Sustainability practice is playing an increasingly important role across the mining and environment sectors, shaping how projects are planned, delivered, assessed and improved over time.

Presented in partnership by EIANZ WA Division and the AusIMM Social and Environment Society, this panel event will bring together practitioners from across the mining and environmental fields to explore career pathways, professional experience and the practical realities of working in sustainability.

Hear from experienced leaders as they share their career journeys, reflect on the skills and decisions that have shaped their work, and discuss how sustainability practitioners can influence client outcomes, asset performance and long-term environmental and social value.

The facilitated panel discussion will be followed by audience Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the issues, challenges and opportunities most relevant to their own work and career development.

Networking drinks will follow the formal discussion.

EIANZ: The Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) is Australasia’s leading body for environmental practitioners. We represent around 4,000 members and certified environmental practitioners in our region, as part of a global network of over 100,000.

AusIMM: AusIMM is the peak body and trusted voice for professionals working in the resources sector. We advance careers, inspire leadership, uphold standards and connect communities.

Meet the Panellists and Moderator

Mellissa Case is the Global Manager of Sustainable Development for Bechtel Mining and Metals, specialising in the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into the design and construction of major infrastructure and mining projects. Based in Perth, she leads multidisciplinary teams delivering projects across the world, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, social risk management, decarbonisation, economic development and compliance.

Nevinia Davenport (she/her) is a Social Performance leader with more than 30 years of global experience spanning mining, marketing, community development, and strategic partnerships that support sustainable development and inclusive workplaces. As Group Manager, Social Performance at Thiess Group, she leads community engagement, social investment, and stakeholder partnerships, working closely with Indigenous communities to build trust and advance meaningful reconciliation outcomes. Nevinia focuses on translating social performance commitments into practical outcomes, embedding responsible practices into project delivery and business decision-making to support long-term success. She also leads Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives across the business, championing inclusive leadership, diverse representation, and psychologically safe workplaces.

Dr Diane Dowdell is General Manager Sustainability at Energy Transition Minerals, bringing over two decades of ESG and environmental leadership across Australia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa. She holds an MBA, PhD, MEnvSc, GDipSc and BA(Env St), and is a Fellow of both AusIMM and EIANZ, and an AAICD. Diane has directed audits, compliance frameworks, and due diligence for mining projects worldwide, aligning operations with the Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards. At ETM, she leads sustainability strategy and permitting for critical minerals projects, building on a career spanning corporate, consultancy, and executive roles in ESG and social performance.

Rupert Duckworth is an environmental engineer with postgraduate qualifications in Environmental Science and Engineering Geology. He has 16 years’ experience as a Business Manager, Project Manager and Environmental Scientist, with a further 10 years as a Geotechnical Engineer responsible for the delivery of projects in the civil (infrastructure, residential, industrial), mining, oil and gas sectors. He has worked on and managed projects in numerous locations across Western Australia plus in South Africa, Botswana, Oman, UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Qatar, Chile and South East Asia.

Ailan Tran is a leading ESG, sustainability and First Nations engagement specialist, with more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, strategic project approvals and corporate affairs. She is a trusted advisor to Boards, executives and industry leaders, helping organisations navigate complex environmental, social and governance challenges while building strong, enduring relationships with First Nations peoples.

Event Registration

AusIMM members are entitled to the same EIANZ member prices. Please register via the teal button below.

AUSIMM member registration →

For everyone else, including EIANZ members and non-members, please register in the blue box below.

Event Partners

CPD Points