Technical Program Overview
Building a Safer Future in Mining: Innovation, Leadership and Legacy
The ISSA 2026 Mine Safety Conference Technical Program brings together mine operators, industry leaders, regulators, and experts to share practical, real-world solutions to today’s most critical mining health and safety challenges. Through dynamic technical sessions, expert panels, and inspiring plenaries, gain actionable insights that drive safer operations, stronger safety culture, and lasting impact.
Day 1 – Opening Plenary
Leadership, Culture, Technology & Innovation
Wednesday, September 23, 8:15 to 10:00am
A high-level plenary bringing together executive leadership to discuss how culture, innovation, and technology intersect to drive safer mining operations.
Welcome Remarks
Dr. Mohammed Azman Aziz
Chief Executive Officer
Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO)
Kevin Mooney
President of ISSA
Vice President, Prevention & Employer Services Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board
Keynote and Moderators
Keynote: Mike Court
Senior Vice President of HSEQ and Sustainability Graham
A panel of industry leaders will follow the keynote presentation. Panelists will be confirmed shortly.
Moderator: Pam Schwann
President Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA)
Day 2 Fireside Chat
Emerging Risks in North America
Thursday, September 24, 8:30 to 10:00am
A focused conversation examining evolving and emerging safety risks impacting the mining industry across North America.
Keynotes will be announced soon
Technical Program
What You’ll Explore at ISSA Mining 2026
The ISSA 2026 Mine Safety Conference Technical Program is built around the issues that matter most to today’s mining leaders and safety professionals. Through expert-led sessions, panels, and real-world case studies, participants will dive into:
- Technology – A.I. & Innovation
- Leadership & Culture
- Serious Injury & Fatality Prevention
- Mental Health
- Shared Learnings & Best Practices
- Community Relations & Impact
- Legacy Planning
- Emergency Response & Mine Rescue
The full technical program and confirmed speakers will be available in April. Stay tuned—and secure your place at the global gathering advancing the future of mine safety.
If you were invited by a member of the organizing committee to submit an abstract, please submit it here
Special Panels
The technical program will include a series of targeted panel discussions, including:
Contractor Safety Panel
Industry leaders come together to exchange practical insights and real‑world lessons on working with contractors to enhance safety, strengthen shared accountability, and improve safety performance across mining operations.
June Verhelst
Senior Vice President Mining and Energy – Graham
Dave Speerbrecker,
General Manager, Support Services – Thyssen Mining
Sigrid Roth
Secretary General – ISSA Trade – International Cooperation for Safety, Health and Wellbeing
Steve Wrixon
Vice President – HSE – Cementation Americas
Moderator: Phil Germain
CEO – Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board
Reproductive Health Panel
Panelists discuss reproductive health in mining, focusing on workplace exposures, policies, and inclusive practices that support worker health and safety.
Andrea Crittenden
President & CEO – Sixteen Safety Services Inc.
Allison Zerr
Program Head – Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Women in Trades & Technology (WITT)
Moderator: Allison Boudreau
General Manager – Belle Plaine – The Mosaic Company
More panelists will be announced soon.
Exploration Safety Panel
This panel focuses on safety challenges specific to mineral exploration, including remote work, field operations, and risk management in early-stage projects.
Conrad Dix
Exploration Manager, Nunavut – Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
Moderator: Ryan Morelli
Vice President, Environment, Safety and Regulatory Affairs – Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA)
More panelists will be announced soon.
Psychological Health Panel
This panel examines psychological health in the mining workplace, focusing on mental well-being, early intervention, and practical support strategies.
Koren Waines
Manager Mental Health & Well-Being – Medcor Canada
Mario Causevic
Co-Director – MYNWELL
More panelists will be announced soon.
Safety Culture Panel
This panel explores how leadership, behaviours, and organizational systems shape safety culture, with practical insights on building trust, accountability, and sustained safety performance in mining operations.
Panelists will be announced soon
Fall Protection Panel
Organized by CSA, this panel will explore fall protection standards, current challenges, and practical applications in mining operations, with insights from industry and standards experts.
MODERATOR
Bryan Lloyd, Executive Director, Occupational Health and Safety – Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Panelists will be announced soon.
Vision Zero Presentation
Vision Zero will be featured through dedicated sessions focused on eliminating serious injuries and fatalities through leadership commitment, system design, and continuous improvement.
CSA Technical Committee Participation
The CSA Technical Committee Z259 on Fall Protection will be meeting on site during the conference. Committee members will also lead a dedicated panel discussion as part of the technical program, providing insight into standards development and current issues related to fall protection in mining.