In what organisers regard as a major coup for the conference, to be held at the Pilbeam Theatre in Rockhampton on July 20, Delegation of the European Union Commission to Australia and New Zealand counsellor John Richards will share his views on how Europe is progressing to a low carbon future.

Ferguson will cover Australia’s moves on the issue, while Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute acting chief executive Nick Otter will also be speaking.

Other confirmed key industry speakers at the event include Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche, Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Brad Carter, Rio Tinto head of innovation John McGagh, and Gladstone Pacific Nickel managing director John Downie.

An industry and business outlook roundtable will be compered by Australian Provincial Newspapers regional manager Simon Irwin.

Among the topics to be covered at the conference are Australia’s energy in a carbon-constrained future, and US and global energy policy, as well as a “mine of the future” presentation.

“This is a rare opportunity to hear from so many people with their fingers on the pulse of Queensland's leading industry sector,” QREX event manager Ellie Traynor said.

“Australia's future is linked more strongly than ever to the sustainable management of its mineral and energy resources.

“We have designed QREX as a forum where the nation’s resource issues can be examined at the highest level, and this conference has certainly achieved that benchmark.”

QREX will be held after the International Industry Conference, on July 21-23, while the Australian Resources Conference will round up the week on July 24, focusing on the future of Queensland’s resources industry.

QREX is organised by Reed Exhibitions.