This year’s program attracted more than 2,300 attendees from across mining and mining services, government and other affiliated industries.
Paul Howard, Partner for Gerard Daniels, reflects on this year’s event and the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the mining industry.
Harnessing a golden opportunity
Gold prices have reached unprecedented highs in 2025, broaching the A$5000 mark for the first time. The precious metal was understandably a hot topic at this year’s forum, with some clear themes emerging throughout the program.
Reinvestment
Many of the larger and more established gold companies are currently taking advantage of strong prices to reinvest in their business, with industry leaders like Northern Star spending upwards of $3Bn on key assets. “Reinvestment is an important strategy for keeping some of the older gold assets cost-competitive,” he says. “Periods of substantial reinvestment like this allow companies to move into a low-cost position while the margins are there to do so, future proofing their operations if prices change.”
The changing competitive landscape
The gold industry recorded more than $26 billion in M&A transactions in 2024, accounting for almost three quarters of the total deal value globally. High prices continue to drive consolidation in 2025, with an uplift in the acquisition of existing resources, led by some of the major players in gold. Recent deals include:
- Gold Fields’ buyout of the Gruyere gold mine from JV partner Gold Road Resources;
- Northern Star Resources’ acquisition of De Grey Mining’s Hemi gold project in the Pilbara;
- Greatland Gold acquiring Telfer from Newmont; and
- Capricorn Metal’s acquisition of Warriedar Resources’ (including the Golden Range Project and Fields Find gold project).
“While M&A activity has slowed in some parts of the economy, gold is bucking the trend, leading to significant restructuring in this industry,” says Paul. “This activity is likely to continue as more assets become economically viable.”
The changing talent landscape
With any significant industry change, there’s always a flow on people effect. “There has been some movement at senior levels in gold and many of the leaders coming off these transactions have excellent and recognised skills and expertise to bring to other organisations,” says Paul. “In this environment, it’s also important to engage leaders that understand the people and culture requirements, to successfully move an organisation forward through change.”
With established global networks and deep industry experience, Gerard Daniels is well placed to connect experienced senior leaders with new opportunities across all mining industries.
Critical minerals
Changing market conditions for rare earths and other critical minerals was another recurring theme at this year’s event.
Leveraging geopolitical trends
Geopolitical instability, national security concerns and trade tensions with China continue to challenge global supply chains across a range of commodities. In light of these challenges, Paul found it interesting to hear from companies such as Lynas, Arafura Rare Earths and Australian Strategic Materials, on leveraging geopolitical trends and repositioning their businesses for growth.
“To progress the energy transition and meet growing battery demand, countries like Australia, Canada and the US are focused on growing exploration for rare earth and other critical mineral deposits, and investing in domestic production, downstream processing supporting the manufacturing of battery technologies,” says Paul. “As other countries develop strategies to diversify their supply chain and reduce the reliance on China, the current global climate also creates opportunities for resource rich countries like Australia to grow their export markets.”
The return of Lithium
After experiencing very tough market conditions, Lithium is back on the agenda with Australian producers like PLS and Liontown Resources taking a bullish stance on the commodity’s long-term future. “As production ramps back up, the Australian operators that retained near-term development and early production mines, now find themselves sitting on high-value assets that can quite quickly be reactivated,” says Paul.
Progressing sustainable energy solutions
Much attention, including the opening panel discussion at this year’s forum also focused on role of sustainable energy in future proofing mining operations and building a more sustainable future. “Having the right infrastructure in place to support mining operations is challenging, but critical given the remote location of many assets,” says Paul.
To meet the need for reliable power solutions in this environment and deliver on growing energy demand, many operations are building hybrid energy systems into the design of new mines.
“These sustainable solutions utilise a combination of wind and solar power, supported by battery storage technologies and natural gas, presenting significant cost savings by reducing the use of diesel and the need to transport and store fuel on site,” Paul continues. “As a result, hybrid energy systems also reduce the carbon footprint of these mining operations – an emerging expectation of this industry and its social license to operate.”
A new take on tradition
Having now attended 18 Diggers & Dealers forums, Paul noticed some subtle differences at year’s event. “Delivered for the first time under new ownership, a shake-up of the program saw keynote presentation replaced with a panel discussion, while many of the multi-national mining companies opted out of exhibiting this year.” says Paul. “The usual oversized, iconic yellow Westrac CATequipment that greets you on arrival (and serves as the backdrop for event selfies), was also noticeably absent.”
“Change is inevitable as the Stokes’ family moves on from their long association with this event, and the new owners exert their influence, But Diggers & Dealers will always put on a great show.” says Paul, “There’s a real sense of community and camaraderie whenever you walk the floor, particularly among the regulars that go every year, and 2025 was no exception. It was also great to see a new cohort of mining professionals coming through which bodes very well for the future of this essential and exciting industry.”