Ms Alex Atkins brings over 30 years of mining industry experience across Australia, PNG, Africa, and the Americas. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director (NED) of Perenti Ltd (ASX:PRN) and Aquirian Ltd (ASX:AQN), having joined the latter’s inaugural IPO Board. Her previous board roles include Strandline Resources Ltd (ASX:STA), The AusIMM, and IWiM (London). She also advises SSE Co Pty Ltd.

Alex holds dual Bachelor of Engineering degrees and an MBA (Finance), with core expertise in mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, and geology. She has developed strong capabilities in finance, strategy, risk, and governance. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Chartered Professional Fellow of both The AusIMM and Engineers Australia. One of the few women in Australia to hold EngExec status and First Class Mine Manager’s Certificates, Alex broke ground as WA’s first female District Inspector of Mines (2009–12) and PNG’s first female underground mining engineer.

Her accolades include finalist recognition in the WA CME Women in Resources Awards and Australian Mining Prospect Awards, and induction into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame. A trailblazer for diversity and innovation, she has championed pathways for women in mining throughout her career and motherhood.

Arjun Raja Shivasami is an accomplished engineer with over 14 years of experience in tunnelling and geo-structures, contributing to several high-profile infrastructure projects across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. His expertise spans design, digital engineering, and technical advisory roles in complex underground environments.

A Chartered Professional Engineer in Civil, Structural, and Geotechnical practices, Arjun is passionate about advancing digital innovation in tunnelling and geo-structures. He has developed computational approaches that enhance design efficiency, sustainability, and risk management. His commitment to technical excellence is reflected in numerous publications presented at leading international and national conferences, reinforcing his role as a thought leader in the industry.

Arjun is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in engineering. Through his involvement with the Australian Tunnelling Society’s NSW Chapter and its Diversity in Tunnelling Subcommittee, he actively promotes mentoring and initiatives that create opportunities for underrepresented groups. In addition, he contributes to ITA Working Group 22 by sharing knowledge and supporting global efforts in digitalisation.

As a migrant to Australia and a non-native English speaker, Arjun brings a unique global perspective to his work. Balancing a demanding career with parenting a young child, he exemplifies resilience and adaptability. A finalist for the ITA Young Tunneller Award 2023, Arjun continues to champion innovation, sustainability, and diversity to shape the future of tunnelling and geo-structures.

Isolde ‘Izzy’ Piet is a project manager with more than 25 years’ experience in the civil construction industry, who has worked on some of the world’s largest projects across countries including the Netherlands, Turkey and, more recently, Australia. After obtaining her Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Underground Construction at the Delft University of Technology, Isolde began her career working on what was widely considered the world’s largest tunnel at the time - the Groene Hart Tunnel. She went on to become the first female tunnel boring machine (TBM) pilot in the world and is now Construction Manager of Tunnels on the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East’s southern section between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley. A strong supporter of attracting more women into the construction industry, Isolde’s role at SRL East will include leading the world’s first all-women TBM crew. Her expertise in tunnelling at all stages of a project showcases why she is such a great asset to the Suburban Rail Loop.