Steve Durkin has over 20 years’ experience in the global mining services sector as an award-winning safety technology innovator. He is currently Founder and Managing Director of Safescape and Bortana. After significant research and development, Steve finalised the design of his state-of-the-art Laddertube escape way for use in underground mines in 2009. Safescape commercialised Laddertube and, today, over 65km of Safescape Laddertube have been supplied to mines in over 26 countries worldwide. Steve is passionate about creating a safer and more sustainable global mining industry and is now focused on the development of the Bortana EV, an electric light utility vehicle. This revolutionary vehicle is designed to last 8-10 years in the harsh environments of underground mining. Steve’s early career was spent working for various mining contractors across Australia, initially working as an Airleg Miner at several sites around Kalgoorlie, and eventually progressing to the role of General Manager at AVKO Mining. Steve holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering from Curtin University’s Western Australia School of Mines and has been recognised as Austmine’s Champion of Innovation (2019) and the recipient of AusIMM’s Jim Torlach Safety and Health Award (2017) for his outstanding contribution to METS and mining.