Over 400 NSW miners will gather to share ideas on how the NSW mining industry can embrace innovative technology and new techniques to manage risk within the sector.

Over three days, delegates from around the state will focus on at the role of technology in managing health and safety. The theme of this year’s conference is “Risk Management in Mining. Technology. People. Safety.”

Delegates will hear from speakers with messages on managing risk, including Chief Inspector Queensland and Commissioner of the Pike River Inquiry Stewart Bell.

NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee – who will open the mine health and safety event – said it was important that the industry meet regularly to talk health and safety.

“I cannot state it more clearly, safety is everything to us, it is our number one priority, our most important issue,” Galilee said.

“Our number one goal is to achieve zero harm at every NSW mine site, through continuous improvement and innovation, high level training and advanced work practices and technology.

The Conference attracts delegates from throughout the NSW minerals workforce, as well as major product suppliers, contractors and senior representatives from government, industry and unions.

Over 30 speakers will share their insights on a variety of health and safety matters, from the latest legalisation to mobile mental health apps.

Rio Tinto’s Dr Jenny Purdie will discuss future mine technology, BHP Billiton’ David Jenkins will talk about controlling risks around light vehicle safety, and Michael Duff from MindSense will present on people and high performance.

“Technology is everywhere now. It is integral to both our professional and our personal lives and this includes much of the safety work and improvements we make across our mine operations.

“Our advancements and innovations help to make our industry world class, but technology isn’t flawless and technology alone cannot solve our health and safety issues – people remain our most important asset.

“That’s why it’s important to meet regularly as an industry to share new ideas, compare notes, and discuss how we can embrace technology in a practical way to help us as we continue our journey towards zero harm.”