Austmine and AusIMM have celebrated the mining sector’s top innovators and leaders at the 2025 Industry Leaders & Awards Dinner, held on May 21 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre as part of the Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX25).
The event drew more than 800 industry professionals, government representatives, and executives to recognise outstanding achievements across Australia’s mining and METS (mining equipment, technology, and services) sectors.
The annual awards program spotlights individuals and organisations shaping the industry’s future through innovation, operational excellence, and global leadership.
Five major categories were presented, each reflecting the sector’s commitment to progress and sustainability.
Austin Engineering secured the Craig Senger Excellence in Export Award, supported by Austrade.
The Perth-based company was recognised for its exceptional export growth and global impact, with manufacturing operations spanning four continents and a consistent record of year-on-year international sales increases since 2020.
Their tailored mining equipment solutions have been widely adopted across major mining regions worldwide.
BluVein claimed the Outstanding Innovative METS Company Award, sponsored by Coal Australia.
The company’s dynamic charging system for mining electrification was lauded as a game-changer, enabling battery-electric heavy haulage without sacrificing productivity.
BluVein’s patented technology allows for smaller batteries, greater payloads, and significant reductions in both capital and operational costs compared to traditional approaches.
Roy Hill was awarded the Exceptional Innovation in Mining Award, sponsored by Sandvik, for its TrackDefectX AI system.
This pioneering technology automates the detection of critical rail defects, improving safety and efficiency while extending rail infrastructure lifespan.
The system represents a major advance in digital innovation and has global scalability for pit-to-port operations.
The Excellence in Resources by a New Professional Award, presented by AusIMM, went to Thomas Taylor, Senior Metallurgist at Fortescue.
Taylor was recognised for his technical leadership and innovative solutions to organisational challenges, as well as his role in supporting emerging professionals through the AusIMM New Professionals Network.
Dr John Russell, Founder and Executive Chair of Russell Mineral Equipment, received the Champion of Innovation Award, sponsored by Emesent.
Russell was celebrated for his decades-long contribution to concentrator maintenance and his role in building a world-leading company operating in 64 countries.
His persistent innovation has left a lasting mark on the global mining industry.
Austmine CEO Christine Gibbs Stewart praised the winners and finalists, stating: “This year’s winners and finalists reflect the bold thinking, collaborative spirit and technological excellence that are driving the future of our industry.”
AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin added: “We are thrilled to present the inaugural ‘Excellence in Resources by a New Professional Award’ to Thomas Taylor in recognition of his contributions to our sector and community.”
The Industry Leaders & Awards Dinner concluded a day of collaboration and inspiration at GRX25, reinforcing Australia’s position at the forefront of mining innovation.
The awards will return at GRX26 next year.