Introducing our 2024 AusIMM Awards recipients

Highest honours

Recognising outstanding and sustained leadership and exceptional achievements.

The Institute Medal

The Institute Medal is the most prestigious Award and highest honour conferred by AuslMM. It may be awarded to anyone in recognition of eminent leadership of AusIMM or the resources sector. 

Laura Tyler FAusIMM(CP)

Laura Tyler's career is marked by her unwavering commitment to sustainability, leadership excellence, and the advancement of diversity and inclusion. Laura's journey from a geologist to one of the most influential leaders in the industry is a testament to her resilience, determination and vision. Her leadership style is characterised by a focus on creating a high-performance culture where collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation are paramount.

Throughout her career from Mount Isa Mines to BHP and now as CEO at Adriatic Metals, Laura has demonstrated exceptional technical expertise. Laura has guided her teams towards a future where mining is economically viable, environmentally responsible, and provides long-term value to people and communities.

Laura's forward-thinking approach has been instrumental in driving adoption of innovative solutions that minimise environmental impact while maximising resource efficiency. Laura actively engages with industry peers and stakeholders, sharing her insights and advocating for policies that benefit the environment and society at large. 

As a committed professional and active AuslMM member, Laura has contributed to shaping industry standards and fostering a culture of excellence. Her advocacy for professional development, particularly for women in mining, has helped AusIMM support the professional growth of its members.

Laura's global commitment to diversity and inclusion is deeply personal. Her experiences navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry fuelled her passion for advocating for women in mining. Laura has been a powerful voice for change, mentoring and inspiring countless women to pursue careers in the industry. Her leadership at BHP resulted in tangible improvements in gender diversity, with more women now occupying leadership roles and contributing to the company's success.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the mining industry, her leadership in sustainability and diversity, and her dedication to creating a high-performance culture, Laura Tyler is a highly deserving recipient of the Institute Medal.

Watch Laura's acceptance speech from the 2024 Awards Dinner below:

President's Award

The President's Award may be presented to any senior and influential professional who has made a notable contribution to, or achievement within, AusIMM or the resources sector in a specific sphere of activity. This Award is selected by the AuslMM President. 

Fiona Robertson AM FAuslMM

Fiona Robertson is an extraordinary professional who has contributed significantly to AuslMM and the sector through advancing diversity and inclusion. Fiona leads by example, and is highly valued and regarded for her passion, commitment, and openness. She is noted for her tireless performance and is highly respected by all around her.

Fiona was instrumental in establishing AuslMM's Women in Mining Network (WIMnet) NSW committee. She chaired the committee from 2012-2015 and helped expand its activities across NSW. Fiona also helped establish, and remains a driving force behind, the WIMnet NSW Mentoring Program, now in its tenth year. The Program helps support and retain women in the resources industry and enhances career progression. In 2020, the program won the State Award for the NSW Gender Diversity Program in the Women in Mining Awards.

Alongside her leadership role on WIMnet NSW, Fiona's passion for advancing diversity and inclusion has seen her serve as a member of the national WIMnet Committee from 2012-2017, and on the advisory committees of AuslMM's Achieve and Inspire Conference (2018) and Mining Leadership Conference (2019).

In addition to her highly valued committee work, Fiona has attained many personal achievements and recognition. In 2023 Fiona was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the mining sector. Fiona won the prestigious State and then National Women in Mining Award for Gender Diversity Champion in 2017. In 2020, Fiona was named one of the 100 inspirational Women in Mining by WIMUK.

Fiona is a humble person who has achieved so much throughout her career, is held in high esteem across the resources industry, and is a role model in every sense.

Watch Fiona's acceptance speech from the 2024 Awards Dinner below:

Honorary Fellowship

Honorary Fellowship may be conferred on any senior and influential professional who has performed notable, active and sustained service to AuslMM or made a major contribution to the resources sector. 

Paul Espie AO HonFAuslMM

Paul Espie's contributions to the AuslMM Education Endowment Fund (EEF) have played a significant role in shaping future leaders in Australia's resources sector over fifteen years.

One of Paul's key responsibilities, together with Jared Osborne of Rio Tinto, has been oversight of the Rio Tinto/Sir Frank Espie Leadership Award processes on behalf of the Espie family. This prestigious Award honours the legacy of his father, Sir Frank Espie, and his father Frank Senior, and recognises their substantial impact on the sector. Paul's hands on involvement in the EEF has meant that the Award is now coveted with emerging leaders.

Paul is an active advocate for the Education Endowment Fund and Sir Frank Espie Leadership Award winners across the industry. His endeavours in this context have drawn from his experience which includes Founding Chairmanship of Oxiana Resources, Empire Energy and Pacific Road Group. Paul's commitment to fostering the qualities necessary for effective leadership in the evolving mining landscape has been invaluable.

Beyond committee work, Paul contributes his time, guidance, and wisdom to scholarship winners and alumni, providing mentorship and networking opportunities. His commitment to past scholarship recipients has earned their gratitude, and he remains enthusiastic about empowering young professionals in the shaping of the industry's future.

Honorary Fellowship is a highly fitting acknowledgment of Paul's significant contribution to the sector, AusIMM and the Education Endowment Fund and its legacy.

Beryl Jacka Award

This award is named in honour of Beryl Jacka, a stalwart of AusIMM over a period of 40+ years including as Secretary. This award may be presented to an AusIMM member who has demonstrated extraordinary and sustained service to AusIMM.

John Stanton MAusIMM

John has provided sustained service to AusIMM through his leading role as a Tasmania Branch committee member for more than 20 years. John has gone to great efforts to keep a small branch, with widely dispersed membership, active. 

John has been Branch Secretary since 2013, and has been Chair of the Branch’s signature event, the Tasmania Geosciences Forum, for the past nine years. Thanks to his drive and organisational ability, these events have become established as ‘the’ event for explorers and miners in Tasmania.

John has spearheaded countless other Branch functions such as site tours, AGMs, networking events. He has also mentored other committee members to help ensure continuity of leadership within the Branch. 

Importantly, John has consistently mentored members from the Tasmania Student Chapter through events such as the Students Meet Industry night, tech talks, scholarships and conferences. 

Alongside his Branch work, John was on the Committee for the Underground Operators Conference from 2008-2025, as well as the MassMin Conference in 2016. He has also served on the Board of the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council since 2011. 

John’s involvement has benefited many AusIMM members including students and established industry professionals, and his two decades of distinguished service clearly showcase his high level of commitment.

Leadership Awards

Recognising consistent and significant contribution to the ongoing success of AusIMM or the resources sector.

Outstanding Leadership Awards

These Awards may be presented to any member or group of members. They recognise consistent and significant contribution to the ongoing success of AusIMM and/or the resources sector. This may be through building better understanding and respect either among resources sector professionals, or between those professionals and the broader community. 

Gavan Collery OAM FAuslMM

Gavan Collery's support of the mining industry and his leading role in the professional development of its people has been significant and sustained over his career.

In particular, Gavan was instrumental in founding the Melbourne Mining Club (MMC). For more than 20 years he has been a leader in growing the club's relevance as a renowned networking organisation for people in mining. The MMC's various events in Australia and offshore provide a central point for professionals and students in the resources sector to meet and network.

The MMC has a volunteer-based Steering Committee and is a non-profit organisation, with surplus funds going to the AuslMM and the MCA to support activities for students and young professionals. The MMC's operating philosophy for its luncheon events was shaped by Gavan and is focused on encouraging "Captains of Industry" to address the big picture issues affecting the resources sector and, more importantly, practical ways companies can solve them. Gavan has taken a leading role in identifying and recruiting CEOs to speak at MMC luncheons as well as offshore events in London, Beijing, Shanghai and Jakarta.

Gavan is a strong champion of diversity and inclusion. In 2019, his services to the mining industry were recognised through an Order of Australia Medal.

Jim Morrison FAuslMM(CP) 

Jim Morrison has been a valued member of the AusIMM North Queensland Branch for over 30 years. He has held various roles including (with Alan Moore) setting up the Charters Towers sub-Branch in the early 1990s; serving as Chair in 2011; and most recently serving as Secretary/Treasurer from 2022-23.

In particular, Jim has demonstrated leadership by completing the work to restore a unique 1930s plate glass model of the Charters Towers lodes, which the Branch had been striving towards for over three decades. The completion included significant work and encouragement by National Trust volunteers Garry Watson, Rebecca Williams, Tom Orr, Darran Hatten, and numerous Branch members including Dale Sims, Phil Jay, Ross Garling, Vanessa Warrington and Jeff Innes.

The model is housed at the Zara Clark Museum and helps demonstrate how the history of the Charters Towers region has been integral in the development of mining since the 1870s.

The official opening of the restored model was held with AusIMM, Council, and National Trust representatives in 2022, and brought together 50 attendees.

Jim has also been involved in the organisation of numerous Branch activities including mine visits, student events, camps, conferences, and Charters Towers events providing updates on mining projects in the region.

Emerging Leader of the Year Award

This Award recognises the contribution by a young professional within the sector through operational, academic, service or other notable achievement.  

Lucy Barrie AAuslMM

Lucy Barrie is emerging as a pivotal leader in the resources sector in North West Queensland (NWQ), where she demonstrates unwavering dedication and impactful leadership. As Vice Chair of the AusIMM NWQ Branch, Lucy has consistently driven initiatives that foster professional growth and community engagement.

Under Lucy's guidance, the AusIMM NWQ Branch has flourished as a hub for knowledge exchange and networking opportunities. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach have been instrumental in organising technical seminars, workshops, and industry forums, including the success of the annual Regional Mining Symposium.

Lucy has been an AuslMM New Professional Network Ambassador since 2022, helping establish engagement opportunities for newer industry professionals.

Lucy has also championed for the advancement of women in the sector. Lucy's initiatives have helped create a supportive network for women in industry and inspired future generations of female mining professionals.

Lucy's ongoing dedication to fostering the next generation in Queensland is a testament to her commitment to excellence and community service. Her multifaceted contributions as a leader, advocate, facilitator, and mentor have significantly enriched the professional landscape of the North West region and beyond.

Professional Excellence Awards

These Awards recognise professional excellence for significant contributions to the development or application of professional knowledge, practice or leadership within a specific discipline aligned to AusIMM Societies.  

These awards may be presented to professionals at any career stage, of any discipline, who have made a worthy contribution to their own or any other discipline. 

Consultants Society Award

Ben Auld FAuslMM 

Ben Auld is widely respected in mining consulting circles for being instrumental in establishing Mining Plus, a successful consulting business that produces high quality work for clients. Ben is passionate about the mining sector, and this comes through clearly in his work as a consultant.

A mining engineer by background, Ben has provided leadership and technical guidance for mining projects across various commodities and development stages for more than two decades.

Through Mining Plus, Ben has built a strong team with an enviable culture, and has grown the organisation from a two person, Perth-based consulting firm in 2006 into an internationally respected business across various mining disciplines.

The business now has offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Kalgoorlie, Vancouver, Toronto, Sudbury, Denver, Lima and Bristol. Ben is a highly deserving recipient of an AusIMM Award thanks to his leadership, passion for the industry, and the substantial consulting business that he has grown. 

Geoscience Society Award

Geoff McKinley

Geoff McKinley is a highly experienced geoscientist and industry leader who has built a considerable reputation in the application of resource range assessment. This structured approach to characterising resource-related risk and uncertainty can help companies to better communicate and manage orebody risk, and inform strategic decisions.

Geoff has worked globally across the resource project life cycle, drawing on a very deep reservoir of knowledge and experience to develop the 'art of resource ranging' into a systematic, whole-of-business approach. As a leader, Geoff is unassuming and very effective in bringing together earth scientists, engineers, project specialists, business analysts and ESG specialists to deliver a broader, multi-disciplinary perspective on resource uncertainty and its potential business impact.

Geoff is skilled at understanding the connection between what is in the ground and what it will take to realise its full economic potential. He has a unique ability to translate understanding of resource-related risk and uncertainty into action.

Geoff's leading approach provides project teams, functional leaders and executives with clear insights based on rigorous challenge and debate, while also considering the many technical and business uncertainties typically faced by resource companies.

Health and Safety Society Award

Dr Nikky LaBranche FAuslMM(CP)

Dr Nikky LaBranche is a passionate researcher with two decades of experience in mining engineering, specialising in occupational health and safety research. Nikky developed a novel method for characterising respirable dust in mining environments, providing an unprecedented level of detail. This method has shifted the understanding of dust hazards and is helping to reshape industry standards to better protect worker health.

As Chair of the AuslMM's Health and Safety Society for the past two years, Nikky has been an avid advocate for improving industry health and safety. She also served as Co-Chair of the 2024 International Mine Health and Safety Conference Advisory Committee, which brought together over 300 delegates in Perth to advance global mining safety.

In addition to her research, Nikky leads the University of Queensland Dust and Respiratory Health Forum, bringing together knowledge leaders to share cutting-edge advancements with industry professionals.

She comes from a strong mining background in underground and surface coal having worked in Australia, North and South America and has a focus on strategic planning, project management and mine planning.

Through her innovative research and dedicated Committee work, Nikky remains a passionate advocate for the health and safety of every individual in mining. 

Metallurgical Society Award

Michael Celona MAuslMM

Michael Celona is a Senior Metallurgist at Mount Isa Mines (MIM) Copper Concentrator and an emerging leader in his field. He is a driving force in the North West Queensland (NWQ) region and is dedicated to establishing a platform for sharing knowledge in metallurgy, mineralogy, and minerals.

A dedicated member of the AuslMM NWQ Branch Committee, Michael has been instrumental in organising monthly technical talks and industry forums such as the annual Regional Mining Symposium and the highly successful MetFest Mount Isa. This event was a valuable platform for knowledge sharing within the local metallurgy community, and Michael's leadership was instrumental in the event's success. He liaised with the AuslMM Metallurgical Society, secured site tours and presentations, and managed all aspects of the event from sponsorship to networking activities.

Michael is also committed to furthering his understanding of best practice. Michael has advocated for and is now project managing the installation of a weightometer on the main conveyor between the concentrator and smelter. This will provide crucial accuracy improvements and demonstrates Michael's commitment to advancing metallurgy standards in the region, making him a deserving recipient for this Award. 

Mining Society Award

Peter Mikula FAuslMM(CP) 

Peter Mikula is an expert in geotechnical engineering and is well-known for his skillset related to mine-induced seismicity.

Peter approaches his work with genuine passion and has a unique ability to assess complex problems and provide clear and concise advice. He applies his professional excellence by understanding the orebody and the mechanisms of the seismic source, and proposes the best and most practical mining solution to extract the ore.

Peter always inserts some element of innovation and lessons learned from other problems in the solutions proposed, demonstrating with humility the fact that despite his extensive experience, we never stop learning.

Peter is also skilled in conveying very complex seismic matters to a variety of technical staff and site personnel, and he demonstrates emotional intelligence in approaching, collaborating, and cooperating with stakeholders.

Peter always demonstrates outstanding professional integrity in his work, with the best interest for the mine and the health and safety of people at front of mind. The industry is fortunate to have someone so well natured, approachable and with such a vast knowledge base to call on for assistance.

Social and Environment Society Award

Dr Geraldine McGuire FAuslMM 

Dr Geraldine McGuire is a professional of high standing and has provided dedicated service to the resources sector for more than 30 years. Geraldine reflects the professional leadership required across the social and environmental disciplines that are integral to the development of mineral resources.

In her working experience, Geraldine has worked on projects throughout Australia, Asia and the Pacific across the environmental and social performance professional areas. She has led complex multi-stakeholder engagement programs, social and environmental impact assessments and management programs, as well as compliance and auditing of these systems and processes.

Geraldine is currently Chair of the AusIMM Far North Queensland Branch, where she has worked with the Committee to revitalise Branch activities. She has also shared her own expertise and supported the development of professionals in the sector through being a course facilitator for AuslMM's ESG & Social Responsibility Professional Certificate.

Geraldine has passionately worked towards empowering Indigenous people and is committed to poverty alleviation in rural communities through effective and impactful development and sound management practices. Geraldine was a standout recipient for this Award in a strong field of submissions.

Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Awards

The Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Awards were generously endowed by the Espie family, in memory of Sir Frank Espie. Sir Frank demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication and technical management to the mining industries of Australia and Papua New Guinea and was a distinguished member and former President of AuslMM. 

Ashley Potter SAuslMM - University of New South Wales 

Ashley Potter has recently completed the second year of Mining Engineering (Honours) at UNSW, and has been involved with AuslMM since the beginning of 2022 as a part of the AuslMM Sydney Student Chapter (SSC).

The AuslMM community has been an incredible introduction to the mining industry for Ashley, taking her across Australia on field trips, conferences and as a competitor in the National Mining Games. In 2024 Ashley is President of the AusIMM SSC, as well as a Sydney Branch member, and both positions have enabled her to contribute actively within the Sydney community.

Ashley was initially drawn to a career in the mining industry by the opportunity to solve complex engineering problems while applying technical knowledge in a hands-on, dynamic environment.

Over the last summer break Ashley completed a vacation program at Lady Loretta in Queensland, gaining underground experience in an operational role.

Ashley is committed to advocating for and sharing the industry with younger students. As a Mining Engineering Ambassador for UNSW, Ashley has been able to share her passion for the mining industry with high school students, sharing her own personal experiences in the hope that this will encourage young women particularly to explore a career in mining. Ashley hopes to continue to showcase the diverse opportunities available in the industry. 

Francis Burt AAuslMM - Curtin University 

 

Francis (or 'Frank') Burt initially began studies in Civil Engineering and Business Management in 2020, before a persistent friend convinced him to make the switch to mining in 2021, and he hasn't looked back.

Frank is currently in his final year of studies at the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) and is loving the unique experiences of life in Kalgoorlie. Growing up on a cattle station on the Gascoyne coast, boarding school beckoned from a young age, which provided great opportunities to learn and form lifelong friendships.

Frank is your 'typical kid from the bush', enjoying a hard day's work, tinkering with all things mechanical and indulging in a bit of backyard cricket. Frank loves working with his hands and mind, which is part of what makes mining such a unique and exciting industry.

Frank is currently working underground with Develop Global, at the Bellevue Gold Project, a new and exciting mine at the forefront of evolving technologies and modern practices, providing a state-of-the-art learning experience.

Concurrently, he is the President of the WASM Wombats, a highly regarded and equally successful Intercollegiate Mining Games Club, Secretary and Treasurer of the WASM Guild and General Committee Member of the AuslMM Kalgoorlie Student Chapter.

Education Endowment Fund Premium Scholarships 

Since 1989, the Education Endowment Fund Scholarships have been committed to supporting the future of mining professionals by providing financial aid, mentorship and elevated professional development experiences. 

Our 2024 recipients are listed below - you can read their full citations in this Bulletin article published earlier this year. 

Postgraduate Research Scholarship

Dana Imbrogno – PhD – University of Adelaide (Adelaide Branch member) 

Undergraduate – Premium Scholarships

Thomas Aquilina – University of New South Wales – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Mining) (Sydney Branch member)

Timothy Blyzno – University of Adelaide – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours(Chemical)/Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) (Adelaide Branch Member)

Alexandra Egan – University of Queensland – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Chemical & Metallurgical Engineering) (Southern Queensland Branch)

Henry Hall – University of Queensland – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Civil Engineering) (Southern Queensland Branch member)

Lauren Harding – University of Western Australia – Masters in Professional Engineering (Mining) (Perth Branch member)

Braydon Haskett – University of Wollongong – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Mining Engineering) (Illawarra Branch Member)

Maya Koizumi-Smith - University of Tasmania – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Civil)/Bachelor of Science (Earth Science) (Tasmania Branch Member)

Nathaniel Lucas – University of Western Australia – Masters of Professional Engineering (Mining) (Perth Branch member)

Jordan Liu – Curtin University – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Metallurgical)/Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) (Kalgoorlie Branch Member)

Sophia Minter – University of Tasmania – Bachelor of Marine & Antarctic Science (Earth Science & Marine Biology) (Tasmania Branch member)

Nathan Robinson - University of Wollongong– Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mining Engineering) (Illawarra branch member)

Kiran Shankaran – University of Adelaide – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Mathematical & Computer Sciences (Adelaide Branch member) 

Epiroc Women in Mining Scholarship

This scholarship proudly awarded by Epiroc helps women in their final year of technology-centred studies find their pathway within the mining industry.  

Jasmin Bentink SAuslMM - University of Western Australia 

Jasmin Bentink, a second-year Bachelor of Environmental Science student at the University of Western Australia, specialises in Environmental Science and Management with aspirations to pursue a Master's Degree.

Her passion for environmental stewardship and the mining industry was ignited during her internship at BHP and further nurtured through a mentoring relationship with Rio Tinto as a scholar.

Jasmin is a student member of AuslMM, actively engaging in UWA Student Chapter events and is to be the 2025 Media Coordinator for the committee. She was a WA representative for the IMARC 2024 NextGen Leaders program. 

Growing up in a regional area, Jasmin's environmental passion was kindled early, driving her academic and professional pursuits. She aspires to work in mine closure and rehabilitation upon graduation, combining her love for the environment with the mining industry's needs.

As an AusIMM Epiroc Women in Mining Scholarship recipient, Jasmin looks forward to sharing her experiences and inspiring others to pursue mining careers.