The countdown is on to Australia’s largest regional mining event, the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME), returning to Mackay Showgrounds from 23-25 July.
QME is raising the standard with its Seminar Series, which will be hosted by Komatsu and will feature 13 panel discussions with an impressive lineup of high-profile speakers from the C-suite to peak bodies, research and industry associations.
QME showcases more than 300 suppliers and attracts thousands of visitors with its exhibits, showcases and seminars designed to inspire innovation and connection. The Seminar Series runs across all three days of the exhibition, covering a wide range of industry topics from mining royalties to sustainability milestones and mental health and wellbeing.
Tuesday’s panel discussions start off with a bang, as the Bowen Basin Mining Club’s Jodie Currie moderates a panel on royalties and their impact to Queensland. The panelists include Paul Flynn of Whitehaven Coal, Janette Hewson of the Queensland Resources Council, Dr Matt Anderson of Commodity Insights and Dr Ross Lambie of the Minerals Council of Australia.
Ms Currie says that the panel’s discussion will probe the flow-on effects of changes to Queensland’s royalties scheme, also looking at alternative approaches for alternative outcomes.
“It’s no secret that the Queensland industry has felt the impacts of royalties and the associated policy and risk environment affecting investor confidence levels over the last few years. I’m looking forward to frank discussion and key insights on real issues for the sector at QME, starting with this panel opportunity,” Ms Currie said.
Queensland Resources Council CEO, Janette Hewson, will be making her first appearance at QME in her new role at QRC, and said, “I’m looking forward to being a part of QME this year at a time when there are many opportunities, and also some challenges, ahead for the industry. It’s fantastic to have this platform to share insights and discuss the way forward for our sector together.”
Later on Tuesday, a panel will discuss trends that are reshaping Queensland’s mining landscape and the opportunities they present to build a sustainable mining sector. Discussion will dive into volatile commodity prices, decarbonisation, corporate social responsibility, and emerging demand in the Indo-Pacific.
Panel Moderator Kate Dickson is the General Manager of Operations at the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC). Ms Dickson noted the quality of panelists and the value they will bring to the conversation.
“We want people to walk away from this with an ambition of considering economic rehabilitation and prioritising environmental responsibility to reinforce the health of ecosystems and communities. Get this right and it will lead to longevity and sustainability of the mining industry.”
“The quality on this panel speaks for itself, with Adam Pearce, State Director of Export Finance Australia, Peter Mellor, Corporate Secretary of Heritage Minerals, Beth Schutz, Director, ESG and Sustainability of Turner & Townsend and Melanie Saul, General Manager – ESG & Sustainability of Pembroke.”
Wednesday’s panel discussions cover ground in safety and collaboration, with one panel discussing mining’s future workforce and how industry and academia can build the next generation of miners. Moderated by Bec Murton of Murton Consulting, this panel features Jan Norberger of the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance, Robert Buttery of CQUniversity and Larnie Mackay of Mynesight.
Ms Mackay said that in her role at training company Mynesight, the need for practical training is more obvious than ever.
“The mining industry needs to work together to train new and existing workers with practical and career advancing skills for now and the future, including AI and remote operations. We also have a significant role to play in educating young people about the wide variety of fulfilling careers that we offer, the different paths that can be taken to build a career and that those careers will be around for many years to come.”
Other panel discussions in the Seminar Series focus on mapping the future of mining, bolstering women’s representation in mining, technical topics including water and tailings management, and investing in mental health and well-being.
QME also hosts a range of other activities and events alongside across the three days of the exhibition, including networking drinks, technology talks and free engineering Masterclass sessions.
The Seminar Series is free to attend with free registration to QME. Registering online ahead of time is recommended to avoid queueing at the gate.
Featured image: QME’s Seminar Series will be hosted by Komatsu and will feature 13 panel discussions with an impressive lineup of high-profile speakers. Image: QME.
