Miners from across the Hunter region and surrounds have an exciting new opportunity to come together with the establishment of the Hunter Mining Club (HMC).

The HMC will hold regular networking events to bring the mining community together and provide a front-row seat to major industry insights.

Sound familiar? It’ll mimic the Bowen Basin Mining Club (BBMC) in Queensland. Director Jodie Currie said the idea to form a second club in the Hunter has been building for quite some time.

“The BBMC has been going for fifteen years, successfully opening the communication pipeline between regional Queensland and mining companies, but for the last few years there’s been constant background noise with people asking, ‘why not something in NSW?’

“There’s also been a lot of noise from activists in recent years and so for us it’s not only the networking opportunities we can bring to those in the industry, but it’s also about helping the industry be front and centre. Doing what we can to help it and all the businesses that are a part of it. Because there is a long future for this industry.”

Based on the model of the BBMC, the HMC will hold regular events inviting key companies and speakers in the mining sector to share announcements, project updates and supply chain information to its members.

“Our events are accessible, high-quality, and present information that can’t be found elsewhere. Membership of the HMC is completely free – members only pay to attend luncheons.

“We will be replicating all the things that have worked well in Queensland. The free membership, low-cost events and members being able to come and go as they please.

“Ultimately what we want to do is connect people by creating a friendly environment that is accessible for everyone from the mining companies through to the community and suppliers.”

Jodie said the vision is to promote healthy business relationships, champion the future of the sector and foster growth.

“We are focusing our efforts on building a collaborative community of suppliers, contractors and mining organisations who are future-focused. As a member, you’re a part of this network – receiving important industry and procurement opportunity updates and growing your business network.”

The first event for the HMC will be held in Singleton on May 14 and will feature two speakers, Stephen Galilee, CEO of the NSW Minerals Council and Cris Shadbolt, General Manager of Yancoal’s Mount Thorley Warkworth Mine.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee says the initiative of the HMC will be very positive for the Hunter and surrounding regions in advocating for the region’s established coal industry and the businesses who support it.

“The Hunter Mining Club will help highlight the enormous contribution of the NSW coal mining industry, particularly in the Hunter. I commend Jodie’s determination to connect the community of businesses that support mining and resources and provide another important voice to advocate for the local coal sector.”

Jodie said they are grateful to have the NSW Minerals Council and Yancoal jump onboard to support the inaugural event.

“It’s been fantastic to have so many stakeholders in NSW embrace introducing this concept here. Everyone we’ve met has been so enthusiastic and it’s really cemented that there is a need for this in NSW.

“It isn’t about coming in and taking over from anyone, as we know there are great groups here already, this is about having something entirely focused on the mining industry and the more people that are promoting the industry the better.”

Jodie also emphasised that while it is called the Hunter Mining Club, it’s not just about the Hunter Valley, but surrounding regions too.

“The first event is in Singleton, but we will be hosting future events in other regional communities.

“We are looking forward to working with industry, community, suppliers and other economic development organisations to strengthen these regions and continue advocating for the success of mining.”

Hunter Mining Club Inaugural Luncheon Wednesday 14th May Singleton Diggers, York Street, Singleton Head to www.hunterminingclub.com, sign up for your free membership and grab your tickets for the first event before they sell out! Sponsorship opportunities are also available however they are limited. To find out more contact Jodie at: jodie@hunterminingclub.com