Meet the Member: Dr Nigel Wilson
Explore some of mining’s challenges and opportunities with CORE’s newest member Dr Nigel Wilson
CORE Innovation Hub Adelaide is pleased to welcome its newest member, Dr Nigel Wilson, to the Hub. Nigel has over 30 years’ experience as a legal advisor, counsel, company director, and company secretary for national and international corporations, regulators, governments, and private clients.
Nigel is currently the Director at Australis Chambers, where he is responsible for regulation and law, governance, strategy, cybersecurity, risk management, and indigenous affairs. In addition, he is a teaching and workplace training specialist.
CORE sat down with Nigel to learn more about some of the challenges and opportunities facing the mining and resources industry, the impact of emerging technologies, and his advice for new graduates and seasoned professionals in the industry.
Nigel is particularly interested in emerging technologies, including data analytics, satellites, and cybersecurity, and believes that they have the potential to impact the extractive industries. However, he emphasizes the need to identify, prevent, and manage risks and ensure compliance.
In terms of challenges, Nigel highlights the need to attract and retain key personnel and embed effective corporate governance, in addition to environmental, energy, critical infrastructure and water resource challenges. To solve these challenges, he believes that harmonizing standards and creating clearer regulatory frameworks are essential to ensuring oversight of all companies and implementing the principles of environmental sustainability, transparency, accountability, access to information, human rights, and independent monitoring.
Nigel acknowledges the structural shift in the mining industry in recent times and the accelerated pace of change and technological advancements in the resources sector. However, he believes that more needs to be done, and faster, to meet global net-zero commitments and capitalise on the vast commercial opportunities that a net-zero emissions global economy presents.
In terms of opportunities for energy and mining companies, Nigel believes that meeting and exceeding ESG goals to improve corporate culture and enhance value are key. He also emphasises the need for a deeper understanding of human rights, indigenous law, and corporate governance in embracing and understanding ESG considerations.
For entrepreneurs looking to innovate and focus on technology, Nigel advises focusing on initiating, catalyzing, and driving change effectively through creativity, strategic coordination, and collaboration. For new graduates, he advises being confident and curious, thinking and acting with local, national, and global perspectives in mind. For seasoned professionals, he cites Harvard University Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter's observation that "Change is a threat when done to me, but an opportunity when done by me" and encourages them to embrace change as both a constant and an opportunity for improvement.
CORE is so pleased to have Nigel as a member and broader part of the energy and mining ecosystem. With his unique insights and advice we know he will be a valuable sounding board to anyone interested in the energy and mining industry. His experience and expertise in regulation and law, corporate governance (including ESG), strategy, cybersecurity, risk management, and indigenous affairs provide a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.
Want to know more? Connect with Nigel today!
0413 807 585