The future of manufacturing took centre stage yesterday, 30 September, with the opening of the International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing and Materials for Sustainable Mining Equipment and Technologies (AMMET 2025) in Wollongong, the University of Wollongong announced.
Running until 3 October, the event has brought together more than 200 delegates from Australia and overseas, including researchers, industry leaders and policymakers, to explore technologies designed to cut emissions, enhance safety, and improve productivity across global supply chains.
Conference Chair Distinguished Professor Zhengyi Jiang, from the University of Wollongong’s ARC Training Centre for Innovative Composites for the Future of Sustainable Mining Equipment, said the gathering demonstrates how research is delivering practical solutions for industry.
“From low-emission steelmaking to intelligent safety systems, the technologies being presented are critical to reducing the environmental footprint of mining while improving safety and efficiency,” Professor Jiang said.
“This is not just about innovation for its own sake. It’s about enabling a sustainable future for industries that are essential to the global economy.”
The program highlights advances in green manufacturing processes and advanced steels, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things applications for mining safety, and novel composites and materials for more efficient mining equipment.
Keynote speakers include Distinguished Professor Gordon Wallace from the University of Wollongong’s Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Dr Marc Elmouttie from CSIRO’s Sustainable Mining Technologies Program, and international experts from China and the United States.
Delegates will also take part in industry visits during the week, showcasing how advanced manufacturing and sustainable mining practices are being adopted in the Illawarra and across Australia.
According to the University of Wollongong, AMMET 2025 is expected to strengthen global collaboration between universities, government, and industry, accelerating the development of sustainable technologies that benefit mining regions as well as the wider community and environment.
The conference runs from 30 September to 3 October at the University of Wollongong and Novotel Wollongong Northbeach.
