Keynote Speaker

Keynote Address

Busting Mining Myths: Lessons from Industry

Drawing on lessons from the industry, this session challenges some of the most persistent myths and misconceptions surrounding mining, exploration, investment, value addition, development timelines, economic benefits, and environmental impacts.

Key questions addressed in this talk include:

• Is “value addition” simply a change in HS code?
• Can a mine realistically be developed within four years?
• Why have over 470 exploration licences been issued, yet no new mines opened in Sri Lanka for 30 years?
• Who has actually benefited from mining in Sri Lanka, and who has benefited from the resulting share-market activity?
• Is mining ultimately a curse or a blessing for the environment?

Biography

Ryan Rockwood brings 30 years of international experience in the mining and resources sector, spanning engineering, operations consulting, investment banking, and corporate leadership. His comprehensive expertise covers mineral exploration, mine development, processing, marketing, logistics, and environmental rehabilitation.

Throughout his career, he has worked across major commodities, including coal, uranium, copper, gold, iron ore, mineral sands, graphite, and bauxite, with industry leaders such as BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and Iluka Resources (the world’s leading mineral sands company).

A seasoned corporate executive, Ryan has completed over 20 equity and debt capital raisings ranging from US$15 million to US$560 million and has served on the boards of ASX-listed companies. He holds MEng, MA, and BA Hons (Double First Class) degrees from the University of Cambridge, where he was a Christ’s College and Commonwealth Scholar. Ryan is a regular speaker on resource development, with featured TEDx and Advocata talks attracting thousands of views.