From rehabilitation to mental health, putting mine workers out of harm’s way and securing stable work for Aboriginal men after their incarceration, the Health Safety Environment and Community (HSEC) Awards celebrated everything wonderful about the mining industry.
The four awards were presented at the HSEC Awards in August to recognise incredible work being done on mine sites in Health, Safety, Community and Environmental excellence.
“Every year our HSEC Awards are a highlight of the Conference as they showcase the NSW mining industry’s ongoing efforts to deliver better outcomes for our workforce, our communities, and the environment,” NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen Galilee said.
“Our 2025 awards have continued a very high standard, demonstrating our industry’s commitment to ongoing improvement and mining responsibly.”
HEALTH EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER: THE BLOOMFIELD GROUP
The Bloomfield Group won for their program ‘Fostering a mentally safe and respectful workforce’. The program was put together in response to the Respect@Work report and the evolving psychosocial hazard legislation.
“The focus had been on reducing workplace fatalities and serious physical injuries. More recently, while physical safety remains front of mind, there has been a realisation that mental health and psychological safety are also fundamental to delivering a truly safe workplace,” said Bloomfield CEO Brett Lewis when accepting the award.
Key initiatives like ‘Program One’ focuses on four key principals: how to reflect of who you are, how to give and receive feedback, how to negotiate effectively and how to positively impact the people who surround you. Program One was rolled out to EVERYONE, from the CEO to first year apprentices.
“A few years ago when the Respect@Work report was released, we like many others in our industry were shocked by the stories, and it made us pause and reflect on what our business truly was.
“Were we doing enough to create a workplace where people were valued, respected and protected not just physically but psychologically by providing everyone in the business with awareness and skills to respond respectfully and appropriately to whatever situation confronts them.”
SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER: GLENCORE’S BULGA OPEN CUT
Glencore’s Bulga Open Cut site won for their ‘Remote Inspection System’ that was thought up by one of their workers who dealt with the problem on a daily basis.
Daniel Crebert developed a cost-effective remote inspection system to enhance safety and efficiency during heavy mining equipment inspections. It’s simple, the system uses GoPro cameras and custom magnetic mounts to reach hazardous areas and eliminate the need for two-person teams.
“I would like to thank everyone at Bulga for supporting this idea, without them this would have fallen over. Its such a simple idea and had some considerable results,” Daniel said.
Bulga Operations Manager Murray Gregson concurs.
“The most important thing is that this came from the ground floor. It came from one of our operators who has been doing those tasks and recognised that something quite simple can considerably reduce the risk, provide safety and efficiency and we can drive that from the grassroots up.”
ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER: GLENCORE COAL ASSETS AUSTRALIA, LIDDELL COAL
Glencore’s Liddell Coal Operation is the first to achieve mine rehabilitation certification under the NSW Government’s enhanced reforms, setting a new benchmark for sustainable land use. 52 hectares have been transformed into productive grazing pasture, just 12 months after mining ceased at the site.
Sean Pigott, the Environment and Community Manager at Liddell accepted the award and said it’s the culmination of years of work and many people.
“The work recognised reflects years of planning, dedication and belief about what responsible rehabilitation can achieve. Being the first mine in NSW to receive certification is something we are deeply proud of. It sets a new benchmark, yes, but it also proves that post mining land can have a meaningful future.
“The land isn’t only productive but scientifically proven to outperform undisturbed pasture land in grazing trials.
“I want to especially acknowledge Ben Desomer, thank you to Glencore Coal for backing us every step of the way and to our consultants and contractors your ongoing care and knowledge have helped shape the land into what it is today,” Sean said.
COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER: BLACKROCK INDUSTRIES
For the second year in a row, Blackrock Industries has won the Community Excellence Award for their ‘Second Chance for Change Program’. In collaboration with MACH Energy, Malabar Resources Ltd, Sedgeman and Thiess, the program is a pioneering initiative supporting Aboriginal men during the final stages of incarceration with real employment, training and mentorship.
“We have taken over 250 incarcerated men though our program and the return rate to prison is only around 6 per cent. At the moment the NSW Government statistics are around 78 per cent,” said Founder and Managing Director of Blackrock Industries Steve Fordham.
“People ask me all the time why I do it and why we have a go and I always think back to that time in my life when I was given a chance and how it gave me the opportunity to have kids. Now I get to go home and have the excitement of seeing my boys and their excitement to see me.
“That’s what it’s all about.
“Our industry is the second largest employer of Aboriginal people, we are dropping incarceration rates through our program and other initiatives and we have to continue to go to parliament and showcase what our industry does,” he said.
