Industry bodies have to collaborate more in the future to equip future leaders with a wide range of decision making tools to be able to incorporate changes in technology and workplace practices over the next decades.  

The Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy seems to have recognised this and has taken a pro-active stance on collaborating to get the best results.

It recently announced a six-year partnership with BHP that will deliver technical and leadership conferences for resources sector professionals.

The partnership will bring the industry leaders together on AusIMM's conference series. BHP will provide technical expertise, support, and ongoing collaboration opportunities through the conference series.

AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin said BHP's long-term investment would help AusIMM deliver critical professional development initiatives to a broader audience and drives it forward in meeting our core aims of upholding the highest standards of practice within the industry.

"The broader audience will in turn help us develop our communities and foster strong relationships between all professionals and stakeholders in resources," he said.

BHP chief geoscientist Laura Tyler said BHP and AusIMM shared a common goal of promoting and sharing world's best practice.

"This partnership will increase the visibility of technical professionals, foster more collaboration and idea-sharing on critical issues, and provide opportunities to upskill the global resources workforce," she said.

AusIMM has also announced a four-year partnership with UNSW Sydney that will showcase the university as a leader in resources education on the world stage.

That partnership will bring together the nearly 200 years of combined expertise of both AusIMM and UNSW to encourage a path into one of Australia's most critical sectors for domestic and international students alike.

"AusIMM is working hard to ensure our organisation, and the professionals we represent, are well-positioned for an even stronger future," Durkin said.

"This means aligning with the strongest brands and like-minded organisations who share our goals to promote and uphold industry standards and best practice."

Hogsback believes that there has to be more strategic partnerships like these in the future if the next generation of mining leaders is to be expected to meet the challenges coming and be equipped with the leadership skills to articulate their vision to their workers and the Australian public.