The lecture is in honour of Kenneth Finlay, formerly CEO Exxon Coal and Minerals. Mr Finlay pioneered proactive management of safety in the workplace. The theme of the lecture is occupational health, safety and the environment as related to the mining industry.

The lecture is usually delivered in September/October of each year and is open to students, alumni and people associated with the mining industry.

The lecture is followed by the annual UNSW Mining Alumni Dinner to which all interested alumni and industry colleagues are invited.

The Lecture acknowledges the support of Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd to mining education. Mitsubishi Development is a major stakeholder in coal mining operations in Australia through its associations with BHP Billiton in Qld and, Xstrata and Rio Tinto in NSW.

Mitsubishi Development is supporting minerals tertiary education at UNSW through a range of initiatives that include undergraduate scholarships and an annual public lecture on a topical aspect of mining and support for educational infrastructure in the School.

The lecture is usually held in April/May each year.