The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) celebrated some of the achievements and lesser-known contributions of companies nationwide at its annual Awards Gala Dinner.
Held at Optus Stadium, attendees included Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook, Western Australian Minister for Mines, David Michael, Leader of the Western Australian Liberal Party, Libby Mettam, Director General for Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Richard Sellers, AMEC members and industry leaders.
AMEC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Warren Pearce, said the awards are all about celebrating industry excellence.
“It’s important to have events like this, to take stock and reflect on the difference the mineral exploration and mining sectors make for so many people in Australia.
“We’re all aware that our high standard of living is linked to the economic strength of the resources industry. However, it’s the difference individuals and companies are making in the communities they operate that aren’t so often discussed.”
2024 AMEC Prospector Award
With a rich and prestigious history spanning over 30 years, this award was given to the WA1 resources exploration team for the Luni Discovery.
Identified as the standout exploration discovery, Luni was found in 2022 after a maiden drill program at its West Arunta Project in the underexplored region of Western Australia, 1200km east of Port Hedland near the Northern Territory border.
The Luni Discovery represents the first major niobium this century. Niobium is a critical mineral, with 90 per cent of its supply coming from Brazil and 80 per cent from one operation alone.
WA1 Managing Director, Paul Savich, said Luni is a once-in-a-generation niobium discovery and the company is fortunate to have made it.
“Making a discovery is great, but it’s everything that you do after that really matters.
“Now the world is watching to see how WA1, the state, the industry, brings online the world’s best critical minerals discoveries of this century.”
Mr Pearce said that the WA1 team personifies the essence of the Prospector Award, having the idea, backed by data, to explore a relatively unchartered area.
“This discovery is not only a state and national standout but significant on the global stage. A testament to WA1 and the exploration industry,” Mr Pearce said.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Empowerment Award
Thiess won this award for its ‘Connect. Yarn. Grow’ – Indigenous Employees Conference.
This platform built connections, fostered a sense of belonging and enabled Thiess leaders to gain better insights into the lived experiences of their Indigenous employees. As a result, a clear roadmap was created to facilitate a culturally safe workplace.
Community Contribution Award
Mineral Resources was recognised for its partnership with the McGovern Foundation and the highly successful Wanderer Program.
With the goal of eliminating barriers to employment, since launching in 2021, the program has helped over 400 people obtain their P-plate driver’s licence, logged over 16,000 mentoring hours and led to 79 per cent of these graduates securing employment.
Environment Award
Metro Mining was celebrated for its innovative solutions at its Legacy Kaolin Mine Rehabilitation project.
Located in western Cape York, Queensland, Metro Mining’s Bauxite Hills Mine was approved on the condition of rehabilitating approximately 14ha of legacy disturbance.
Metro Mining’s efforts are leading to a post-mining landform that is stable, self-sustaining and safe, with similar land capability and ecological values as were present prior to mining.
Diversity and Inclusion Award
MEC Mining General Manager, Andrew Dittmann’s, Mummy is a Miner book received this award.
Drawing on his own experiences in the mining industry, Mr Dittmann wanted to highlight the opportunities available to everyone, regardless of gender. Through his book, he hopes to inspire, educate and empower the next generation and introduce readers to the many rewarding careers available in mining.
Media Award
Veteran business journalist Brad Thompson was celebrated for his in-depth feature for the Australian Financial Review, taking readers behind the scenes of the Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive.
Speaking to key players, including AMEC, Mr Thompson followed the downturn of nickel and lithium markets, subsequent advocacy in Canberra and detailed where the idea for a production tax credit came from and how it eventuated in the May Federal Budget.
Mr Pearce congratulated the “outstanding list of winners, finalists, and nominations from across the industry in all categories”.
