QME 2024 wrap up

Credit: 

The Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) celebrated a landmark anniversary this year, marking over 30 years of connecting the Bowen Basin’s mining industry. Held at the Mackay Showgrounds, QME 2024 set new records for both exhibitors and attendance, reaffirming its status as Australia's premier regional mining event. Over three days, the event drew more than 5,000 visitors who explored the offerings of over 300 exhibitors, attended 29 insightful seminar sessions, witnessed the latest innovations in the sector, and spurred conversations critical to mapping out the future of the industry.

The event began with a memorable keynote address from Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King, who highlighted the crucial role of Queensland’s resources sector in the national economy. Emphasising the state’s potential to attract international investment and create jobs, her speech underscored the growing interest in critical minerals and set an optimistic tone for the week’s discussions.

A major highlight of the seminar series was a panel discussion on Queensland’s royalties regime. Moderated by Jodie Currie, Director of the Bowen Basin Mining Club, the panel featured industry leaders such as Paul Flynn of Whitehaven Coal and Janette Hewson of the Queensland Resources Council. The discussion centred on the need for a simpler and more stable royalties regime to restore confidence and ensure a steady pipeline of projects.

Macmahon’s innovative approach to training future trade workers and engineers was a standout feature at QME. The company showcased a dump truck training simulator and a cylinder assembly challenge, providing hands-on experiences for attendees. Tim Fuller, General Manager Mining at Macmahon, expressed satisfaction with the positive community engagement and the potential career opportunities highlighted at their booth.

The outdoor exhibition area was a sight to behold, featuring an array of mining equipment, including the eye-catching Hitachi EX 1200-7 excavator. En route to Jellinbah Mine, this massive machine allowed visitors an up-close look at its advanced features. Sean Ryan, General Manager Mining Sales for Hitachi Construction Machinery, noted the high level of engagement and productive conversations spurred on by the prominent display. 

Inside the pavilions, Spee3d’s metal 3D printing technology was a major attraction. Aiming to transition from its initial client base in Defence to the mining sector, Spee3d demonstrated how their technology could streamline supply chains by manufacturing metal parts on demand.

The Queensland Mining Awards 2024, held in conjunction with QME, celebrated outstanding achievements in the sector. Among the notable winners were StrataLock, which received the Austmine Innovation METS Award and Queensland Mining Contractor of the Year, and Pembroke Resources, which was honored with the Hastings Deering Environment Award. Corehesion’s innovative product earned them the QME Best New Product Award.

This year’s QME featured 172 new exhibitors, showcasing a wide range of sectors within the mining industry. From major mining producers and contractors to METS companies, the exhibitor cohort included industry giants such as Anglo American, Bravus, BHP + BMA, BUMA, MacKellar Group, Whitehaven Coal, and Glencore - this diversity further underscoring QME’s role as a central hub for innovation and collaboration in the sector. 

As QME 2024 concluded, plans were already underway for the event’s return to Mackay in July 2026, and we can’t wait to see the continued growth of the industry in this inspiring region.