The resources alumni community came together on April 1, 2026, for the first MineChat of the year. The milestone evening was marked by a series of “firsts” that set the tone for an exciting 2026 program.
Held at the newly introduced venue Boobook Bar & Bottles, the evening welcomed attendees to a fresh setting, a renewed energy, and a strong sense of community reconnecting after the break.
This year’s opening MineChat also marked the first sponsorship from Topdrill, whose support helped bring the event to life. Guests heard updates from Peter Salom, who shared insights into Topdrill’s latest achievements and ongoing developments in the drilling sector. The sponsorship was warmly acknowledged as a valuable contribution to strengthening industry engagement within the alumni network.
Adding to the significance of the night, the event was also the first MineChat attended by several new guests, alongside returning alumni and industry colleagues. Organisers noted the strong turnout as a positive sign of continued growth and interest in the series.
Council member Andrew Bell served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding the evening’s program and facilitating conversations among attendees. His involvement helped create an engaging and welcoming atmosphere for both new and familiar faces.
The MineChat organising team expressed gratitude to all participants for making the first event of the year a success, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration within the resources community.
With a successful kickoff now complete, anticipation is already building for the next MineChat event, with organisers promising even more opportunities to connect, share insights, and celebrate industry progress throughout 2026.