Run by the Bowen Basin Mining Club, the awards are open to all mining contractors and suppliers with operations in Queensland. Award finalists and winners will be announced at the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) in Mackay in July. Bowen Basin Mining Club director Jodie Currie said the Department of State Development (DSD) was able to assist businesses with review or writing entries. “The chance to showcase your business to industry, particularly during a trade event such as the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition is an opportunity that does not often present itself and should not be missed,” Ms Currie said. “Having DSD assistance to submit entries can make the difference between an overwhelming task and a manageable one. This year’s awards submission forms are simplified, and with DSD assistance the barriers to entry are lower than ever for mining industry suppliers and contractors.”

Award categories include cost saving initiative, time saving initiative, project innovation, community and staff engagement initiative, equal opportunity initiative and the QME best product launch (open to QME 2016 exhibitors only).

One company will also be recognised as Mining Contractor of the Year for overall outstanding achievement.

Businesses seeking assistance with their entries can contact DSD economic development officer Ros Trappes on 07 4898 6805 or at ros.trappes@dsd.qld.gov.au For more information on the Queensland Mining Contractor Awards visit www.bbminingclub.com.