){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
Session 2 | Enabling Operational Excellence Through Advanced Systems and Remote Response
Linked to Session 1
Focus: Technologies and systems that extend leadership reach, improve situational awareness, and support safe, informed action in complex environments.
PRESENTATIONS
12:10–12:30 | iCASTS: Navigating the 360-Degree Underground Labyrinth
Presenter: Professor Dennis Del Favero (ARC Laureate Fellow)
Abstract:
Traditional training struggles to replicate the volatile reality of an underground crisis. This session introduces iCASTS, a world-first, fully immersive, high-fidelity environment that visualises complex underground mining scenarios. It allows up to 30 users simultaneously to navigate a seven-kilometre tunnel labyrinth and interact with multifaceted scenarios to enhance real-time decision-making, team communication and leadership capability in dynamic conditions.
12:30–12:50 | Autonomy in Danger: Ground and Aerial Robotics in Mines Rescue
Presenter: Mick Halel (Rio Tinto)
Abstract:
This session explores the expanding role of robotics and autonomous systems in reducing human exposure to risk during volatile emergency situations. Using case studies, it showcases how ground and aerial drones are deployed for reconnaissance, post-blast fume monitoring, inspection of unstable workings, and casualty location in hazardous environments. It also examines leadership considerations around deployment thresholds, operator competence, data reliability and integration into emergency doctrine.
12:50–13:10 | Telehealth on the Frontline: Visionflex 12 Months On
Presenter: Mr Blair Bayens (Principal Medical, BHP WAIO)
Abstract:
This presentation delivers a twelve-month operational review of the Visionflex telehealth system deployed in remote mining operations. It examines how real-time remote physician support and clinical-grade diagnostics bridge the gap between remote incident scenes and metropolitan trauma centres, improving patient outcomes during critical emergencies. The session highlights implementation lessons, uptake barriers, clinical governance requirements and leadership enablers for embedding telehealth into frontline capability.
13:10–13:30 | SpaceDraft: Visual Communication as Critical Infrastructure in High-Risk Emergency Management
Presenter: SpaceDraft Representative
Abstract:
In high-risk, high-consequence environments, clarity is lifesaving. SpaceDraft helps mining and emergency response teams plan, train and operate by turning complex procedures into interactive visual blueprints that are easier to understand and apply. Built on behavioural science, it replaces static documents and SOPs with dynamic, time-and-space-based storytelling that improves comprehension, retention and decision-making. For mining and rescue services, this enables teams to rehearse scenarios, visualise hazards and coordinate multi-agency responses, even offline. By aligning teams across roles, languages and locations, SpaceDraft reduces miscommunication, strengthens safety outcomes and improves operational readiness.
13:30–14:00 | Panel Discussion – Sessions 1 & 2
From Command Intent to Operational Precision: Leading Integrated, Technology-Enabled Response
Panel focus:
-
Maintaining trust and clarity in multi-agency environments
-
Where AI, robotics, immersive simulation, telehealth and visual planning improve outcomes
-
Balancing innovation with human judgment and accountability
-
Building interoperable, scalable and field-ready systems
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)