research-backed and proven across mining and resources organisations.
9. Darren Flanagan BM
Organisation: Motivational Speaker / Dig A Little Deeper
Location: Australia
Website: darrenflanagan.com.au
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/darren-flanagan
Darren Flanagan gained national recognition for his role in the 2006 Beaconsfield mine rescue, where he operated over 70 explosives in a continuous 30-hour stretch deep underground to help free two trapped miners. Awarded the Australian Bravery Medal, Darren now travels across Australia sharing his story of trauma, resilience and recovery. His keynotes cover workplace safety, risk management, mental health and teamwork, all grounded in one of the most dramatic mining rescues in Australian history. He served as Chair and Ambassador for the NSW Government SafeWork initiative from 2020 to 2022. Darren's presentations are powerful, authentic and deeply relevant for mining audiences.
10. Michael Weston
Organisation: Mental Health Speaker / Beyond Blue Speaker
Location: Western Australia
Website: michaelweston.com.au
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-weston
Michael Weston spent over 20 years in the Western Australian mining industry before a sudden collapse in 2013 left him with an Acquired Brain Injury, anxiety, depression and PTSD. Medical professionals concluded that workplace stress contributed to his collapse. Since then, Michael has rebuilt his life and become a respected mental health advocate and keynote speaker. He provides leadership training, mentoring and peer support services for businesses wanting to create psychologically safe workplaces. As a Beyond Blue speaker since 2018, Michael brings lived experience and practical strategies that resonate deeply with mining audiences facing the pressures of FIFO work, remote operations and high-stress environments.
11. David Sarkus MS, CSP
Organisation: Safety Consultant and Speaker
Location: USA
Website: davidsarkus.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-sarkus
David Sarkus is recognised as one of the Top 50 Safety Professionals by Industrial Safety and Hygiene News. He delivers motivational keynotes on safety culture, leadership, teamwork and continuous improvement. His presentations blend research, real-world case studies and practical tools that mining leaders can implement immediately. David is particularly effective at engaging frontline supervisors and site managers in the importance of safety leadership.
12. Bill Sims Jr.
Organisation: The Bill Sims Company / Beyond Zero Injuries
Location: USA
Website: beyondzeroinjuries.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bill-sims
Bill Sims Jr. is a top 10 safety keynote speaker, author and leadership workshop developer who challenges the conventional wisdom on safety incentive programmes. His book "Green Beans and Ice Cream" has become a reference text for safety professionals. Bill's keynotes are engaging, provocative and backed by decades of research into what actually drives safety behaviour in high-risk industries including mining.
13. Scott Burrows
Organisation: Motivational Speaker
Location: USA
Website: scottburrows.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-burrows
Scott Burrows is a bestselling author and inspirational speaker who turned his experience of paralysis into a powerful message about vision, mindset and grit. His dynamic keynotes are tailored for Fortune 500 companies and all industries, including mining and resources. Scott's message about resilience and overcoming adversity resonates strongly with mining teams facing operational challenges, safety incidents and the mental demands of remote work.
Mining Industry Executives and Thought Leaders
14. Nev Power
Organisation: Former CEO, Fortescue Metals Group
Location: Perth, Australia
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nev-power
Nev Power served as CEO of Fortescue Metals Group from 2011 to 2018, overseeing a period of significant growth and operational transformation. Prior to Fortescue, he was CEO of Thiess, one of the world's largest mining services companies. Power brings deep operational knowledge of the mining sector combined with strategic thinking on leadership, culture and performance. He is a compelling speaker for mining company events focused on operational excellence and leadership at scale.
15. Natascha Viljoen
Organisation: CEO, Newmont Corporation
Location: USA / South Africa
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/natascha-viljoen
Natascha Viljoen became CEO of Newmont Corporation, the world's largest gold mining company, bringing extensive experience in mining operations and executive leadership. Originally from South Africa, Viljoen has spoken at the World Mining Congress and other major events on topics including operational transformation, diversity in mining leadership and sustainable mining practices. Her journey from engineer to CEO of the world's largest gold miner makes her an inspiring speaker for mining companies focused on developing the next generation of leaders.
16. Sandeep Biswas
Organisation: Former Managing Director and CEO, Newcrest Mining
Location: Melbourne, Australia
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sandeep-biswas
Sandeep Biswas led Newcrest Mining through a transformative period, driving operational excellence and cultural change across the organisation. With a background in chemical engineering and decades of experience in mining and resources, Biswas is known for his hands-on leadership style and his ability to connect strategic vision with operational reality. He is a thoughtful speaker on topics including leadership in complex environments, operational turnarounds and building high-performing teams.
17. Iván Arriagada
Organisation: CEO, Antofagasta Minerals
Location: Chile
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ivan-arriagada
Iván Arriagada leads Antofagasta Minerals, one of the world's major copper producers, and is a regular keynote speaker at the World Mining Congress and other global events. He speaks on sustainable mining, community engagement and leadership in the energy transition. For mining companies in the copper and critical minerals space, Arriagada offers a valuable perspective on leading through the industry's most significant transformation.
18. Marna Cloete
Organisation: President and CFO, Ivanhoe Mines
Location: South Africa / Canada
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marna-cloete
Marna Cloete serves as President and CFO of Ivanhoe Mines, one of the most exciting development-stage mining companies in the world. She is a powerful voice for women in mining leadership and speaks on topics including financial leadership, project development and building diverse executive teams. Cloete's career trajectory from chartered accountant to President of a major mining company offers an inspiring narrative for leadership events.
19. Mikael Staffas
Organisation: CEO, Boliden
Location: Sweden
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikael-staffas
Mikael Staffas leads Boliden, a leading European metals and mining company, and is a keynote speaker at the World Mining Congress 2026. He brings a distinctly European perspective on sustainable mining, circular economy principles and responsible leadership. For mining companies looking to benchmark against global best practice in sustainability and ESG, Staffas offers valuable insights.
Innovation, Technology and Digital Transformation Speakers
20. Beau Lotto
Organisation: CEO, Lab of Misfits
Location: UK / Global
Website: beaulotto.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/beau-lotto
Beau Lotto is a neuroscientist, author and keynote speaker who will open the World Mining Congress 2026 with a keynote on navigating uncertainty and transforming decision-making. His work explores how the brain creates meaning and how leaders can harness perception science to drive innovation. While not a mining specialist, Lotto's insights on leadership, creativity and decision-making under uncertainty are directly applicable to the complex challenges mining executives face.
21. Bent Flyvbjerg
Organisation: Professor, University of Oxford
Location: UK / Denmark
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bent-flyvbjerg
Bent Flyvbjerg is the world's leading expert on megaproject management and a keynote speaker at the World Mining Congress 2026. His research explains why major projects succeed or fail, and his frameworks for managing risk in large capital projects are directly relevant to mining companies managing billion-dollar developments. His books "How Big Things Get Done" and "Megaprojects and Risk" are essential reading for mining executives overseeing major capital investments.
22. Tim O'Connor
Organisation: BHP
Location: Australia
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tim-oconnor
Tim O'Connor is a senior leader at BHP and a featured speaker at the World Mining Congress 2026. He brings deep experience in mining operations, technology adoption and leadership at one of the world's largest mining companies. For mining companies looking to understand how the industry giants are approaching digital transformation and operational innovation, O'Connor offers a practical, insider perspective.
23. Flavia Tata Nardini
Organisation: CEO, Fleet Space Technologies
Location: Adelaide, Australia
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/flavia-tata-nardini
Flavia Tata Nardini is the founder and CEO of Fleet Space Technologies, a company revolutionising mineral exploration through satellite-enabled seismic technology. A featured speaker at the World Mining Congress 2026, Nardini speaks on space technology, innovation and the future of mineral discovery. Her entrepreneurial journey and vision for technology-driven mining make her a compelling speaker for mining companies focused on innovation and the future of exploration.
24. Jef Caers
Organisation: Professor, Stanford University
Location: USA
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jef-caers
Jef Caers is a professor at Stanford University and a featured speaker at the World Mining Congress 2026. His research focuses on computational earth science, decision-making under uncertainty and data-driven approaches to resource management. Caers brings an academic rigour to mining leadership conversations that complements the practical experience of industry executives.
Resilience, Mental Health and Wellbeing Speakers
25. Tina Varughese
Organisation: Speaker, Author, Consultant
Location: Canada
Website: tfreedmanconsulting.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tina-varughese
Tina Varughese is a keynote speaker on inclusive leadership, cross-cultural communication and workplace diversity. She has spoken at the Mining Health and Safety Conference and other industry events, bringing warmth, humour and practical strategies for building more inclusive mining workplaces. Her presentations help mining leaders understand how cultural awareness and inclusive practices improve safety outcomes, team performance and employee retention.
26. Troy Sachs OAM
Organisation: Keynote Speaker and Leadership Coach
Location: Australia
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/troy-sachs
Troy Sachs is a dual gold medal-winning Paralympian who works as a keynote speaker and leadership coach. His story of overcoming adversity, competing at the highest level of sport and transitioning into business leadership resonates with mining audiences who value resilience, teamwork and performance under pressure. Troy delivers keynotes on leadership, team culture, resilience and peak performance.
27. Mags Bell
Organisation: Global Keynote Speaker and Executive Coach
Location: Australia / Global
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/magsbell
Mags Bell is a global keynote speaker, podcaster and executive coach who works with leaders in technical and resources industries. She specialises in leadership mindset, executive presence and creating powerful results under pressure. Mags' approach is particularly effective for mining leaders who need to inspire confidence, communicate clearly and lead through complexity.
28. Jeremy Khoh
Organisation: Corporate Trainer and Keynote Speaker / UNSW
Location: Australia
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeremykhoh
Jeremy Khoh is a corporate trainer, keynote speaker and academic at UNSW who specialises in psychological safety, future-proof teams and leadership in the AI era. Named a LinkedIn Top Voice, Jeremy helps mining organisations understand how to build psychologically safe environments where people speak up about risks, share ideas and challenge the status quo. His research-backed approach is particularly relevant for mining companies investing in safety culture and innovation.
Women in Mining Leadership Speakers
29. Sabrina Romero
Organisation: International Women in Mining (IWiM)
Location: UK / Global
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sabrina-romero
Sabrina Romero is a leader within the International Women in Mining network and a speaker on gender diversity, inclusion and women's leadership in the resources sector. She brings both policy expertise and practical experience to conversations about building more diverse mining workforces. For mining companies committed to improving gender diversity at all levels, Sabrina offers strategic insights and global best practice examples.
30. Suzanne Ricard-Greenway
Organisation: Founder, Absolute Trust Model
Location: Canada
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/suzannericardgreenway
Suzanne Ricard-Greenway is a consultant, executive coach, master facilitator and keynote speaker specialising in high-performing executive teams and women in STEM leadership. She created the Absolute Trust Model for leader and team performance, and she runs a Leadership Program for Women in STEM. Her work with executives in mining and resources helps build trust, alignment and high performance at the leadership team level.
31. Eva Arias
Organisation: CEO, Compania Minera Poderosa
Location: Peru
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eva-arias
Eva Arias is the CEO of Compania Minera Poderosa and a featured speaker at the World Mining Congress 2026. As one of the few female CEOs in Latin American mining, Arias is a powerful voice for women in mining leadership. She speaks on operational excellence, community engagement and the role of women in driving the industry forward.
Leadership Consultants and Coaches for Mining
32. Rudi Doku
Organisation: The Leadership Sphere
Location: Australia
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rudi-doku
Rudi Doku has spent over seven years focused on adult learning and leadership development, coaching managers and new executives through career transitions. His clients include BHP and Rio Tinto, and he has worked across South-East Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Since 2014, Rudi has worked as a leadership consultant, facilitator and coach with a focus on emerging and early-tenure executives. His deep experience with mining majors makes him an excellent choice for companies looking to develop their next generation of leaders.
33. Kim Thorpe
Organisation: Mining Leadership Coach
Location: Australia
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kim-thorpe
Kim Thorpe is a leadership coach who specialises in the mining industry, writing and speaking about the unique challenges of coaching leaders in mining environments. Her work addresses the specific pressures of mining leadership, including safety accountability, remote site management, FIFO challenges and the need to balance operational demands with people development. Kim's coaching approach is grounded in real-world mining experience.
34. Outliers Mining Solutions
Organisation: Mining Leadership Training
Location: Australia
Website: outliersminingsolutions.com
Outliers Mining Solutions offers leadership training programmes specifically designed for mining operations. Their trainers have over 40 years of hands-on mining experience, from frontline supervisors to executive level. They deliver practical leadership development that addresses the real challenges of managing mine site operations, making them an excellent option for companies looking for ongoing leadership development rather than a one-off keynote.
35. Hello Coach
Organisation: Digital Coaching Platform for Mining
Location: Australia
Website: hello-coach.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hello-coach
Hello Coach provides digital coaching and leadership development solutions tailored for the mining industry. Their platform connects mining leaders with qualified coaches for one-on-one sessions, group coaching and leadership programmes. For mining companies with geographically dispersed teams, Hello Coach offers a scalable solution that brings expert coaching to leaders regardless of their location.
Industry Bodies and Conference Speakers
36. AusIMM (Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy)
Organisation: Professional Body
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Website: ausimm.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ausimm
AusIMM is the leading professional body for the mining and metallurgy sector in Australasia. They run conferences including the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) and the Future Mining conference, featuring world-class keynote speakers on leadership, innovation and operational excellence. AusIMM also offers leadership development courses including their "Leadership for Managers in Mining" programme. If you are looking to source speakers for mining events, AusIMM's network is an excellent starting point.
37. Egizio Bianchini
Organisation: Mining Investment Banker and Speaker
Location: Australia / Global
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/egizio-bianchini
Egizio Bianchini has more than 30 years of experience in the metals and mining financial services sector, with an extensive track record advising mining companies worldwide. He is a regular speaker at mining conferences and investment forums, offering insights on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, strategic leadership and the financial dynamics of the mining industry. For mining companies navigating M&A or capital-raising, Bianchini provides both financial acumen and leadership perspective.
38. Richard Schodde
Organisation: Founder, MinEx Consulting
Location: Australia
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richard-schodde
Richard Schodde has over 30 years of experience in project analysis and strategic planning within the international resources industry. He founded MinEx Consulting to provide strategic and economic advice to mining and exploration companies. Schodde is a data-driven speaker who provides valuable market intelligence and strategic insights for mining leaders making long-term investment and exploration decisions.
39. Ken Hoffman
Organisation: Mining Analyst and Speaker
Location: USA
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ken-hoffman
Ken Hoffman is a highly sought-after speaker on mining industry trends, having presented at the China Mining Congress, Denver Gold Forum, PDAC Conference and Natural Resources Forum. He has hosted major precious metals and base metal conferences, and his engaging speaking style makes complex market dynamics accessible to leadership audiences. For mining companies wanting to give their leaders a broader industry perspective, Hoffman delivers sharp, data-rich presentations.
ESG, Sustainability and Community Engagement Speakers
40. Roque Benavides
Organisation: CEO, Buenaventura
Location: Peru
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roque-benavides
Roque Benavides leads Buenaventura, one of Peru's largest mining companies, and is a keynote speaker at the World Mining Congress 2026. He speaks on community engagement, sustainable mining and leadership in Latin America's mining sector. His decades of experience navigating the complex social and environmental landscape of mining in Peru make him a valuable voice on responsible leadership.
41. Jorge Gomez
Organisation: CEO, Collahuasi
Location: Chile
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jorge-gomez
Jorge Gomez leads Collahuasi, one of the world's largest copper mines, and is a featured speaker at the World Mining Congress 2026. He brings expertise in large-scale mining operations, ESG integration and stakeholder management. For mining companies operating in complex regulatory environments, Gomez offers practical leadership insights.
42. David Strang
Organisation: CEO, Ero Copper
Location: Canada / Brazil
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-strang
David Strang leads Ero Copper and is a featured speaker at the World Mining Congress 2026. He speaks on operational leadership, growth strategy and building mining companies from the ground up. Strang's journey with Ero Copper, from early-stage acquisition to a significant producing company, offers valuable lessons for mining leaders focused on growth and value creation.
Mining Safety and Risk Management Speakers
43. dss+ (formerly DuPont Sustainable Solutions)
Organisation: Operations Consulting
Location: Global
Website: consultdss.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dss-plus
dss+ is a global consulting firm with deep expertise in mining safety, culture transformation and operational excellence. They provide keynote speakers, workshop facilitators and consultants who specialise in driving sustainable improvements through people development and cultural change. For mining companies looking for a comprehensive approach to safety leadership, dss+ offers speakers who combine consulting rigour with engaging delivery.
44. Partners in Performance
Organisation: Operations Consulting
Location: Australia / Global
Website: pip.global
Partners in Performance specialises in mining transformation, delivering improved safety performance, operational efficiency and sustainable culture change. Their consultants and speakers have led significant change projects across mining operations in Australia, Africa and beyond. For mining companies looking for speakers who can also support implementation, Partners in Performance bridges the gap between inspiration and execution.
45. Workplace Safety North (WSN)
Organisation: Health and Safety Association
Location: Ontario, Canada
Website: workplacesafetynorth.ca
Workplace Safety North hosts the annual Mining Health and Safety Conference in Sudbury, Canada, now in its 26th year. They have developed programmes on mining supervisor training, mental health consulting and ground control audits. WSN's three pillars of safety culture, starting with leadership commitment to "walk the talk," provide a practical framework for mining companies seeking to improve safety leadership from the top down.
Emerging Voices and Specialist Speakers
46. Rishad Ahmed
Organisation: Master Leadership Coach and Keynote Speaker
Location: Global
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rishadahmed
Rishad Ahmed is a master leadership coach and keynote speaker with over 75,000 LinkedIn followers. He focuses on bringing wisdom to modern leadership, blending ancient philosophies with contemporary business practices. For mining companies looking for a fresh perspective on leadership that goes beyond technical competence, Rishad offers a thought-provoking approach to leading with purpose and authenticity.
47. Paul Robinson
Organisation: Positive Revolution
Location: UK
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paulrobinsonspeaker
Paul Robinson is a leadership keynote speaker and author focused on business strategy and high-performance leadership. He helps organisations build positive cultures, drive engagement and lead through change. His energetic presentation style and practical frameworks make him a strong choice for mining company events focused on culture change and leadership development.
48. Gabrielle Vasquez Baumeyer ACC
Organisation: Baumeyer Coaching
Location: Houston, USA
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabriellebaumeyer
Gabrielle Vasquez Baumeyer is an ACC-ICF Certified Executive Coach and keynote speaker who works with leaders in the resources and energy sectors. She specialises in leadership development, executive presence and navigating career transitions. For mining companies looking to develop their high-potential leaders and support executives through complex organisational changes, Gabrielle brings coaching expertise and industry understanding.
49. Juan Luis Kruger
Organisation: CEO, Minsur
Location: Peru
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juan-luis-kruger
Juan Luis Kruger leads Minsur, a major tin and gold producer, and is a featured speaker at the World Mining Congress 2026. He speaks on mining leadership in Latin America, sustainable operations and stakeholder management. Kruger's experience leading a significant mining company through complex social and environmental landscapes offers practical insights for mining leaders globally.
50. Henry Coutinho-Mason
Organisation: Innovation and Leadership Speaker
Location: Global
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/henrycoutinhomason
Henry Coutinho-Mason is a dynamic keynote speaker specialising in leadership, innovation and transformation. He works across industries including mining and resources, helping organisations understand emerging trends, embrace disruption and lead change. For mining companies hosting innovation-focused leadership events, Henry brings energy, global perspective and practical strategies for navigating an uncertain future.
What to Expect When Booking a Leadership Speaker for Your Mining Company
When you book a leadership speaker for your mining company, here is what the process typically looks like.
Initial briefing. A good speaker will want to understand your company, your audience, your challenges and your objectives. Expect a pre-event call or questionnaire.
Customised content. The best speakers tailor their presentations to your industry and your specific context. This might include references to your company values, current projects or strategic priorities.
Delivery format. Most leadership speakers offer keynotes (45-90 minutes), half-day workshops, full-day workshops and panel facilitation. Some also offer MC/emcee services for conferences.
Post-event follow-up. Many speakers provide follow-up resources such as books, workbooks, online courses or executive coaching sessions to extend the impact of their presentation.
Pricing and Cost Guide for Mining Leadership Speakers
Leadership speaker fees vary widely depending on the speaker's profile, experience and travel requirements.
Emerging speakers and coaches: $2,000 to $10,000 AUD. These speakers often have deep expertise but a smaller public profile. They may offer excellent value for internal leadership days and site events.
Established industry speakers: $10,000 to $30,000 AUD. Speakers with published books, strong reputations and significant stage experience typically fall in this range.
High-profile executives and thought leaders: $30,000 to $100,000+ AUD. Former CEOs of major mining companies, bestselling authors and globally recognised speakers command premium fees. For marquee events, the investment can be well worth it.
International speakers: Add travel, accommodation and logistics costs. Some speakers include travel in their fee, while others charge it separately.
Tips for managing costs. Book early, combine a keynote with a workshop to maximise value, and ask about virtual delivery options for budget-sensitive events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good leadership speaker for a mining company?
A good leadership speaker for a mining company understands the unique challenges of the industry, including safety-critical environments, remote operations, FIFO culture, commodity cycles and the need to balance operational demands with people development. They deliver practical tools and frameworks that leaders can apply immediately, not just motivational stories.
How much does it cost to book a leadership speaker for a mining event?
Fees range from $2,000 AUD for emerging speakers to $100,000+ AUD for high-profile executives and globally recognised thought leaders. Most established speakers for mining events fall in the $10,000 to $30,000 AUD range. Factor in travel and accommodation costs for speakers coming from interstate or overseas.
Can leadership speakers deliver virtual presentations for mining teams?
Yes, most leadership speakers now offer virtual or hybrid delivery options. This can be particularly useful for mining companies with geographically dispersed teams or multiple site locations. However, in-person delivery typically creates stronger impact and engagement, especially for leadership development workshops.
How far in advance should we book a leadership speaker?
For high-profile speakers, book 6 to 12 months in advance. For established speakers, 3 to 6 months is usually sufficient. For internal leadership days or smaller events, 4 to 8 weeks may be enough, depending on the speaker's schedule.
What topics do mining leadership speakers typically cover?
Common topics include safety leadership and culture, operational excellence, digital transformation, resilience and mental health, team building and collaboration, diversity and inclusion, change management, strategic thinking, community engagement and ESG, innovation and technology adoption, and communication and conflict resolution.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Mining Leadership Speaker
The right leadership speaker can shift the trajectory of your mining company. Whether you need someone to ignite a safety culture reset, inspire your executive team to think differently about innovation or help your leaders navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing industry, the 50 speakers in this guide represent the best in the business.
If you are looking for a speaker who combines deep leadership expertise with practical frameworks and a personal approach, Jonno White would love to hear from you. As a Certified Working Genius Facilitator and bestselling author, Jonno works with mining and resources organisations across the globe to build cultures of clarity, alignment and high performance.
Whether you need a keynote, a workshop, an executive offsite or help facilitating difficult conversations, get in touch at jonno@consultclarity.org and let's work out how to make your next leadership event one your team talks about for years.