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QMA Winners

Read more about winners and finalists of the Queensland Mining Awards over our 14-year history of celebrating Queensland mining innovators.

2026 Winners

Meet the 2026 cohort of finalists and winners for the Queensland Mining Awards.

Queensland Mining Contractor of the Year

FMS Group – Mackay-based FMS Group impressed the judges with a strong engineered approach to removing both people from harm and days from shutdowns with all their project submissions.

Their Dipper Skid System cut electric shovel shutdown durations by 24 to 36 hours across six projects by eliminating live testing and crane interaction, eliminating a long-standing hazard.

The company’s Safety Lift Solutions division also delivered what it describes as a world first, removing both engine modules from a Liebherr R9800 while the machine remained supported on jacks. Run concurrently with a slew bearing changeout for a Bowen Basin client, it saved up to three days of labour.

Glencore Productivity Award

Winner

Mammoet Australia – Peak Downs Dragline Relocation

Mammoet relocated a 3,100-tonne Marion 8050 dragline 27km across Peak Downs Mine, crossing an active Aurizon rail line within a strict 72-hour window – missing this window could have delayed the project by three months.

Using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters and JS500 jacking systems, the move distributed weight over 560 tyres. Completed in 10 days, it was 70% faster than traditional self-walking, setting a new Australian benchmark.

Finalists

FMS Group – R9800 Module Removal

Petra Data Science – MAXTA Drill & Blast ®5.0

Winner

Lucas Drilling – ‘Illuminator’ Integrated Coal Seam Drilling and Boundary Mapping

The Illuminator uses coal-optimised azimuthal resistivity to map seam boundaries during rotary and slide drilling, the first reliable system in Australia to do so. It replaces sparse confirmation points, like roof-touches and post-drill logging, which left complex zones uncertain until corrective drilling.

Over 28,000 metres drilled, it has pinpointed 40 faults and 60 dip changes, reducing average drilling time per well by about 13.7 hours.

Finalists

2Censor – Abrasive Wear Monitoring 2C-Link

Decoda – Precision Haul Road Intelligence

Winner

Pentacon | BMA – HV/LV Separation Road

Pentacon and BMA Engineering co-developed a 2.3km light vehicle access road to separate vehicles, following an increase in heavy vehicle traffic, which was flagged as a risk under BMA’s Fatality Elimination program.

The two teams ran joint risk assessments and daily coordination meetings, integrating construction directly into live production rather than working around it. The road achieved exceptional engineering jobcard compliance with zero disruption to production throughout the build.

Finalists

Anglo American | Jet Group – Mini Face Bolter

Avetta | Whitehaven Coal – ‘Ready to Work’ At Scale Project

Winner

Kestrel Coal Resources – Development Conveyor Bunkering Automation

Development conveyors have traditionally run in a fixed sequence with outbye trunk conveyors, meaning any downstream outage halted underground development entirely and narrowed maintenance windows.

Kestrel Coal Resources built an automated bunkering system that runs development conveyors independently, surging coal at the bootend and pausing between shuttle car cycles to create a time-based buffer.

The system has delivered 2,561 cycles and 1,280 extra metres of roadway development in 2025, over 7% of the annual development.

Finalists

Anglo American – Mini Face Bolter

Anglo American – ‘Armadillo’: Eliminating High-Risk Excavation Over Live Conveyors

Winner

Anglo American – ‘Armadillo’: Eliminating High-Risk Excavation Over Live Conveyors

Excavating above a live underground conveyor creates a high-risk environment. Anglo American’s Aquila Mine and Jet Group developed The Armadillo, a mobile guard system that shields workers from blast debris and ground hazards.

With the Armadillo, excavation in a 1.6 -1.8 metre seam was completed safely, with zero injuries, conveyor damage, or shutdowns. This effective design is adaptable for industry-wide use.

Finalists

Coldwell Drilling – Lightweight Drill Bit Sub Adaptor

Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal – Ship’s Lines (Snapback) Risk Control

Glencore Oaky Creek Coal – Redefining High Voltage Safety: A Human Factors Approach

Soft Rigging Solutions – Tray Retention System

Winner

Bravus Mining & Resources – ‘Foodie’: Automated Food Waste Reduction

Remote accommodation villages generate costly, emissions-intensive food waste that often requires long-distance transport to landfills. At Bravus’s Carmichael mine village, Foodie (a rapid thermophilic processor) breaks down food waste onsite within 24 hours.

The processed material is repurposed in the mine’s rehabilitation efforts, turning waste into a resource without leaving the site. This system diverts 2.8 tonnes of waste monthly from landfill, cutting over 100 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions annually.

Finalists

BMA – Beyond Fertiliser: Harnessing Abattoir Waste to Restore Soil Function

Peabody – Centurion Mine Gas-to-Power Station

Winner

Kaefer Australia – Scaffold Cadetship Program

Short-course, standard scaffolding certification in Australia generally offers little support for people entering the industry without prior exposure. KAEFER Australia built a 12-week cadetship that combines hands-on trade training with extended mentoring and a direct pathway into site-based roles.

The inaugural Queensland cohort of 12 cadets included five First Nations participants and two women, in a trade where female participation has historically sat near 1%.

Finalists

BUMA Australia – ‘Braking the Cycle’ Mentoring Program

BMA, Barada Barna and Greening Australia – Bargala Nanhi Seed Project

Winner

FMS Group – Dipper Skid and Hoist Rope Install Jig

Until recently, changing a hoist rope on an electric shovel required a live shovel and a crane working alongside. FMS Group’s frontline teams developed a pneumatic jig, dipper counterweight, and skid mechanism to replace hoist ropes on electric shovels without using a crane or powering up the equipment.

After testing over six shutdowns, this method cut downtime by two to three days and eliminated the hazard.

Finalists

HNA Group – Strut Handling Tool

IMIS Asset Integrity – Robotic Ultrasonic Inspection of Operating Bins

Meet the 2024 cohort of finalists and winners for the Queensland Mining Awards.

Queensland Mining Contractor of the Year

StrataLock – StrataLock Resin: Next Step in Ground Consolidation

StrataLock took on a massive challenge to re-engineer a longstanding challenge in underground mining.

With creative thinking and total commitment to an easily applied non-hazardous material, Stratalock Resin delivers a revolution in the ground stabilisation industry. This project realised significant productivity gains, a reduced risk profile, and cost savings across the board. By exceeding safety requirements, navigating challenges, and developing a transformative solution, StrataLock Resin emerges as a trailblazer in enhancing safety standards within the mining sector.

Glencore Productivity Award

Winner

MTi Group – BlastScout

Outdated tape measures and error-prone methods plagued drill hole quality control.

BlastScout replaces them all. Radar measures depth and location within one second, is linked to GPS, and is uploaded for engineers. This revolutionises management, boosting efficiency, safety, and quality control.

Using GPS, RADAR and user-friendly, ergonomic tools, the innovative system is now poised for widespread rollout, delivering significant time savings, 100% reliability and potential for future refinement.

Finalists

AAMG Technologies – Enhancing Remote Access Control

iCutter Industries – PDC Drill Bit Technology 

Winner

Corehesion – Stone Dust Management System

Coal dust explosions are a constant threat, with no fast, accurate sampling solutions in the market. Corehesion’s automated system, developed in collaboration with BMA Broadmeadow and using Ziltech devices, simplifies and speeds sampling, results and retreatment.

The system provides a single source of truth for accurate data. This proactive approach reduces a 6-hour process to minutes, integrates real-time data, and cuts costs significantly.

Finalists

Maven Greentech – AirX Robot Air Filter Cleaning

StrataLock – StrataLock Resin: Next Step in Ground Consolidation

Winner

MacKellar Group | Manabotix  – Enhanced Safety Measures Using Bund Monitors

Manabotix and MacKellar Group’s Bund Monitors radically enhance vehicle safety in open-pit mines. This real-time technology operates proactively, reducing the likelihood of accidental collisions and compliance challenges.

First trialled on water trucks at Jellinbah Mine, 100% continuous proximity compliance was achieved for all critical bunds.

The project was based on effective delegation, scoping, workload management, and a relentless commitment to problem-solving.

Finalists

Coronado Global Resources | Bigmate | Pfi  – Dragline Proximity Awareness System

Jet Group | Mastermyne – Automated Cartridge Bolter

Winner

Coronado Global Resources – Plant Advisor: Harnessing AI to optimise coal processing capabilities

For the past 30 years, planning of wash schedules at Coronado’s CHPP was manual and spreadsheet-based, with limited scope for flexibility. The innovative AI-powered Plant Advisor has complemented human expertise, delivering optimised wash plans for increased yield and higher quality.

This technology tightens ash control, allowing extended planning horizons to maximise output and minimise waste. Coronado uses machine learning to continually improve outputs, based on large data analysis.

Finalists

Anglo American – Tele-remote Dozers on Coal Stockpiles

Peabody – LIDAR Torpedo Probe

Winner

Bigmate – Dragline Proximity Awareness System

Dragline operators had been working with blind spots and collision risks, and they had limited awareness of approaching people or vehicles.

Bigmate adapted their industrial tech, deploying strategically placed optical and LiDAR sensors for a complete 360-degree view. The software analyses data for near real-time warnings and automatically stops the dragline if a dangerous situation occurs.

Finalists

Anglo American – Tele-remote Dozers on Coal Stockpiles

Mader – In-vehicle Fleet Safety

Peabody – LiDAR Torpedo Probe

Winner

Pembroke Resources – Biodiversity Protocol for Endangered Fauna

Pembroke Resources’s commitment – above and beyond the requirements to meet approvals – demonstrates real excellence in setting new industry standards for environmental and fauna protection.

Their biodiversity protocols have application across the resources sector into any industry needing to clear habitat. In the case of the endangered koala and greater glider, Pembroke’s work has supported the protection of species Australia-wide.

Finalists

Bravus Mining & Resources – Wildlife Monitoring and Conservation

CS Gas – Improving Environmental Outcomes in Coal Seam Gas Processing

Winner

BMA and Astute, with Childcare Leadership Alliance – Strategic Innovation in Regional Childcare

A BMA-sponsored study revealed several issues in childcare placements, and staffing was creating significant problems for families in Moranbah and Dysart. The Childcare Leadership Alliance launched a whole-of-community solution leveraging international visa-sponsored recruitment, offering affordable housing and targeted professional development.

Within a year, 100 families have gained childcare placements with 27 new staff hired and settled locally.

Finalists

Anglo American – Intersectional Trauma-informed Psychosocial Management

Bravus Mining & Resources – Building a Happier, Healthier Carmichael Community

Glencore – Journey to Jobfit

Winner

Stratalock  – Stratalock Resin: Next Step in Ground Consolidation

StrataLock took on a massive challenge to re-engineer a longstanding challenge in underground mining.

With creative thinking and total commitment to an easily applied non-hazardous material, Stratalock Resin delivers a revolution in the ground stabilisation industry. This project realised significant productivity gains, a reduced risk profile, and cost savings across the board.

By exceeding safety requirements, navigating challenges, and developing a transformative solution, StrataLock Resin emerges as a trailblazer in enhancing safety standards within the mining sector.

Finalists

Hastings Deering – Working at Heights Platform

HE Parts – Turn Over Frame Innovation

Meet the 2022 cohort of finalists and winners for the Queensland Mining Awards. 

Queensland Mining Contractor of the Year

SoilCyclers 

SoilCyclers solved a remarkable problem that has the potential to change how the industry views rehabilitation. Judges loved the forward-thinking approach and the long-term applicability for the best environmental outcomes. The collaborative approach to solving an extremely common rehabilitation problem – topsoil deficits – brought in necessary partners with expertise in operations and water to create a circular economy model.

And the outcomes they achieved were remarkable – in meeting the client brief, turning overburden into viable topsoil and pasture, saving more than $80 million, and in significant emission reduction from reduced truck movements.

Glencore Productivity Award

Winner

Polymathian – Central Queensland Coal Network Optimisation

Working on the motto of thinking big, starting small and moving fast, Polymathian spearheaded new approaches to complex planning and scheduling integrations across Central Queensland’s coal haulage networks. The resulting improvements help to maximise the productivity of train fleets and minimise asset turnaround time, and the collaborative team is looking forward to building on these early successes.

Finalists

AAMG Technologies – Remote Pump Monitoring System

SMW Group – Solar Panel Cleaning Truck 

Winner

GreaseBoss – Digital Transformation of Greasing

GreaseBoss estimates lost production for Australian mining due to incorrect greasing costs of over $150M annually. GreaseBoss is the world’s first system to track manual greasing on a point-by-point basis that verifies that auto-lubricators are working, with the ability to report back on both, and that they are working. Digital data collection enables remote monitoring and more accurate maintenance planning.

Finalists

KAM Mining Products – Track Adjuster Cannons

Manuplex – Dustless Plaster Pump

Winner

Anglo American  – Autonomous Longwall Technology and Remote Operations

Remote longwall operation is a key part of Anglo American’s innovation-led approach to sustainable mining, FutureSmart Mining and future operational excellence. With innovative new technology and applications, Anglo American has created the systems required to remotely operate an autonomous longwall consistently, enabling operations to be safer, more competitive, and sustainable.

Finalists

Anglo American  – Level 9 Collision Avoidance Technology

MacKellar Mining | Bravus – Carmichael Coal Mine Project

Polymathian \ Aurizon Network | CQCN Rail Haulage Providers | Spark Logic – Central Queensland Coal Network Optimisation

Winner

Thiess – Nylon Rim Cleat for Seating Rims on Hitachi Trucks

The Thiess Asset Operations team has designed, engineered and trialled an innovative nylon rim cleat for mobile plant equipment to significantly reduce manual handling risk for tyre fitters. The cleats have the potential to transform tyre fitting and handling practices well beyond the mining industry.

Finalists

AAMG Technologies – Remote Pump Monitoring System

Hastings Deering – Parts Tracking and Customer Purchase Order Automation

KAM Mining Products – Track Adjuster Cannons

Universal Field Robots – UFR RadioPOP

Winner

Soft Rigging Solutions – Tray Retention System/Safety Up Device

Typically, SUD’s on dump truck trays have been very heavy, impractical and have the potential to cause injury. The Soft Rigging Solutions SUD drastically reduces weight to a mere 4.2-14.2kg whilst still adhering to relevant standards. Consequently, safety is improved, enabling staff inclusion and simultaneously increasing production by reducing machine downtime.

Finalists

Blackrock Mining Solutions – VCD Wet Applicator Pump

SMW Group – Remote-Operated High Pressure Hot Wash Truck

Thiess – Remote Heavy Equipment Live Testing Solution

Winner

SoilCyclers – Mine Site Rehabilitation Using Waste

SoilCyclers and their collaborative partners demonstrated the viability of using a mine’s waste to create better rehabilitation outcomes. Using resources from the mine’s locality, SoilCyclers’ system works to resolve topsoil deficits and generate rapid pasture grass coverage even on sites without access to potable water. This cost-effective solution can be used on mine sites worldwide, also utilising overburden, subsoil and mine tailings.

Finalists

BMD Constructions – Carmichael Rail Network Environmental Controls and Software

Pembroke Resources – Koala & Greater Glider Research Program

Sodexo Australia – WasteWatch

Winner

BHP BMA – Smart Transformation Project (supported by BMA)

The Smart Transformation project, supported by BMA, operates in Dysart and Moranbah and aims to future-proof these communities against rapid technological changes. Since it began in 2019, Smart Transformation has delivered more than $4 million in new projects for Dysart and Moranbah that have been identified and prioritised by the  community, for the community.

Finalists

Evolution Mining – Mt Rawdon Gold Operation Mt Perry Summit Trail

Thiess – StepUp CapRescue Youth Volunteers Program

Winner

BHP BMA – Process Area Set Point Optimisation

Not only does PASPO, a machine-learning innovative application, provide BMA with a competitive edge to achieve industry-leading metallurgical coal blend compliance performance. It significantly exceeded value expectations. Since its inception in 2020, PASPO has delivered 385,000 additional product tonnes providing a 60X return on investment.

Finalists

Anglo American – Autonomous Longwall Technology and Remote Operations

Anglo American – Longwall Pressure Monitoring System

Kestrel Coal Resources – Development Pitstop

The winners in the 2020 Queensland Mining Awards have been announced with Sarina small business Gas Field Services named the Queensland Mining Contractor of the Year. 

The Queensland Mining Awards were co-hosted by the Bowen Basin Mining Club and the Queensland Resources Council, recognising contractors, suppliers and producers across nine peer-judged categories.

The 29 finalist entries represented the true diversity of the industry, representing the full spectrum of major contractors and producers, right down to one-man businesses. Creative solutions to industry problems showcased skills in mathematics, engineering, environmental, human resources, procurement and manufacturing.

The winners and finalists are:

Greyhound Innovation (METS) Award

Winner: Universal Field Robots & IMDEX – Innovation through Collaboration

Universal Field Robots and IMDEX conquered the challenge of logging blast holes, while removing operators from harm’s way. The IMDEX BLASTDOG™ solution moved from concept to prototype in just four months, providing geological data and enhancing productivity.

Finalists

Emesent – Hovermap: Mapping the inaccessible
Hovermap uses LiDAR to accurately, quickly and safely map any space in real time, with handheld or drone delivery. Using Hovermap, mines have significantly increased safety, with overall reduced costs and production delays.

Polymathian – Transforming Mining Value Chains with Industrial Mathematics

Polymathian’s ‘Bolt’ product solves problems across the value chain, considering all components and system impacts through industrial mathematics. Using Bolt, the mine improved margins by ten percent, and decreased planning effort by at least ten times.

Redeye Apps – Optimising O&M Inspections – The Redeye Digital Twin

Redeye created a virtual model to mirror two draglines, simplifying complex dragline maintenance data management. The digital twin allows planners and onsite engineers to see component history and capture live maintenance data.

Sedgman – SMART Condition Monitoring

The SMART plant provides solutions that optimise Sedgman’s minerals processing operations. Using affordable new sensor technology and cloud-based platforms, Sedgman integrated several intelligent systems to produce live data streams.

Winner: Anglo American (Dawson Mine) – World’s first remote multi-pass drill

The Anglo American (Dawson) team produced the first known rotary blasthole drill rig to complete multi-pass operations remotely. This removes operators from the field, with strong safety outcomes.

Finalists

Anglo American – World’s first Group 1 Intrinsically Safe underground tablet

Anglo American successfully developed and launched the only Group 1 electronic tablet device certified for unrestricted use in underground mining globally. This allows for real-time communication and record-keeping underground.

Winner: Gas Field Services – Hands Free Drilling – The Way of The Future

Gas Field Services introduced the LF-160 Drill Rig and Freedom Loader. This solution drastically reduces manual handling and increases safety-critical functions with hands-free drilling. 

Finalists

Mastermyne – Brain Science

Mastermyne created the Brain Science Project to engage staff in understanding how behaviour and emotion impacts safety, productivity and culture. There has been a notable reduction in safety incidents, as well as increased training benefits.

Waterline Projects – 3D Printing for Familiarisation

Waterline Projects created a safety training model with the help of 3D printing. This allows employee familiarisation with hazards while reducing safety risks on site.

Winner: Polymathian – Maximising NPV with Industrial Mathematics

Polymathian used their ORB mathematical solution to optimise mine planning for a client, condensing the planning process from weeks to just 12 hours. The client saw a 35% increase to NPV, with superior productivity outcomes.

Finalists

Gas Field Services – 4C Wireline – The New Drilling Technique

Gas Field Services implemented the 4C Wireline Coring system to complement their LF-160 handsfree drilling rig. This decreased rod hole trips by 70%, increasing production by 15 holes a year and saving just under 3 shifts.

Vayeron – Intrinsically Safe Wireless Longwall Inclinometer

Vayeron produced a wireless, plug and play sensor to replace expensive, permanently wired longwall inclinometers. The Vayeron sensor costs around $300 per device, rather than $1700.

Winner: New Oakleigh Coal – Jeebropilly Mine Closure – ‘Finishing Well’ program

The Finishing Well program aimed to retain employees with a positive safety and productivity culture in the months leading up to the Jeebropilly mine’s closure. Staff retention through the 2-year program was 98.9%.

Finalists

Anglo American  – Anglo American LIVE online concert series

Anglo American created a series of online streamed private concerts for employees, contractors, stakeholders, traditional owner groups and their families. This helped decrease staff isolation throughout COVID-19 restrictions.

Hastings Deering – Together As One

Hastings Deering pioneered the ‘Together as One’ program, fostering cultural change throughout their 3,500 strong workforce. The program has resulted in more than 3000 employee experiences and over 15,000 website impressions.

Winner: Byerwen Coal, Jangga Operations & Macmahon – Yila Yina Mundu (‘Turn Around from Here’) Program

This collaborative effort built on the Thida Bullaroo (Step By Step) program, expanding QCoal’s Indigenous participation strategy. 24 new-to-industry roles were created, with full-time employment offered following completion of training. 

Finalists

Anglo American – Balancing the Team Recruitment and Training Program / Anglo American’s female-only underground trainee intake

Anglo American’s Moranbah North mine took a different approach to recruitment and training to drive inclusion and diversity. Eight entry-level trainee underground miner roles were created, with no experience necessary. Trainees will complete a Cert II in underground coal mining and gain hands-on experience

Winner: Bis – Razor: the proprietary underground grader increasing safety and performance

BIS realised that innovation was sorely needed to fix inefficient, underpowered machinery that lacked reliability. Razor – developed, designed and manufactured in Australia – delivers over 30% increased tractive effort, improved braking and most importantly, improved safety.

Finalists

Ava Risk Group & Mining3 – Aura IQ – Conveyor Health Monitoring

Mining3 and Ava Risk Group collaborated to deliver a game-changing predictive conveyor monitoring system. Aura IQ is intrinsically safe and virtually maintenance-free, meaning the solution can be used underground as well as on the surface.

Skopit – Structural Steel Clamping System

The Skopit system instantly eliminates hot welding work to structural steel in and around coal and mineral processing facilities. The clamp maintains steelwork integrity, is reusable and takes just minutes to install on any size beam or colum

SMW Group – The Ultralift – collaborative commercialisation

SMW Group solved a major logistical and safety problem by creating the Ultralift, a remotely operated mobile straddle carrier. Eliminating complex slewing crane lifts saves around $15,000 every time the Ultralift is used.

Winner: KCB Australia – Isaac River Upstream Drop Structure

The Isaac River Diversion’s existing drop structure failed repeatedly under flood conditions. KCB Australia’s new design’s modelling predicts enhanced energy dissipation, improved flow stability and prevention of scour upstream.

Finalists

Mining3 – Alternative Explosives

Mining3 are testing alternative explosive formulations, eliminating the nitrogen component and replacing it with hydrogen peroxide. This has the potential for a zero harmful fume scenario, also lowering risks to the environment, safety and productivity.

New Century Resources – Economic Rehabilitation – a new approach to mined land rehabilitation in Queensland

Economic Rehabilitation involves recovering about 77 million tonnes of mineralised waste from tailings storage for reprocessing and sale, funding the future rehabilitation of the rest of the Century mine. Since commencing, 10% of the tailings have been reprocessed, and long-term monitoring data is shaping up to be world-class.

Winner: Ava Risk Group | Mining3 – Innovation through Collaboration

Mining3 and Ava Risk Group collaborated to deliver a game-changing predictive conveyor monitoring system. Within 10 months, the team produced the Aura IQ, an innovative, low cost and flexible maintenance solution that uses fibre optics, signal processing algorithms and data analytics.

Finalists

Mitchell Services | Anglo American  – Underground Coal Gas Drainage Drill Rig

Mitchell Services’ most recent innovation in drilling solutions is the CX1500 CoalXplorer underground coal UIS drill rig. The rig delivers enhanced data capture of the geological environment. In trials on Anglo American sites, this showed potential to help improve safety and productivity of gas drainage through enhanced geological data capture.

Unearthed Solutions | BHP – BHP ‘Fast Track’ Challenge

In 2019, BHP partnered with Unearthed to run a global online crowd sourcing competition to improve their site access experience. 27 companies presented solutions, and 7 shortlisted entries worked directly with BHP’s team for evaluation. ComplyFlow provided the winning solution.

Universal Field Robots | IMDEX – UFR and IMDEX collaborate to improve drill and blast safety, productivity and reduce risk.

Universal Field Robots and IMDEX conquered the challenge of logging blast holes, while removing operators from harm’s way. The IMDEX BLASTDOG™ solution moved from concept to prototype in just four months, providing geological data and enhancing productivity.

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