Introducing our 2025 AusIMM Awards recipients
The highly esteemed AusIMM Awards have been recognising outstanding contributions to AusIMM and professional excellence in the resources sector for more than 85 years.
We are delighted to announce the recipients of our 2025 Awards, who are all highly deserving of recognition from their colleagues and industry. Read more about their inspiring stories and significant contributions below.
Congratulations to all our 2025 awardees and thank you for your service to AusIMM, our industry and our communities.
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.
Dale Elphinstone
Dale Elphinstone, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Elphinstone Group, is a pioneering force and icon in the global underground mining industry whose engineering ingenuity and entrepreneurial vision have reshaped the sector.
In 1975, from his father’s farm shed in Tasmania, Dale established his manufacturing business, Dale B Elphinstone Pty Ltd. The first modified Caterpillar underground loaders and trucks were sold in the late 1970s before Elphinstone embarked on the design and manufacture of their first purpose-built AD13/17 articulated underground mining dump truck in 1982 for Agnew Mining. In 1986, the first Elphinstone-designed LHD was released (the R1500). Elphinstone’s first international export followed in 1987 to Colorado’s Henderson molybdenum mine.
The machines produced by the Elphinstone Group set the benchmark for reliability and productivity and significantly contributed to the rise and success of Australian underground mining. The innovative equipment saw Australian underground miners being known as the most productive globally and helped to redefine standards, with Elphinstone’s major designs of both loaders and trucks still serving as the backbone of machine offerings by other global equipment manufacturers. In 1987 Elphinstone acquired William Adams, achieving his lifelong ambition to become a Caterpillar Dealer.
Elphinstone’s manufacturing business was acquired by Caterpillar in 2000 after a 5-year joint venture. Collectively the two companies manufactured more than 5,000 LHDs and trucks in Burnie and exported these globally. In 2016, Elphinstone negotiated a deal with Caterpillar’s Ed Rapp to buy back the Elphinstone brand and the designs to their original underground support vehicle product line. The Elphinstone team have redesigned and now manufacture a purpose-built suite of underground mining support vehicles, determined once again to deliver unparalleled safety, quality and productivity to an industry that is in Elphinstone’s blood.
In November 2024, Dale became the first person outside the United States to be inducted into the National Mining Hall of Fame in Colorado, honouring his extraordinary contributions to the mining sector.
His legacy is one of engineering excellence, global influence, and unwavering commitment to mining innovation.
President's Award
Malcolm Paterson FAusIMM
Malcolm Paterson is a globally respected metallurgist whose 50-year career has been defined by technical excellence, environmental innovation, and visionary leadership in the resources sector. Since graduating in metallurgy from Bath University in 1971, Malcolm has worked on mining projects across six continents, with the last 40 years based in Australia.
For the previous decade, Malcolm has focused on transforming the use of cyanide in gold processing—an area long fraught with environmental and reputational challenges. His pioneering work led to the development of ReCYN, a proprietary technology that recycles cyanide and recovers copper complexes using resin, significantly reducing environmental impact and improving project economics. ReCYN not only cuts cyanide consumption and detoxification costs but also reduces carbon emissions by 0.4 tonnes per tonne of cyanide saved.
ReCYN has been successfully implemented or designed into projects such as Martabe (Sumatra), Ity Endeavour (Côte d’Ivoire), and Mount Morgan (Queensland). At Mount Morgan, Malcolm’s leadership through Heritage Minerals has revived a long-stalled project, securing support from all levels of government and transforming a legacy liability into a model of sustainable mining.
With over 50 plants globally considering ReCYN, Malcolm’s innovation is reshaping industry practice. His blend of deep technical knowledge, relentless curiosity, and commitment to environmental stewardship has earned him international recognition.
Malcolm Paterson is not only the inventor but the driving force behind a technology that is redefining gold processing. His lifetime of contributions makes him a truly deserving recipient of the President’s Award.
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.
Dave Clark HonFAusIMM(CP)
Dave Clark’s decades-long contribution to AusIMM exemplifies distinguished service, visionary leadership, and enduring commitment to the professional community. Twice elected as a Director, Dave served six years on the Board before assuming the role of President in 2021 and 2022, continuing his service as Immediate Past President through 2023.
Throughout his tenure, Dave provided wise counsel and effective leadership, guiding AusIMM through periods of strategic change and growth. His influence included active participation in key committees including Policy & Advocacy, Audit & Risk, Nominations, and Remuneration. Under his leadership, internal policies were modernised to ensure best-practice governance, and respectful, collaborative relationships between the AusIMM Board and Management Team were strengthened – a hallmark of a well-functioning organisation operating under a shared leadership model.
Balancing a demanding senior role at GHD with his responsibilities at AusIMM, Dave maintained a tireless schedule, often at personal sacrifice, including precious time away from his wife Fiona and six children. His dedication to AusIMM and its members was unwavering, and his presence was consistently marked by approachability and integrity.
Colleagues describe Dave as a trusted mentor and astute director, whose ability to listen, adapt and lead with humility made him a highly effective President and Board or Committee member. His strategic foresight and commitment to professional excellence has left a lasting positive legacy within AusIMM.
Dave was also inducted into the Associations Hall of Fame in 2023 as a result of his outstanding high-level contribution and commitment to the association sector over an extended period.
In recognition of his outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the values of AusIMM, Dave is a most deserving recipient of Honorary Fellowship.
Beryl Jacka Awards
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. There are two Beryl Jacka Awards in 2025.
Prof Bruce Harvey FAusIMM(CP)
Over a career spanning 45 years, Bruce Harvey has contributed significantly to the AusIMM and the mineral resource sector, particularly in promoting Environment and Social Performance as vital professional disciplines in securing resource project approvals and finance.
Bruce led the development of the AusIMM’s Social Responsibility Framework and it’s ESG and Social Responsibility Professional Certificate online course. He championed the development of AusIMM’s Environmental and Social Performance Area of Practice competencies and contributed to the 2024 JORC Code and other reviews. As an Adjunct Professor, guest lecturer, conference speaker and author, he has promoted AusIMM’s role in fostering professional development and mentoring the next generation of resource sector professionals.
More broadly, Bruce’s ability to translate technical, theoretical and ethical considerations into practical work on the ground has shown how the resources sector can earn and sustain its social licence to operate. From the camp mess to the boardroom, Bruce has always emphasised the importance of practical, grounded work undertaken by competent people at operating assets.
As Global Practice Leader for Social Performance at Rio Tinto (2007–2014), Bruce led the design and implementation of the company’s first-generation social performance system, at the time widely recognised as industry-leading. Through his consultancy, Resolution88, he continues to advise resource companies on a range of matters, including ESG-related performance systems, social risk management and local agreement making.
Bruce’s consistent message over decades about securing social acceptance and support through scientific rigor, critical thinking and verifiable performance has helped shape the way the minerals sector now operates.
Deming Whitman FAusIMM
Across a career defined by strategic insight and a deep commitment to leadership, Deming Whitman has made a lasting impact on AusIMM and the resources sector. His professional journey spans executive roles, advisory positions, and academic contributions—each marked by a consistent drive to elevate standards and foster meaningful change.
Within AusIMM, Deming’s leadership has been highly valued. As Chair of the Awards Committee for seven years, he guided a diverse and experienced group through complex deliberations with clarity and resolve. He spearheaded a structural reform of the Awards Program, broadening engagement by integrating AusIMM’s specialist Societies into the nomination process. This initiative has helped improve the quality and diversity of nominations.
Prior to the Awards Committee, Deming held a variety of roles with the Institute including on Council (the predecessor to the Board) and with various committees including WIMnet.
As well as his extensive operational and corporate experience, in the services sector Deming facilitated global R&D collaborations, connecting major producers, suppliers, and research institutions. His advisory roles with other international organisations reflect his versatility, offering strategic guidance in governance, risk, and leadership. His undergraduate teaching at Monash University, membership of its Resources Engineering Advisory Board and more recently teaching in the Masters program at Deakin University further underscores his dedication to education and industry development.
Whether advising global firms, mentoring students, or chairing key committees, Deming is committed to making a difference. His legacy within AusIMM is one of thoughtful reform, inclusive leadership, and enduring service – making him a most deserving recipient of one of AusIMM’s highest honours.
Leadership Awards
Recognising consistent and significant contribution to the ongoing success of AusIMM or the resources sector.
Outstanding Leadership Award
This Award 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.
Dr Bianca Newcombe FAusIMM
Bianca Newcombe has been a driving force in strengthening AusIMM and Australia’s metallurgy community. As founder of the highly successful MetFest series, Bianca has created a national platform that brings metallurgists together to share expertise and boost camaraderie – transforming professional connections across the country.
As a long-standing committee member and Chair of both AusIMM’s Metallurgical Society and Lachlan Branch, Bianca’s willingness to give freely of her time reflects her deep commitment to AusIMM and its members. Bianca is known for her tireless volunteering, technical excellence, and generous mentorship of younger professionals.
Alongside her contribution to AusIMM’s professional community, Bianca has published respected industry papers and consistently supported the development of her company peers and junior team members.
Bianca’s leadership has extended beyond metallurgy, building bridges across the mining value chain. Her ability to unite metallurgists, geologists, and miners has reshaped how professionals collaborate – making our AusIMM and our industry more inclusive and connected.
In 2023 Bianca was awarded both the NSW and National ‘Exceptional Woman in Mining’ award in recognition of her enduring advocacy for gender equality and flexible working arrangements within the mineral sector.
In recognition of her outstanding leadership, advocacy and enduring service to AusIMM, Bianca is a most deserving recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award.
Emerging Leader of the Year Awards
These three Awards recognise the contribution by a young professional within the sector through operational, academic, service or other notable achievement.
Jonathan Stokes MAusIMM(CP)
Jon Stokes is an emerging leader and advocate for safety, inclusion, and professional excellence in the resources sector. As a Senior Geologist in the Gascoyne, WA and Senior Site Executive, Jon has demonstrated exceptional technical competence and leadership. His academic achievements—including an MBA and a Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Workplace Safety—reflect his commitment to continuous growth.
Jon’s contributions to the AusIMM Health & Safety Society and Perth Branch Committees have been highly regarded. He has helped develop impactful events on psychological safety, including a standout workshop with ECU’s Marcus Cattani, and is currently organising a 2025 event on workplace bullying and harassment.
Beyond industry, Jon serves as a Director of Wheelchairs for Kids, applying his HSE expertise to support safe, inclusive operations. Known for his energy, thoughtfulness, and collaborative style, Jon is a role model for emerging professionals and a deserving recipient of the Emerging Leader Award.
Tobias Massang SAusIMM
Tobias Massang is a thoughtful and inspiring emerging leader whose quiet confidence and genuine care have left a lasting mark on the student mining community.
As a Past President of AusIMM’s Southern Queensland Student Chapter, he brought people together—boosting participation, championing inclusivity, and creating space for others to thrive. He is also a passionate advocate for the opportunities that a career in mining can provide, and has encouraged many others to pursue mining studies.
From leading the 2024 National Mining Games to mentoring peers and shaping national initiatives, he uplifts those around him, is a dedicated ambassador for the industry, encourages excellence, and leads with humility. He is currently an AusIMM New Professionals Network Ambassador, further strengthening the bridge between student and professional engagement.
Tobias shows what it means to lead with heart and is a true emerging leader who is respected, admired, and wholeheartedly deserving of this recognition.
Jemima Reid AAusIMM
Jemima Reid is an inspiring role model for young professionals in resources. She has dedicated countless hours to mentoring, volunteering, and creating opportunities for others, including her work with the UWA AusIMM Student Chapter. Rising from secretary and events coordinator to President in 2022, Jemima organised more than 20 networking events, including UWA’s largest Student Meets Industry event, and more than doubled both sponsorship and membership during her tenure.
Jemima also chaired the 2022 National Mining Games and has served on the New Leaders Advisory Committee every year since. Jemima has been instrumental in building bridges between students, industry, and academia, ensuring the next generation enters the workforce better prepared and more connected.
In addition to her leadership, Jemima has demonstrated exceptional technical knowledge. Her research on cave-back mapping with the team at the Australian Centre for Geomechanics was presented in Sweden at MassMin 2024, and produced a breakthrough algorithm capable of generating 3D models of cave backs in under two minutes.
Deeply committed to mentoring young women, particularly those from rural backgrounds through her work with Wheatbelt and Beyond Youth Mentoring, Jemima embodies resilience, authenticity, and leadership. She is a valued member of the Barminco team and an emerging leader whose passion and advocacy are shaping a more inclusive and inspiring future for the resources sector.
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.
Charles Marshall Consultants Society Award
Dr William (Bill) Shaw FAusIMM(CP)
Dr Bill Shaw has made notable global contributions to mining and geoscience consulting across multiple commodities.
Bill has demonstrated his commitment to his profession as a long-standing member of the JORC, VALMIN, and IMVAL Committees, and also as President of the Australian Geoscience Council from 2014–2018, representing over 8,000 geoscience professionals in eight organisations including AusIMM.
With over 50 technical publications, Bill has contributed his expertise to the global literature on mining grade control, mine reconciliation, and geoscience. His papers are underpinned by his extensive experience in mine evaluation, ore reserve audits and feasibility studies.
His work as a consultant for Escondida (copper) in Chile, Simandou (iron) in Guinea and Sukari (gold) in Egypt exemplifies his international impact and demonstrates his deep knowledge of a variety of commodities and operations.
As a consultant, Bill is especially valued for his pragmatic, operationally focused recommendations – solutions that are practical, effective, and tailored to real-world mining environments, earning him deep respect across the industry. He is a deserving recipient of this year’s Charles Marshall Consultants Society Award.
Geoscience Society Award
John Rowntree FAusIMM
John Rowntree is an influential geologist and educator whose career includes more than 50 years of transformative contributions to mineral exploration and geoscience education.
John led the discovery of eight major deposits: Wodgina (tantalite, WA); Jabiluka (uranium, NT); Paddington (gold, WA); Munni Munni (platinum group elements, WA); Ernest Henry (iron ore/copper/gold, QLD); Nimary-Jundee (gold, WA); Isortoq (TVM, Greenland) and Maniitsoq (nickel/copper/cobalt/PGE, Greenland).
As Chairman and Technical Director of Hunter Resources, John demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical acumen, guiding exploration teams to success across multiple commodities. His strategic foresight and operational expertise were pivotal in securing funding, managing feasibility studies, and fostering industry partnerships.
Beyond exploration, John’s enduring legacy is Life Rocks, an Earth Science education initiative he founded in 2008. Life Rocks has reached thousands of students across Australia, Canada, and Europe, promoting geoscience literacy through hands-on learning and innovative teaching tools. His approach bridges industry and education, inspiring curiosity and environmental stewardship from an early age.
In 2024 John received the Canadian Institute of Mining A.O. Dufresne Exploration Achievement Award for exceptional contribution to mining exploration in Canada.
John’s contributions have reshaped public perception of mining, enhanced community engagement, and equipped educators with resources that make geology accessible and engaging.
Jim Torlach Health and Safety Society Award
Prof Maureen Hassall
Professor Maureen Hassall is an outstanding and deeply respected leader in the field of health and safety. As Director of the Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre (MISHC) at The University of Queensland, she has made long-term, high-impact contributions to fatality prevention, critical control management, and process safety across the resources sector and other high-risk industries.
A quiet achiever, Maureen works tirelessly to improve safety outcomes – always focused on practical, evidence-based strategies that can be implemented on the ground, helping many organisations embed robust systems for identifying, managing, and verifying controls for high-consequence hazards.
Professor Hassall has also been instrumental in the development and dissemination of critical control management practices in alignment with ICMM guidelines.
Beyond her direct industry impact, Professor Hassall plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of mining and engineering professionals, and continues to lecture at The University of Queensland. Her teaching ensures that emerging professionals enter the workforce equipped not just with technical knowledge, but with the mindset and tools needed to lead safely and responsibly in high-risk environments.
Metallurgical Society Award
Roxanne O’Donnell MAusIMM(CP)
Roxanne O’Donnell is an outstanding metallurgist whose career reflects technical excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to mentoring and STEM advocacy. Since joining Glencore Mount Isa Mines in 2015, she has held several key roles in both operational and site based projects and is currently contributing to major capital projects with Glencore Zinc’s Capital Studies team.
Roxanne has delivered significant metallurgical improvements at the Mount Isa Copper Concentrator, including the upgrade of metallurgical samplers for third party ore tolling, froth crowder upgrades, reverse flotation for silica recovery, and pyrite depression strategies. Her work has been shared through multiple AusIMM conferences and publications, reinforcing her commitment to knowledge sharing within the industry.
Beyond technical achievements, Roxanne is a passionate advocate for STEM education and diversity. She mentors high school students and serves as an AusIMM New Professionals Network Ambassador. Roxanne’s leadership, collaborative style, and genuine investment in the next generation of professionals have made her a respected figure, and her ability to balance technical excellence with mentoring and advocacy makes her an exemplary role model for future metallurgists.
Social and Environment Society Award
Gavin Martin MAusIMM
Gavin Martin is a cultural heritage technical specialist with more than 25 years expertise across all areas of Social Performance. Gavin’s current role as Technical Executive Social Performance at WSP involves coordinating social impact assessments, developing cultural heritage management systems and undertaking social risk and due diligence assessments.
Between 2019-23, Gavin managed the community engagement and social impact assessment processes for the Argyle Diamond Mine closure, from the feasibility stage through to the implementation of the closure execution program. This included developing a cultural heritage management system to ensure tangible and intangible heritage was respected and co-managed with Traditional Owners through the mine closure process and beyond.
Prior to this Gavin held a variety of Social Performance roles with Rio Tinto across several different product groups and regions.
Gavin has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise, dedication, and a commitment to fostering the development of colleagues and new professionals. Gavin has taken on the role of mentor and coach, providing guidance, training, and support to team members at all levels. Gavin regularly organises workshops, seminars, and training sessions to share his expertise and promote best practices in cultural heritage management.
His approachable and supportive nature has created a positive and collaborative work environment, where colleagues feel valued and empowered to excel, and Gavin embodies the qualities of a true professional and leader.
Mining Society Award
Dr Joe Cronin FAusIMM
Dr Joe Cronin is a globally respected leader in underground mining automation and safety innovation. Transitioning from the defence sector to mining in 2012, he led the landmark LHD automation project at Northparkes’ E48 block cave mine—still regarded as the most successful of its kind. His pioneering “Safety by Separation” concept, inspired by bomb disposal robotics, has redefined hazard mitigation by removing personnel from dangerous environments through remote inspection technologies.
Dr Cronin’s founding of Australian Droid & Robot (ADR) in 2016 addressed the growing need for safe, remote inspection in increasingly automated mines. His advocacy for open automation systems has enabled broader equipment integration, enhancing safety and accessibility across the industry.
Internationally recognised for his work with the Global Mining Guidelines (GMG) Zero Entry initiative and OEM collaborations, Dr Cronin has also led automation projects in Canada, Australia, and Africa.
Dr Cronin’s sustained leadership, innovation, and commitment to protecting workers make him a distinguished recipient of the Mining Society’s Professional Excellence Award.
As part of the AusIMM Awards, each year AusIMM offers a series of annual awards and scholarships to support undergraduate and post-graduate students aspiring to a career in the mining industry. Click here to meet our 2025 EEF Scholarship Recipients and meet our 2025 Epiroc Women in Mining Scholarship Recipient here.