The 2026 Queensland Mining Awards attracted more than 70 entries across eight categories, recognising excellence in technology, innovation, productivity, safety, collaboration and environmental initiatives from across Queensland’s mining industry.
The rigorous peer-judging process produced a cohort of 26 finalists, with category winners and the overall Queensland Mining Contractor of the Year named during the biennial Gala Dinner.
Queensland Resources Council CEO Janette Hewson gave an industry address, congratulating this year’s winners and finalists for their outstanding dedication.
“Our people, their ideas, expertise and resilience, is what continues to shape our resources sector – one of Queensland’s most important industries,” said Janette.
“The achievements and standard set at this year’s Queensland Mining Awards is why the Queensland resources sector is world-class.”
The Hon. Dale Last, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development congratulated all the finalists.
“Tonight is about recognising the people and businesses who are all making our future possible. These awards celebrate the very best of Queensland’s mining, innovation, leadership, safety, the willingness to solve problems and continually improving.
“I often say when opportunity knocks answer the door.
“Those people tonight who have been nominated they certainly answered the door and they have grasped those opportunities,” Dale said.
Congratulations to everyone who entered this year’s awards, and especially to the finalists and winners.
BOWEN BASIN MINING CLUB QUEENSLAND MINING CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR – FMS GROUP
FMS Group entered several hotly contested categories in this year’s Awards, with three different projects demonstrating strong outcomes in safety, productivity and efficiency. The projects focused on reducing risk during shovel shutdowns through engineered solutions and improving the efficiency of heavy equipment maintenance and mechanical overhauls.
FMS Group showed the same disciplined approach to innovative, engineering-based problem-solving and the same unwavering focus on safety across multiple classes of heavy mining equipment. Their creative thinking and willingness to re-engineer solutions to common challenges faced across the industry stood out to the judges.
“From the top down, FMS Group walks the talk – their work is world-class. From new employees on their first days to existing staff, there is consistency of leadership and employees with a strong safety culture and leadership focus,” said Judge Dan Iliffe.
BLACKWOODS COLLABORATION AWARD – PENTACON & BMA
HV/LV SEPARATION ROAD
Pentacon and BMA Engineering co-developed a 2.3 kilometre light vehicle access road to separate vehicles after an increase in heavy vehicle traffic which was flagged as a risk under BMA’s Fatality Elimination Program. The two teams ran joint risk assessments and daily coordination meetings, integrating construction directly into live production rather than working around it.
“A clear example of all-round collaboration delivering a practical safety and productivity outcome. The project addressed a serious site risk, interaction between heavy and light vehicles, and converted it into a better traffic solution,” said Judge Luiz Sapucaia.
MACKAY SAFETY ENVIRONMENT AWARD – BRAVUS MINING & RESOURCES
FOODIE: AUTOMATED FOOD WASTE REDUCTION
Bravus’ Carmichael mine village developed ‘Foodie’, a rapid thermophilic processor, that breaks down food waste onsite within 24 hours. Remote accommodation villages generate costly, emissions-intensive food waste that often requires long-distance transport to landfill.
By using Foodie, the processed material is repurposed in the mine’s rehabilitation efforts, turning waste into a resource without leaving the site. This system diverts 2.8 tonnes of waste monthly from landfill, cutting over 100 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions annually.
“This initiative demonstrates measurable environmental, operational and financial benefits, with strong cross-functional collaboration,” said Judge Dan Iliffe.
AUSTMINE INNOVATION (METS) AWARD – FMS GROUP
DIPPER SKID AND HOIST ROPE INSTALL JIG
FMS Group’s frontline teams developed a pneumatic jig, dipper and counterweight, and skid mechanism to replace hoist ropes on electric shovels without using a crane or powering up the equipment.
After testing over six shutdowns, this method cut downtime by two to three days and eliminated the hazard.
“This is a fantastic innovation for improving both productivity and safety exposure for electric shovel shutdowns. No need for live testing is a significant safety improvement,” said Judge Dr Sharna Glover.
HASTINGS DEERING INNOVATION (MINER) AWARD – KESTREL COAL RESOURCES
DEVELOPMENT CONVEYOR BUNKERING AUTOMATION
Kestrel Coal Resources built an automated bunkering system that runs development conveyors independently, surging coal at the bootend and pausing between shuttle car cycles to create a time-based buffer. The system has delivered 2,561 cycles and 1,280 extra metres of roadway development in 2025, over 7% of the annual development forecast.
“Kestrel Coal Resources targeted a real production constraint and delivered a practical operational solution. Their solution was a good example of smart automation solving a real bottleneck. Great quantified outcomes in additional cycles and metres,” said Judge Luiz Sapucaia.
GLENCORE PRODUCTIVITY AWARD – MAMMOET AUSTRALIA
PEAK DOWNS DRAGLINE RELOCATION
Mammoet relocated a 3,100-tonne Marion 8050 dragline 27km across Peak Downs Mine, crossing an active Aurizon rail line within a strict 72-hour window – missing this window could have delayed the project by three months.
Using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters and JS500 jacking systems, the move distributed weight over 560 tyres. Completed in 10 days, it was 70% faster than traditional self-walking, setting a new Australian benchmark.
“Strong, practical innovation that materially reduces downtime in high-risk equipment through a simple but effective redesign, with credible early results,” said Judge Dan Iliffe.
NATIONAL GROUP COMMUNITY, STAFF ENGAGEMENT OR EEO INITIATIVE AWARD – KAEFER AUSTRALIA
SCAFFOLD CADETSHIP PROGRAM
Short-course, standard scaffolding certification in Australia generally offers little support for people entering the industry without prior exposure. KAEFER Australia built a 12-week cadetship that combines hands-on trade training with extended mentoring and a direct pathway into site-based roles.
The inaugural Queensland cohort of 12 cadets included five First Nations participants and two women, in a trade where female participation has historically sat near 1%.
“A positive program in a field renowned for limited training in a high-risk activity. The inclusion of goals for indigenous and female engagement are also great outcomes,” said Judge Darren Oliver.
QME BEST NEW PRODUCT AWARD – LUCUS DRILLING
‘ILLUMINATOR’ INTEGRATED COAL SEAM DRILLING AND BOUNDARY MAPPING
Illuminator uses coal-optimised azimuthal resistivity to map seam boundaries during rotary and slide drilling, the first reliable system in Australia to do so. It replaces sparse confirmation points, such as roof touches and post-drill logging, which left complex zones uncertain until corrective drilling.
Over 28,000 metres drilled, it has pinpointed 40 faults and 60 dip changes, reducing average drilling time for each well by about 13.7 hours.
“An exciting real-time technology that greatly improves the safety and productivity of underground developments. It’s breakthrough technology, rigorously developed and commercially proven with strong outcome data,” said Judge Dr Sharna Glover.
MACMAHON SAFETY INITIATIVE AWARD – ANGLO AMERICAN
ARMADILLO: ELIMINATING HIGH-RISK EXCAVATION OVER LINE CONVEYORS
Excavating above a live underground conveyor creates a high-risk environment. Anglo American’s Aquila Mine and Jet Group developed The Armadillo, a mobile guard system that shields workers from blast debris and ground hazards. With the Armadillo, excavation in a 1.6-1.8 metre seam was completed safely, with zero injuries, conveyor damage, or shutdowns. This effective design is adaptable for industry-wide use.
“The Armadillo is a standout innovation, delivering measurable safety and productivity gains with clear industry relevance,” said Judge Dan Iliffe.
