NSW Mining Suppliers Awards winners announced

For a second year running, Hunter companies have dominated at a gala awards ceremony in Sydney that celebrates businesses servicing the state’s mining industry.

The second annual NSW Mining Suppliers Awards, presented by NSW Resources and Energy Minister the Hon. Chris Hartcher MP, recognise excellence and innovation in companies across four categories – professional services, small business, manufacturing & engineering, and mining technology:

Category: Manufacturing & Engineering

WINNER: Melvelle Equipment

RUNNER UP: Sandvik Mining

Category: Professional Services

WINNER: Hunter Valley Training Company

RUNNER UP: BiS Industries

Category: Mining Technology

WINNER: Sandvik Mining

RUNNER UP: Pacific National

Category: Small Business Supplier

WINNER: HMS Group of Companies Australia

RUNNER UP: IQ Link

Natasha & Andrew Melvelle of Melvelle Equipment Corp, Ted Scobie Customer Services Manager, Underground Coal & Duncan Edwards MD Product Line Specialist/Project Engineer of Sandvik Mining Australia, NSW Minerals Council Chair David Moult, Minister Chris Hartcher, NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee, Jamie Howard & Simon Howard of HMS Group, HVTC Chair Bob Cameron

The Awards formed part of the 2013 NSW Mining Industry & Suppliers Conference, which brought together industry professionals, CEOs, service providers and government representatives.

It follows the release of new economic data showing that 26 major NSW mining companies are spending a total of $12.8 billion annually on goods, services, community contributions and wages across the state.

Almost half of that investment occurs in the Hunter region, while the data also revealed that Sydney continues to be the state’s second largest mining region accounting for about 25 per cent of direct spending by the companies surveyed.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee congratulated the winners and said that the NSW mining industry was providing many new opportunities for businesses across NSW.

“Mining is delivering jobs, growth and prosperity to the state and we now know that our industry is helping to generate significant economic activity for range of other sectors,” Mr Galilee said.

“Mining cannot happen without input from many other sectors, including engineering, construction, environmental science, and other professional services including accounting and the law.”

“These businesses have demonstrated the value that they provide to our mining operations and I congratulate them. Melvelle Equipment, Hunter Valley Training Company, Sandvik Mining and HMS Group are great examples of the quality services providers that are making an important contribution to our industry and our state.”

Contact: Brad Emery bemery@nswmining.com.au or 0450 620 254

2013 NSW Mining Suppliers Awards winners

Category: Manufacturing & Engineering

Winner: Melvelle Equipment

This Australian-owned family business has been manufacturing mining support equipment for over 30 years. Melvelle received the award for its innovative E-Clip Remover, a machine that removes weathered railway fasteners and eliminates the need for operators using large hammers, lowering workplace hazards.

NSWMC Chair David Moult, Minister Chris Hartcher, Natasha & Andrew Melvelle of Melvelle Equipment Corp, NSWMC CEO Stephen Galilee

Category: Professional Services

Winner: Hunter Valley Training Company

HVTC is Australia’s oldest and largest Group Training Organisation and has trained over 18,000 apprentices and trainees during the past 32 years. It is being recognised for its efforts to provide apprentices that are workplace-ready in light of the safety hazards on mine sites, with programs including simulated workplace training and a mines induction program.

NSWMC Chairman David Moult, Minister for Resources & Energy Chris Hartcher, HVTC Chair Bob Cameron, Chris Schofield, NSWMC CEO Stephen Galilee

Category: Mining Technology

Winner: Sandvik Mining

Sandvik is a global company with a presence in Australia since the late 1920s. Sandvik has been recognised for its MB series Autocut system, which provides consistent interaction with the coal seam and floor in the underground environment. The judges were impressed by the efficiency afforded by this new technology. Mine sites using the Autocut have seen both safety improvements and production increases.

NSWMC Chairman David Moult, Minister for Resources & Energy Chris Hartcher, Sandvik representatives, NSWMC CEO Stephen Galilee

Category: Small Business Supplier

Winner: HMS Group of Companies Australia

HMS Group is a family owned engineering firm based in the Hunter, with customers around Australia and abroad. The company has been recognised for its revolutionary mini loader, a remote-controlled machine that collects coal that has fallen from a conveyor belt while the belt is still in operation and has increased efficiency and safety at mine sites where it is in use.

NSWMC Chairman David Moult, Minister for Resources & Energy Chris Hartcher, Jamie Howard & Simon Howard of HMS Group, NSWMC CEO Stephen Galilee