The winners of this year’s Queensland Mining Awards were announced on 20 July in Mackay, recognised as Queensland’s best and brightest resources contractors, suppliers and producers, with awards presented over eight categories.
At the awards gala, the audience heard an industry address from Ian Macfarlane, Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council, and a keynote address from Jason Economidis, Chief Operating Officer of South32.
As a member of the peer judging panel, Mr Economidis spoke highly of the calibre of entries received from across the sector this year.
“I was particularly pleased to see representation right from multi-national companies down to small businesses…and good ideas being seen through to execution no matter where they come from.
“For example, Thiess’s winning Nylon Rim Cleat project in the Innovation (METS) category came from an idea had by two tyre fitters in the workshop, to make their working environment safer. This has now developed into an industry-leading product that’s making sure our people come home from work safely, and has the potential to roll out across Australia and the world. It is certainly an exciting time to part of the Queensland mining sector.”
SoilCyclers took out the 2022 Queensland Mining Contractor/Supplier of the Year at the awards, grabbing the attention of the judges with their rehabilitation-based project at the Bowen Basin’s Ensham mine, which addressed a critical topsoil deficit and turned the mine’s waste overburden and saline water into lush green pastures in just six weeks.
In collaboration with partners Innovate Enviro and Cammel Consulting, SoilCyclers have provided a solution to a problem faced by many mines in coming years, as more sites enter the rehabilitation phase of mining.
The judges loved that this innovation came from small Queensland businesses, working to deliver a best-in-class solution that uses existing waste material and saves both cost and carbon emissions by not having to truck in new topsoil.
Other category winners include:
- METS Ignited Collaboration Award – Anglo American
- iCutter Industries Environment Award – SoilCyclers
- Austmine Innovation (METS) Award – Thiess
- AusIndustry Innovation (Miner) Award – BHP BMA
- Glencore Productivity Award – Polymathian
- SMW Group Community Initiative Award – BHP BMA
- QME Best New Product Award – GreaseBoss
- Hastings Deering Safety Initiative – Soft Rigging Solutions