One factor that sets the Queensland Mining Awards apart from other industry recognition programs is the public and active participation of its high-calibre judging panel. As the Awards celebrate their 12th year, the panel once again draws from across the resources sector, with five senior industry executives committing their time and expertise to a rigorous, peer-reviewed process that reflects the program’s commitment to genuine, transparent recognition.
The QMA judges volunteer their time to review every entry across the Awards’ eight categories, applying their considerable experience to identify true innovation, strong operational outcomes and the developments shaping the future of Queensland’s mining sector.
QMA’s judging panel for 2026 includes:
- Darren Oliver, Group Manager Procurement, Glencore
- Dr Sharna Glover, Chief Executive Officer, Imvelo (Innovation categories)
- Jason Economidis, Managing Director, AURA Mining
- Dan Iliffe, Regional General Manager – Queensland, Whitehaven Coal
- Luiz Sapucaia, General Manager Supply, Stanmore Resources
Bowen Basin Mining Club Director Jodie Currie said the peer judging process continues to deliver meaningful value for entrants.
“The opportunity to have your submission reviewed by this calibre of industry influencer is one of the most valuable aspects of entering the Awards. Every entrant receives feedback, but for finalists it goes well beyond that – these judges have read and genuinely understood why your innovation matters to the sector. How often do you get to present directly to senior executives who have taken the time to engage with the specifics of your work?” said Ms Currie.
With expertise spanning procurement, supply, technology and innovation, operations and mine management, the panel collectively brings decades of hands-on experience. This year, Dr Sharna Glover will apply her depth of knowledge in autonomous operations and industrial technology to the program’s three innovation categories: Innovation (METS), Innovation (Miner) and Best New Technology – a category introduced in 2026 to reflect the increasing role of technology in driving Queensland mining forward.
Jason Economidis, Managing Director, AURA Mining, brings close to four decades of experience in the coal industry to the panel, having held senior leadership roles at South32, Orica, Peabody, Vale and BHP. His operational perspective, from underground mining through to executive leadership, gives him a well-rounded view of what meaningful progress looks like at every level of the industry.
“The Queensland Mining Awards consistently spotlights work that deserves to be seen by the broader industry. What makes the judging process worthwhile is that every entry is taken seriously – the discussion around the table is always robust, and the range of approaches people bring to similar problems is genuinely impressive. Recognising that work at the Gala Presentation is the reward at the end of it.” said Mr Economidis.
Online entries for the Awards are open until Friday 24 April, and are open to all resources businesses operating or supplying into Queensland. Entries are submitted via the Judgify platform at www.judgify.me/QMA2026 .
The Gala Awards Presentation Dinner will be held during the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) on Wednesday 22 July 2026 in Mackay. Dinner tickets go on sale Monday 30 March.