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Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition
QME
21st - 23rd
July 2026
9am-5pm
Daily
Mackay Showgrounds
Mackay QLD 4740
Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition: the largest regional mining event in Australia
For over 30 years the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) has been at the heart of the mining sector in Mackay. Returning to the Mackay Showgrounds in 2026, QME will be the ultimate showcase of supplier innovation and excellence and will illustrate the world class capabilities of Mackay and the broader Central Queensland region.
QME is the largest mining event in Queensland, featuring more than 300 suppliers and attracting more than 5,000 visitors in 2024. QME provides unmatched exposure for companies who want to get their products and services in front of mining professionals in Queensland.
Alongside the exhibition floor, QME includes a free-to-attend leadership series that addresses the current needs of the industry and will provide direct benefit to many mining functions.
What's On
Industry-leading exhibition
Discover and connect with hundreds of industry-leading exhibitors spread across an expansive exhibition floor, with both indoor and outdoor displays showcasing cutting-edge equipment, live demonstrations, and real-world mining operations in action from hundreds of leading exhibitors. It’s an unmissable experience for anyone in the resources sector.
Leadership Series
QME features a free-to-attend series designed to address the current needs of Queensland’s mining industry. Hear directly from industry experts as they explore the most pressing issues and opportunities – from workforce and safety to innovation, sustainability, and critical minerals. Tailored to deliver practical insights and real value across a wide range of mining functions, these sessions are a must for professionals looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving sector.
QME Mining Pavilion
The QME Mining Pavilion is a central hub for the Queensland mining industry, bringing together key mining companies and major contractors to showcase their latest projects, initiatives, and innovations. More than just a display space, the Pavilion offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the organisations driving the future of mining in the region. Attendees can explore current and upcoming developments, gain valuable insights into procurement and partnership opportunities, and build meaningful connections within Queensland’s thriving mining community.
QLD Mining AWARDS
The Bowen Basin Mining Club’s Queensland Mining Awards are the premier awards program for celebrating the innovation, excellence and collaboration fostered within the state’s highly competitive industry. This glittering black-tie Gala Dinner is held as part of QME on Wednesday 22 July at 6pm at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.
Networking function
The QME Opening Party is the perfect end to the first day of the event, offering a fantastic chance to network with peers and the industry. Sponsored by Maroomba Airlines, the drinks are held in the Catering Pergola, outside B pavilion, on Tuesday @ 5pm!
Audience Matters
Accessing Australia’s most engaged audience of Decision Makers
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total attendees over two days in 2024
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%
of attendees were engineers
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of attendees were from Australian
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of attendees were international
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of visitors were from Queensland
Hear From Industry Leaders
Don't miss out – gain insights from an impressive speaker lineup
Sponsors
Association Partners
Industry Partners
Charity Partner
Media Partners
21st - 23rd July 2026
Main Stage Schedule
Please be advised that the conference program is not final and is subject to change
Official welcome
The Queensland Mining & Engineering Conference officially begins with a welcome address from Mayor Greg Williamson.
LANDCROS – The next evolution of Hitachi Construction Machinery
Join Sean Ryan, General Manager – Mining Sales, at Queensland Mining Expo 2026 in Mackay as he unveils LANDCROS – the next evolution of Hitachi Construction Machinery. This presentation explores the global rebrand to LANDCROS and what it means for Australian mining customers, while showcasing the latest innovations including the EX5600-7P and EH4000AC-5. Discover how increased productivity, improved fuel efficiency, and advanced AC drive technology are delivering reliable, intelligent solutions for the future of mining – built on a proud foundation of Japanese engineering excellence.
Sustainability in Practice: ESG, regulation and the resources sector
Exploring how Queensland’s mining sector is embedding ESG and sustainability into operations, balancing regulatory demands, environmental responsibility, and productivity to deliver long-term value across the Bowen Basin and beyond.
Commodity Outlook: What Next for Coal, Metals & Minerals
This panel examines emerging strategies to expand mineral resource production across Queensland’s mining sector – both as a way to diversify the state’s portfolio and ensuring greater operational sustainability to meet global economic and political challenges.
From Data to Decisions: AI & Predictive Maintenance in Mining
As Queensland’s resources sector modernises, digital transformation is redefining productivity, safety, and sustainability. This session explores how data analytics, artificial intelligence, automation, and remote operations are driving the next era of operational excellence.
The Next Mining Boom: Advancing Downstream Processing Capabilities
Demand for critical minerals is increasing at a rapid rate - with Australia well positioned to capitalise on global supply and demand pressures. This panel will look at how Queensland can position itself to benefit from a shifting commodity outlook to ensure competitiveness and sustainability.
From Pit to Portfolio – The forces shaping Queensland’s coal sector
Join Sven Thiele, BMA’s Head of Finance, for an insider’s view on market dynamics and what this means for Mackay, the METS sector and regional Queensland. Sven will unpack BMA’s priorities as Australia’s largest producer of steelmaking coal, and share insights on how Queensland’s mining communities can benefit from sustained global demand for decades to come.
Choosing the Right Wall Liner and Conveyor Components Through Wear Testing
From testing lab to mite site, this presentation will provide practical insights into component selection for mining applications. It covers an overview of state-of-the-art experimental wear testing, such as testing of wall liners, and computer modelling of bulk materials and resulting wear. The presenters will also discuss testing methods and wear mechanisms of a wide range of conveyor components, such as conveyor belts. Finally, the session will explore meaningful selection criteria derived from the lab tests, to optimise reliability, efficiency, and service life on the mine site.
"Moving Mountains…Moving People” - Human Leadership in the Age of AI
As mining embraces artificial intelligence, automation and digital transformation, one question matters more than ever: what kind of leaders will shape the future? Drawing on years of proven experience across corporate, civil construction, rail, frontline mining and resources operations and leadership, Jo Sainsbury explores why Human Leadership is becoming the industry’s greatest competitive advantage. Through powerful storytelling, practical leadership lessons and real-world mining experiences, this conversation challenges delegates to think beyond technology and rediscover the value of trust, curiosity, care and accountability. Because while technology changes mining, it is people and the leaders who develop them, who will determine its future.
Stronger Together – The Power of Partnerships and Innovation
Hear from The University of Queensland, the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) and the newly announced Critical Metals for Critical Industries (CMCI) Cooperative Research Centre as they discuss key initiatives driving regional innovation, skills development, and economic growth, and formally announce the CMCI CRC as a strategic partner of the RCOE alongside UQ.
Unlocking Operational Efficiency Through Trusted Strategic Partners
This panel will delve into how operational efficiency isn’t always driven by innovative ways of working, but rather, underpinned by pivotal partnerships to offer the equipment and services that fit the bespoke issues facing mine sites.
Opening Remarks
Join us as we kick off Day Two of the conference.
The Changing Face of the Queensland Resources Sector
This panel explores how Queensland’s resources sector is evolving amid shifting commodity cycles. Industry leaders discuss optimising operations, leveraging local talent and the METS sector, and maximising resource value. The conversation will examine strategies to attract investment, unlock new projects and commodities, and position Queensland for long-term, resilient growth success.
Skills, Diversity and Inclusion: Building the Workforce of the Future
As mining shifts toward remote and digitally connected operations, worker well-being demands renewed focus. Beyond physical safety, mental health, fatigue management, and the pressures of isolation are becoming critical risk factors. This panel explores how the industry can strengthen support systems, build resilience, and create safer, healthier workplaces for a modern mining workforce.
Intermission
A short intermission to refresh before the next part of the program.
Regional Futures: Building the Workforce for a Diverse and Connected Economy
Mining has provided Greater Whitsunday a highly skilled technical workforce — one of the region’s biggest competitive advantages. But the next decade demands a workforce that is more digitally capable, more adaptable, and more connected across sectors. Delivered by Greater Whitsunday Alliance, this session focuses on what this shift means for businesses on the ground — how they attract, retain, and upskill the workforce needed to stay competitive, win work, and expand into emerging sectors.
Future Tech: What You Need to Stay Competitive in a Digital Mining Industry
The technology curve in mining and METS is steepening fast. Automation, AI, autonomy, electrification, and quantum enabled optimisation are no longer future concepts — they are current operating realities. Delivered by Greater Whitsunday Alliance, this session focuses on what technology adoption means for cost, capability, competitiveness, and decarbonisation — and how businesses can prioritise and practically respond.
Partnering to Deliver a major Cat® 793 fleet
What does it take to successfully roll out a fleet of 31 Cat® 793 Next Generation trucks at a major mining operation? Join Stanmore Resources and Hastings Deering as they explore their partnership in action at South Walker Creek. From the initial investment decision through to real productivity outcomes, this discussion will highlight what happens when the right equipment is backed by strong working relationships.
Exploration to Exit: Sustainable Mining Through the Lifecycle
This panel will look at actionable strategies that can be taken throughout a mine site's life to ensure sustainable operations, greater efficiency and a more conscious rehabilitation process.
Industry Insights with Dan Iliffe
Join Whitehaven’s Regional General Manager – Queensland, Dan Iliffe, for a fireside chat about the company’s operations, growth journey and outlook. This session will explore operational priorities, key industry themes, and Whitehaven’s role in supporting regional communities and businesses.
Choose Chile: A Trusted Destination for Mining Investment
A presentation by Ambassador Beatriz de la Fuente on Chile's position as a trusted destination for mining investment, highlighting its copper and lithium resources, commitment to sustainability, and supportive framework for innovation and foreign investment.
Opening remarks
Join us as we kick off Day Two of the conference with Bryson Head MP, Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Resources and Critical Minerals and Member for Callide.
Mental Health, Fatigue Management and Remote Operations Challenges
The mining industry has long been associated with rigorous safety standards for physical hazards, but the well-being of the workforce extends far beyond personal protective equipment and compliance protocols. This panel will explore the evolving landscape of worker safety in mining, with a particular focus on mental health, emotional well-being, and holistic support systems.
Becoming “Investment Ready”: What Mine Sites can do to Attract Both Local and International Partnership Opportunities
This panel highlights the necessity for investment to level-up mine operations and what actionable strategies can be taken to not just be ready for investment in the future, but right now.
Driving fleet reliability through Condition Monitoring
Reliable mining production depends on more than effective maintenance—it requires collaboration, data-driven decision making, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. This case study explores how a Queensland mining operation, its mining contractor, and the OEM worked together to improve equipment performance by combining connected machine technologies with structured reliability processes. The presentation will demonstrate how Caterpillar VisionLink™ Connectivity &.HD Advantage Partner Dealer Condition Monitoring solutions/expertise and routine reliability reporting were used to identify equipment health trends, monitor operator behaviours, and implement targeted interventions. Practical examples include reducing Cat® 793 transmission abuse through operator coaching and data-driven feedback, improving grader productivity by identifying and correcting persistent underspeed operation, and optimising preventative maintenance activities based on condition monitoring and failure trend analysis. Attendees will see how integrating machine data with reliability engineering and frontline operational engagement reduced avoidable equipment stress, improved maintenance planning, extended component life, and increased fleet availability. The presentation will provide practical insights into building a collaborative reliability culture where technology, maintenance, and operational teams work together to deliver measurable improvements in safety, productivity, and equipment performance.
Stronger Together: Building Lasting Community Partnerships in Queensland’s Mining Future
Queensland's mining sector is strengthening ties with local and Indigenous communities, with Indigenous Land Use Agreements being registered across 51.5 per cent of the state as of July 2024. This panel explores how genuine partnerships, local procurement, and shared value initiatives are shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for Queensland’s resources industry.
Mine Pitch hosted by the Resource Industry Network
Delivered by Greater Whitsunday Innovation in partnership with the Resource Industry Network, Mine Pitch connects innovative businesses directly with decision-makers across the mining and METS sector. See five trailblazing companies pitch to a panel of industry leaders actively seeking practical solutions, including representatives from BHP, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Aurecon. With real-time feedback from industry decision-makers, and the opportunity for one-on-one breakout discussion, follow-up conversations and potential trials, Mine Pitch @ QME is a must-see for anyone looking for the latest in industry innovation.
News and Blogs
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