Technological Leader; Mineral Professional; Researcher; Engineer
Adam Foot is passionate about bringing people and technology together as co-workers – to unlock human potential and create social value for a better world. This focus drives his current research into the organisational factors that are consistent with successful, highly reliable technology delivery.
Adam has specialised in aligning people and technology to drive productivity, reduce costs, and improve safety performance – all while increasing social value. He consistently finds ways to build systems that benefit both companies and the communities in which they operate.
He has held senior roles within Rio Tinto and BHP’s Technology and Operational teams, developing and embedding advanced systems. Currently, he works in Hitachi’s global Autonomous Haulage team, supporting operations to understand how autonomy can deliver meaningful site-level value. Adam’s operational expertise and deep understanding of business processes have helped bridge the gap between technology and the frontline – improving performance, cyber security, data storage, accessibility, and system usability.
Adam previously served as a Social Licence Committee Member for AusIMM and led one of the largest branches in Australasia, representing more than 2,300 resource professionals. His leadership helped lift AusIMM’s national profile, drove industry collaboration, and shaped responses to emerging legislation, including industrial manslaughter reforms. He also contributed to the development of the industry’s first Social Value professional standards.
Blending design, engineering, art, and people, Adam ensures operations and products are fit-for-purpose, functional, and user-friendly – a mindset rooted in his early entrepreneurship ventures. From the boardroom to the worksite, he makes sure technology delivers impact to the people who matter most.