MetFest! Parkes 2026
MetFest has become an iconic event across Australia from its humble beginnings in Orange, NSW in 2016. Bringing together teams of regional metallurgists, process engineers and other associated professionals for a unique experience of networking and professional development.
MetFest 2026 will be hosted by Northparkes Operations (Evolution), with a focus on everything new - new mine startups within the Central West, new technology and its application, and the new projects happening across sites in the region.
MetFest Parkes will commence with an optional pre-event on Wednesday 7 October with our annual branch winery tour around Orange, NSW.
On Thursday, delegates are invited to attend guided tours of the processing facilities at Northparkes (own transport to and from site is required).
This will be followed by a day of technical talks exploring new mines starting up, technical wins (or losses), and project work ongoing within the region.The day will conclude with the GD Delprat Distinguished Lecture: Flotation - understanding particles, processes and people, presented by Virginia Lawson FAusIMM(CP), followed by networking drinks and canapés.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with industry peers in a relaxed and friendly environment!
Program
Optional Tour: Wine Tour
Wednesday, 7 October 2026
The tour will visit 3 of Oranges premium cellar doors. A grazing style lunch will be at Lake Canobolas Park (weather permitting)
Time: 10.00am - approx 4.00pm
Bus departure and return from Orange Tourist Information Centre.
Optional Course: MolyCop OreVia - Measurement, Insight and Optimisation
Thursday, 8 October 2026
This masterclass provides a comprehensive introduction to OreVia, Molycop’s advanced process characterisation solution designed to deliver real-time insight into particle size and process conditions across the comminution and flotation circuits.
Click here for more information.
Venue: 9/17 Short Street, Parkes NSW 2870
Time: 9.00am - 12.00pm
Optional Tour: Northparkes Plant Tour
Thursday, 8 October 2026
Join us for a guided tour of the processing facilities at Northparkes.
(Registrants must be attending the technical sessions to book this tour)
Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Own transport to and from site is required.
Optional Welcome Drinks
Thursday, 8 October 2026
Kick off MetFest! Parkes with a relaxed evening of networking, hosted by the AusIMM Lachlan Branch and Ausenco.
Venue: Hart Bar, 1-3 Caledonia St, Parkes NSW 2870
5.00pm - 8.00pm
MetFest! Parkes Technical Sessions and GD Delprat Distinguished Lecture
Friday, 9 October 2026
10.00am - 8.30pm - Full program here
Speaker/s
Bianca Newcombe
Principal Geometallurgist (Maronan Metals)
Mitchell Garside
Manager - Ore Processing – Northparkes Operations (Evolution)
James Didovich
Manager - Ore Processing – Cowal Gold Operations (Evolution)
Virginia Lawson
Principal Consultant at Mineralis
