Episode Details

Recorded in Canberra, this special edition of Hearts & Mines features ivy & gecko's Managing Director Alana Bray-White and co-Founder David Beilby, in conversation with Tania Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) — our nation's peak body representing the mining industry on federal policy, taxation and regulatory matters.

Returning to the Hearts & Mines platform following her 2025 appearance, Tania provides a timely update on key policy and investment issues shaping the future of Australia's resources sector. The discussion explores the MCA's Hands Off Our Fuel campaign, proposed capital gains tax changes and their potential impact on junior explorers, industrial action in the Pilbara, and Australia's declining competitiveness as a destination for global mining investment. Alana, David and Tania also examine the industry's evolving relationship with Traditional Owners, the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across exploration, operations and regulatory approvals, and the policy settings needed to rebuild investor confidence and strengthen Australia's position as a leading global mining jurisdiction.

A thoughtful policy-driven discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing Australia's most important industry, featuring insights from one of mining's most respected policy leaders with contributions from the Founders of ivy & gecko, Australia's #1 firm for mining executive and board search.

David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/

Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/

ivy & gecko 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko

Timecodes:

(00:00) Cold Open – Australia's Falling Investment Rankings

(00:45) Welcome to a Special Edition, with Tania Constable

(01:26) Tania's Role as CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia

(02:38) Mining as the Backbone of the Australian Economy

(05:12) The Hidden Impact of Mining on Regional Communities

(06:58) The "Hands Off Our Fuel" Campaign Explained

(09:26) Fuel Tax Credits vs the Renewables Transition

(16:52) Three Policy Changes to Rebuild Investor Confidence

(18:22) Activism, the McPhillamys Project & "Weaponised" Approvals

(21:07) How Proposed CGT Changes Threaten Junior Explorers

(23:27) The Evolving Relationship with Traditional Owners

(28:52) Top Business Risks Facing Miners in 2026

(29:55) The Competition for Talent in the Resources Sector

(32:58) AI, Automation & the New Era of Mining Technology

(35:06) How the MCA Is Using AI Internally

(37:17) Using AI to Fast-Track Regulatory Approvals

(38:56) What Success Looks Like for Mining in 10 Years

(41:52) Final Thoughts & Sign-Off

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LinkedIn 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines

Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios:https://podwavestudios.au/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

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