Embattled former Rio Tinto chief executive Tom Albanese made his first public appearance since being charged with fraud over his dealings at the mining giant, delivering a speech to a event promoted by Gina Rinehart.
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However, Mr Albanese avoided scrutiny and questions as he faces fraud allegations in Australia and the US, sending a video recording of his address to the national mining and related industries gala event on Wednesday night.
"I'm so sorry, I just can't make it to Australia right now, but I do hope to back again soon," he told the crowd.
Mr Albanese spoke of his long career in mining, specifically his most recent role at Vendata Resources and one of his first at Anaconda Nickel, but he glossed over his time at Rio Tinto, only mentioning his experience at what came to be a Rio Tinto subsidiary, Kennecott.
He stated that in his 40 years in the industry, he has learnt one thing: "While it's great to enjoy the time in the sun, continued success is never guaranteed.
"History has shown that today's leaders can fade tomorrow."
Mr Albanese made no mention of civil fraud charges he and former Rio Tinto chief financial officer Guy Elliott face from the American Securities and Exchange Commission, relating to alleged inflating of the value of Mozambique coal assets.
Rio Tinto has agreed to pay a fine to British authorities over disclosure breaches concerning the Mozambique assets. The matter is also under review by the Australian corporate watchdog.
Both Mr Albanese and Mr Elliott have indicated they intend to fight that charges.
In his speech, Mr Albanese said India would become a new economic powerhouse.
"Based upon recent Morgan Stanley reports, India is likely to become the world's fastest-growing large economy over the next 10 years." he said. "India has the opportunity to surpass Germany and Japan, becoming the world's third-largest economy, just behind the US and China."
He also outlined mining collaboration opportunities between Australia and India.
"Even now, much of Australia's IT development and research for the future digital mine is happening in India. India is already a market for Australian mines, and this will only grow in the future," Mr Albanese said.
Attendees at Wednesday's gala event privately voiced disappointment at Mr Albanese's lack of appearance.
Recently reinstated Federal Resources Minister Matt Canavan also spoke at the event, drawing focus to India and the importance of coal and Adani's controversial Carmichael mine to future Australian prosperity.
Mr Canavan also used the platform to make light of his recent troubles surrounding potential dual citizenship, which could have seen him step down from Parliament, as other MPs have who have been found to hold dual citizenship.
"For the last few months there, I was Italian," Mr Canavan joked. "Ever since that happened, when I've been at a function or a dinner and they have the alternating meals, I've always tended to get the risotto, the pasta, the gnocchi; so it's great to be here tonight, where I've got a lamb shank, it's a great change. A good Australian meal."
