IMARC 2026: 6 Key Takeaways for Mining and Heavy Industry Contractors

1. Productivity is no longer just about getting more work done

One of the strongest themes at IMARC was the industry's focus on achieving greater productivity without simply increasing costs, headcount or equipment.

With operational costs under pressure, mining companies are looking more closely at how effectively their existing resources are being used.

For contractors, this creates an important distinction between being busy and being productive.

A fully booked workshop doesn't necessarily mean jobs are being completed efficiently. Similarly, having technicians working across multiple sites doesn't automatically translate into profitable utilisation.

Delays, duplicated administration, missing job information and disconnected workflows can all impact the bottom line.

2. AI is advancing, but operational foundations still matter

Artificial intelligence was a major topic at IMARC 2026, with mining companies exploring its potential to improve planning, decision-making, safety and operational performance.

But one of the most important messages came from BHP.

Speaking at the conference, BHP Chief Enterprise Performance Officer Edgar Basto cautioned that applying advanced technology to ineffective processes could simply accelerate poor outcomes.

It's a useful reminder for contractors navigating an increasingly crowded market of AI tools and automation platforms.

Before adopting more technology, businesses need to consider whether their existing processes are working effectively.

If job information is scattered across spreadsheets, timesheets are still being chased manually or workshop updates aren't being recorded consistently, automation alone won't solve the underlying problem.

Source: IMARC’s report of Edgar Basto’s remarks, 28 October 2026. The remarks above are paraphrased, not a direct quotation.

3. Workforce capability will remain a competitive advantage

Technology might be transforming mining, but people remain central to delivering the work.

At IMARC, discussions around the next generation of mining professionals highlighted the changing skills required across the industry.

As digital systems, automation and AI become more common, workers will increasingly need to combine technical expertise with the ability to use information and technology effectively.

For contractors, this matters across every part of the business.

Experienced tradespeople and technicians remain essential, particularly in specialised maintenance, engineering and heavy equipment operations. But the systems supporting those workers also influence how efficiently they can perform their jobs.

4. Operational visibility is becoming essential

One of the recurring themes around mining technology was the importance of connected information.

Mining operations are increasingly using data to understand asset performance, anticipate disruptions and make more informed decisions.

For contractors, the same principle applies on a different scale.

When scheduling, timesheets, workshop activity, purchasing and invoicing are managed separately, understanding what's happening across the business becomes unnecessarily difficult.

A supervisor might know a job has been completed, but the office may still be waiting on timesheets. A workshop may have equipment ready for collection, while the person responsible for invoicing hasn't received the final job details.

These small gaps create delays, extra administration and missed opportunities to improve performance.

5. Safety and compliance need to be part of everyday operations

Safety remained a central consideration throughout IMARC, particularly as technology creates new opportunities to reduce worker exposure to high-risk environments.

However, technology is only one part of maintaining safer operations.

For contractors working on mine sites and industrial facilities, safety and compliance depend on the consistency of everyday processes.

This includes maintaining accurate records, ensuring workers have the right competencies, communicating requirements and keeping information accessible when it matters.

As mining operations continue to pursue better performance, contractors should also expect ongoing scrutiny of how work is managed and documented.

Software can support record-keeping and visibility; it does not replace site authorisations, competent supervision or employer safety obligations.

6. Supply chain resilience creates opportunities for capable contractors

Critical minerals, supply chain security and new project investment were major themes at IMARC 2026.

With governments and mining companies focused on strengthening resource supply chains, attention is turning towards how projects can be developed, delivered and supported reliably.

For Australia's mining services sector, this presents potential opportunities.

New and expanding operations require more than mining equipment and infrastructure. They also depend on maintenance providers, engineering specialists, shutdown contractors, equipment workshops and other supporting businesses.

But opportunities won't necessarily translate into work for every contractor.

Businesses seeking to support larger projects need to demonstrate that they can deliver consistently, manage resources effectively and respond to changing operational requirements.