Mr de Kruijff will chair the two day conference and expo, which brings together business innovators and the mining and resources sector.

A four-decade veteran of the industry, Mr de Kruijff has worked in senior operational and managerial roles on North West Queensland mines, including as COO - Copper Assets Australia for Xstrata and later Glencore - holding the position from 2006-14.

Starting his career as a prospector, he has worked in the fields of exploration and mining geology, business development, and mine management.

He has also been president of the Queensland Resources Council and in 2016 was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to the mining industry.

Joining Mr de Kruijff are a host of speakers focusing on pipeline projects in the Mount Isa region.

They include managing director of True North Copper Marty Costello, Renegade Exploration Limited director Robert Kirtlan, Peter Ware and Elliot York from Incitec Pivot Fertilisers and Mount Isa Minerals executive chairman David Williams.

Talks will include presentations about their activities and where their projects are up to, whether that be the exploration phase, pre-production or diversifying and developing current deposits.

Guests will also hear about partnerships that are being signed to ensure productivity and viability.

There are dozens of these projects dotted around the entire North West. This event will bring together key stakeholders to share ideas, discuss challenges and seek ways to advance their projects.

The event starts with a welcome reception on Tuesday, May 7, followed by two days of conference sessions interspersed with networking events and exhibitions.