As mining and space industries converge, Australia’s expertise in mining automation and technology is placing it at the forefront of lunar exploration. Michelle Keegan, director of AROSE, believes collaborations between these sectors will redefine mining and space operations. With NASA eyeing Australian innovation, the upcoming IMARC summit promises to accelerate this unique partnership.
IN A FUTURE where terrestrial mining and space exploration operate hand in hand, Australia’s leadership in mining automation could become pivotal. Michelle Keegan, director of resources and space at AROSE (Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth), has high hopes for advancing collaboration between these two industries.
The stakes are high, as Australia’s contributions to automation and remote operations are setting it apart as a key player in NASA’s ambitions for the Moon and beyond.
At a recent NASA-hosted summit its Ames Research Park in California, Australian mining representatives saw firsthand how USA space missions are leveraging automation and autonomy—skills honed by Australia’s robust mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) sector.
“Australia is the early adopter and leader in mining automation,” Keegan told Richard Roberts, Editorial Director at Beacon Events, pointing out that over 60% of global mining software originates from Australia. NASA’s interest is clear: Australia’s advancements in autonomy and remote mining operations may hold the answers to challenges in lunar and planetary exploration.
New Synergies: Mining for the Moon
Australia’s path to the Moon has already begun. Fleet Space Technologies, an Adelaide-based company with strong roots in terrestrial mineral surveying, is developing a remote-operated lunar rover for NASA’s Artemis mission, marking the first of many collaborations. The Australian delegation at NASA Ames gained insights into mission-critical technologies, from payload-directed data collection to zero-footprint exploration.
"Exploration and resource definition are the foundations for both sectors," Keegan explained. "Our evolving knowledge in these areas is paving the way for faster and smarter projects on Earth—and, soon, on the Moon."
Mining leaders are now actively exploring ways to reduce environmental impact through space-inspired technologies, an urgent priority as regulatory pressures increase. By using space-driven advancements in satellite imagery, autonomous robotics, and renewable power, the mining industry can develop less invasive exploration techniques to minimize land disturbance and streamline project approvals.
Keegan believes collaboration between senior mining and space professionals at the 2024 International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney, Australia, could accelerate these innovations.
With an information-rich program set for 30 October 2024, Keegan aims to deepen cross-industry ties, highlighting that “the space industry is already reshaping mining through communications, autonomy, and renewable energy.”
“The right calibre of mining and METS leader is definitely there,” she said. “IMARC is about lifting up the level of discussion and seeking investment to take the mining-space overlap forward,”
