The NSW Mining Health, Safety, Environment & Community (HSEC) Conference returns in August and more than 500 industry representatives are set to come together to help shape the future of mining in NSW.
Jam packed with workshops, conference sessions, industry updates and plenty of networking opportunities, and with Jessica Yates from Fox Sports returning as host, the HSEC Conference just gets bigger and better every year.
Here’s a taste of what you can expect at this year’s conference.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
This year’s lineup of keynote speakers will explore innovative strategies and best practices aimed at enhancing operational safety, promoting workforce well-being, minimising impacts on the environment, fostering community engagement, and above all, will inspire you that with hard work and a vision, anything is possible.
Rachael Robertson led the largest-ever expedition to Antarctica, facing extreme conditions, isolation, and high-pressure decision-making. Her keynote will reveal practical leadership lessons on resilience, teamwork and leading under pressure.
Former Facebook ANZ CEO, Stephen Scheeler is one of Australia’s top voices on technology, leadership, and transformation. Now CEO of AI startup Omniscient, he will explore how digital disruption and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries, including mining.
As a global expert in business storytelling, Yamini Naidu will demonstrate how stories can drive culture, performance, and leadership success. Learn how to harness storytelling to connect with teams, inspire action, and build stronger workplace relationships.
Orange Sky Laundry started with a mission to provide free laundry and showers for people experiencing homelessness, but its real impact comes from the connections and conversations it creates. This keynote explores the power of storytelling, empathy, and human connection in driving meaningful change.
THE PITCH
The Pitch enters its third year, offering young professionals the chance to present their work – whether planned or completed – to a panel of industry experts and mentors. This session highlights how emerging leaders are contributing to a responsible mining industry and shaping its future.
The Pitch will be held on Tuesday 5 August from 3pm – 4pm.
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
Co-hosted by the NSW Minerals Council and WIMnet NSW, the Women in Leadership function features previous winners of the NSW Women in Mining Awards and fosters conversations about leadership, diversity & inclusion through a panel discussion and Q&A. This is an excellent opportunity for all mining professionals – both women and men – attending the conference or based in the local area to connect with industry colleagues in a relaxed setting with drinks and canapes.
The Women in Leadership event will be held on Tuesday 5 August from 5pm – 7pm and is free to attend. Register in advance as spots are limited.
FUTURE LEADERS CONNECT
This year the workshop will focus on ‘The Business of Your Personal Brand on Social Media’. Industry future leaders will be joined by Edwin Smith, Head Honcho at Social Sandwich. Edwin has been working in social media for over a decade and has worked on some of Australia’s biggest shows. In this practical workshop, you’ll learn about what content is working in 2025 on social media, and how you can tap into these trends to further your career in the mining industry.
The Future Leaders Connect event will be held on Sunday 3 August from 4pm – 6pm and is free to attend. Register in advance, as spots are limited.
ON AIR
For the first time the HSEC Conference will feature live recordings of the Digging Deeper with @ The Coalface podcast. Our very own Jess Rouse will be interviewing some of the movers and shakers of the mining industry including the men and women who work in the mines and some of the community organisations who play a big part in our mining regions.
| The 2024 HSEC Conference will be held from Sunday 3 – Wednesday 6 August at Rydges Resort in the Hunter Valley. https://www.nswminingconference.com.au/ |
DRIVING POSITIVE OUTCOMES
The finalists for the 2025 NSW Mining Health, Safety, Environment, and Community (HSEC) Awards have been announced, shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and innovations across the NSW mining sector.
Each year, the NSW Mining HSEC Awards recognise the people and projects working to advance health and safety, environmental performance and community engagement across the sector.
NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said the quality of entries and the standards of innovation, leadership and impact demonstrated this year are exceptional.
“These awards shine a light on the people and initiatives that make our industry safer, more sustainable, and more connected to our local communities. We are proud to acknowledge the dedication and ingenuity that drives these positive outcomes.
“Congratulations to all the 2025 finalists and we are looking forward to celebrating their achievements at the NSW Mining HSEC Awards Dinner.”
HEALTH EXCELLENCE FINALISTS
ALKANE RESOURCES – TOMINGLEY GOLD OPERATIONS
Alkane Resources’ Tomingley Gold Mine partnered with Jennmar Australia to replace manual cable bolt installation with the innovative Falcon Bolt – a self-drilling, self-tensioning rock bolt installed by Jumbo drill. A new resin-injection system also replaced manual grouting, eliminating heavy lifting and exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Together, these technologies remove physically demanding tasks, enhance safety, and improve productivity.
THE BLOOMFIELD GROUP
In response to the Respect@Work report and evolving psychosocial hazard legislation, The Bloomfield Group implemented a cultural transformation program to foster a safe, respectful and mentally healthy workplace. Key initiatives like Program One and Mentally Safe have led to reduced psychological claims, high employee engagement and improved leadership capability.
SAFETY EXCELLENCE FINALISTS
GLENCORE – BULGA OPEN CUT
Daniel Crebert at Glencore’s Bulga Open Cut developed a cost-effective remote inspection system to enhance safety and efficiency during heavy mining equipment inspections. Using GoPro cameras and custom magnetic mounts, the solution enables single-person inspections from a safe distance, reducing exposure to hazardous areas and eliminating the need for two person teams.
WHITEHAVEN
Whitehaven’s Project Onion is a real-time data centre designed to cut through information overload and deliver clear, actionable insights for proactive risk management. The system integrates live safety data via WHC360, enabling teams to make faster, data-driven decisions that improve safety outcomes.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE FINALISTS
GLENCORE – LIDDELL COAL
Glencore’s Liddell Coal Operation is the first to achieve mine rehabilitation certification under NSW’s enhanced reforms, setting a new benchmark for sustainable land use. Through a 15-year progressive rehabilitation strategy, 52 hectares were transformed into productive grazing pasture just 12 months after mining ceased and scientific trials confirmed the land’s superior agricultural performance.
YANCOAL – MOUNT THORLEY WARKWORTH
Mount Thorley Warkworth has significantly improved its internal noise monitoring by adopting new technology capable of identifying low frequency (LF) noise in the field. Collaborating with EMM Consulting, the team implemented advanced instrumentation, real-time analysis tools and crew training to detect and manage LF modifying factors during nightly attended monitoring.
COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE FINALISTS
BLACKROCK INDUSTRIES / MACH ENERGY / MALABAR RESOURCES LTD / SEDGMAN / THIESS
Second Chance for Change is a pioneering initiative supporting Aboriginal men during the final stages of incarceration with real employment, training and mentorship. Through partnerships with mining companies, over 200 participants have gained purpose, skills, and a path to reintegration, drastically reducing recidivism and breaking generational cycles. It’s more than a job – it’s a second chance at life.
PORT WARATAH COAL SERVICES
Port Waratah’s In Country Experience has reshaped cultural education in the mining industry by immersing employees in First Nations culture on Country. Facilitated by Elders and Cultural Educators, over 240 team members connected with land, stories and traditions, moving beyond traditional training to create real impact. The initiative has strengthened community relationships, empowered Indigenous voices and fostered a culturally safe and inclusive workplace.
