The number one thing that makes our industry world-class is our people. We have some of the most highly trained professionals in the NSW mining industry who make such a big contribution to their community and to our state economy.

Importantly, so many people in our mining workforce strive to develop their career.

Our industry celebrated this recently at NSW Parliament House in Sydney at the NSW Minerals Council’s Industry and Supplier Awards.

The Awards Dinner was attended by over 250 people from the mining industry, the community and more than 20 MPs from across the Parliament, including Premier Dom Perrottet, Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Shadow Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos.

There were three outstanding winners from the Hunter mining industry. 

Statutory Electrical Engineer for Glencore and proud mother-of-two, Tristah Allen, was named Young Achiever of the Year. After starting her career as an apprentice electrician in 200, Tristah joined United Wambo Joint Venture as an Electrical Support Engineer in 2020. In 2022 she was successfully appointed to her current position of Statutory Electrical Engineer, the first female to be appointed as a Statutory Engineer within Glencore Coal Assets.

The Glencore managed United Wambo Joint Venture itself won NSW Mining Operation of the Year, for implementing outstanding on-ground initiatives to improve company culture, safety, environmental management, productivity and to optimise management of noise and air quality.

Small Business of the Year was awarded to SafeGauge founded by Hunter local, Luke Dawson. SafeGuard develops specialist “smart” systems and technology that allows workers to maintain heavy machinery safely.

These high-achievers from the Hunter mining industry not only highlight the quality of our local mining workforce, but also showcase the opportunities for people to expand their skill base and forge a successful and long-term career in mining.

Stephen Galilee, CEO, NSW Minerals Council