The 15th ICBMH will bring global experts together to explore evolving challenges in bulk materials handling.
From 7–9 July 2026, Fremantle will host the 15th International Conference on Bulk Materials Storage, Handling and Transportation (ICBMH), marking a significant milestone for an event that has long been embedded in Australia’s bulk handling landscape.
The conference has been running since 1983, when it was established by Professor Alan Roberts of the University of Newcastle and Professor Peter Arnold of the University of Wollongong. Since then, the event has been staged every three years, alternating between the two institutions.
For emeritus professor and long-time contributor to the sector Mark Jones, the conference represents more than just a technical gathering. With over 40 years in bulk solids handling, including early research in pneumatic conveying and leadership roles in both academia and industry, Jones has seen firsthand how the event has evolved alongside the industry.
“I’ve always worked very collaboratively with industry,” he said. “And conferences like this are where those collaborations really take shape.”
Jones noted that one of ICBMH’s defining characteristics is its balance between academic research and industrial application. Typically, the conference attracts an even split between industry professionals and academics, a dynamic that ensures both theoretical advances and practical challenges are equally represented.
“There are not many conferences these days that have such a good mix between fundamental academic work and industrial application,” he said.
The 2026 event is expected to feature around 90 technical papers, with approximately one-third contributed by international authors. Attendance is projected at 130 to 140 delegates, with roughly 40 per cent coming from overseas highlighting the conference’s global reach despite its strong Australian roots.
That local context remains a key differentiator. Unlike similar events in North America or Europe, ICBMH reflects the heavy industrial focus of regions such as Australia, South America, and South Africa, where mining plays a dominant role.
“There’s a strong emphasis on belt conveying and the heavier end of bulk materials handling,” Jones said. “It aligns very much with what you see in the Australian industry.”
This alignment also makes the conference particularly relevant for readers of Australian Bulk Handling Review, offering a snapshot of current technologies and emerging trends across the sector.
Beyond the technical program, Jones emphasised the importance of the conference’s informal elements. Networking and social interaction have long been central to ICBMH, fostering connections that often extend well beyond the event itself.
“An important part of the conference is the social interaction that takes place outside the formal sessions,” he said.
“We’ve always made the conference a very social event.
“Some of the strongest international collaborations we’ve had over the years have come from this conference.
“By its nature, everyone there shares a common interest in bulk solids, so conversations happen very naturally.”
The 2026 event also marks a historic shift in location. For the first time, the conference will be held in Western Australia, reflecting the state’s significant contribution to the bulk handling and resources sectors. The conference will take place at the iconic Rydges Esplanade Hotel, providing a new backdrop for an established industry gathering.
“Western Australia has such a big profile in bulk handling, so we’re really excited to finally host the event there,” Jones says.
As the industry continues to evolve, driven by advancements in automation, materials science, and system design, ICBMH remains a key forum for understanding where it is headed.
“If you want to understand where the industry is at technically, this is a must-attend conference,” Jones said. “It’s not a business conference per se, it’s a technical conference that will point you in the right direction in terms of where new developments are happening.”
With a strong technical program, international participation, and a renewed geographic focus, ICBMH 2026 is set to reinforce its position as a cornerstone event for the global bulk handling community.
