The 2026 NSW Mining Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Awards recognised projects across four categories – health, safety, environment and community. Here are the winning initiatives and the people behind them.
HEALTH EXCELLENCE AWARD – AURELIA METALS
DUSTLIGHT PERSONAL DUST MONITORING INITIATIVE
Driven by the limitations of traditional gravimetric dust sampling, the Dustlight initiative introduced a real-time wearable dust monitor to give workers visibility of respirable dust exposure during their shifts as it happens. By providing immediate feedback and supporting targeted interventions, the initiative has strengthened on-the-ground risk management and improved health and safety.
“It’s a real privilege to be recognised alongside Hunter Valley Operations. Our Dustlight initiative sets out to make an invisible risk visible by providing our workers with a visual and audible alarm. This technology is something the entire industry could readily take up.
“Thank you to the Minerals Council for putting on such an amazing event where we can come together to share experiences and learnings.”
SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD – NEWCASTLE COAL INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP (NCIG)
THE WORKING IN RIGHT PLACES SYSTEM
A technology-enabled safety control, the Working in Right Places System integrated a QR code verification into existing Permit to Work and isolations processes to provide positive confirmation before work begins. Impressively, since its site-wide implementation in July 2025, the initiative has achieved zero incidents involving incorrect isolations or work on the wrong equipment. It demonstrates the effectiveness of embedding a reliable verification step into daily operations.
“The Working in Right Places initiative came from a real risk we weren’t comfortable accepting. We wanted to do something about it, not by adding more paperwork but by creating a practical solution that works in the field.
“It was designed with our people, not for them, and their input made it what it is. I want to mention some key people. First Dan who conducted all the research and devised the system from scratch, our WHS coordinator Matt who provided the energy and horsepower to implement it, Craig for his support and our fabulous technology team for building the software in house.
“The result isn’t just a system. It’s created confidence, clarity and safer work every day.”
ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD – GM3
THREATENED SPECIES PROJECT
In partnership with Symbio Wildlife Park, the University of Wollongong, Conservation Partners and government agencies, GM3 used thermal imaging and aerial verification across 47 sites covering more than 1,175 hectares to detect and estimate populations of endangered koalas and southern greater gliders.
This work by GM3 has reframed the Illawarra Escarpment as an active conservation landscape and further demonstrates that mining and biodiversity outcomes can successfully coexist with appropriate management.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised for a project that has brought together innovation, science, and a genuine commitment to protecting the environment. What makes this project especially meaningful is the story behind it.
“Our Dendrobium mine is situated in Mount Kembla, a unique place in Australia’s history. In 1803 one of the first scientifically recorded koalas came from the Mount Kembla area but for the last 70 years they were thought to be locally extinct. That question, ‘are they really gone?’ is what inspired the project.
“By combining thermal drone surveys with ecological research, we’ve been able to confirm stable koala populations, better understand other species, and contribute important new scientific knowledge which will help guide conservation in the future.”
COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARD – GLENCORE (ULAN) + PEABODY (WILPINJONG) + YANCOAL (MOOLARBEN)
DOCTORS 4 MUDGEE REGION
Motivated by the deepening healthcare crisis in the Mid-Western region, Glencore Coal, Peabody and Yancoal funded an ambitious six-year, community-led initiative to attract new GPs and to build the pipeline into the future.
In just nine months, the program has attracted five new GPs to a region facing a GP-to-resident ratio more than double the national average, successfully reopened Gulgong Medical Centre after twelve months without a doctor, and enabled Mudgee Medical Centre to reopen its books to new patients after an eighteen-month closure.
“We would like to acknowledge the Doctors 4 Mudgee community board, Mid Western Regional Council, program coordinator Kate Day and the local healthcare professionals whose dedication and hard work brought this to life.
“At its heart, Doctors 4 Mudgee is about people. It’s about ensuring the people across Mudgee and the surrounding region have access to healthcare they need close to home. Regional communities are resilient, but some challenges are simply too big for one organisation to solve.
“Glencore, Yancoal and Peabody are separate mining companies, but we share something important. Our people live in these communities, they raise their families here and they care about the future of the region. For us, being part of the community means more than simply operating here. It means listening, showing up and working alongside others to find solutions that make a genuine and lasting difference.”
