The Australian Mining Prospect Awards are back and bigger than ever in September.
In an industry often in the public eye, few moments shine brighter than when a team’s hard work is recognised on a national stage.
For Robson Civil Projects, winning the 2024 Mine Project Success of the Year award at the Australian Mining Prospect Awards was more than a trophy ¬– it was a moment of validation and pride, and a springboard to future opportunities.
The Prospect Awards have long been the only national awards program to stop, take a look at what the mining industry is doing, and reward those who are excelling and going above and beyond, recognising and rewarding innovation.
Robson Civil was honoured for its work at the Maxwell underground project in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.
Discussing the win, Robson Hunter Valley manager Michael Hanson described it as a “highlight of the year”, especially for the on-the-ground project teams and those in support roles.
“The win was a massive boost to the team,” Hanson told PNG Mining. “There was a huge amount of effort that went into this project, so to be recognised on such a visible stage meant a lot.
“It gave everyone a great sense of self-satisfaction and pride in their work.”
That pride translated into celebration. Hanson said the Robson team enjoyed celebrating the win in Perth on awards night, and at a team dinner in the weeks that followed.
“It was a really good win for the team on the job, as well as the supporting teams,” he said.
“And of course it was great for visibility. There were lots of social media posts, photos and conversations that were shared over that night.”
Changing the conversation
The significance of the Prospect Awards goes well beyond recognition. For many across the mining sector, they represent a rare opportunity to reframe the public narrative.
“Sitting in that room last year and seeing how many companies and people are involved in doing good work really shifts that perspective,” Hanson said.
“These events remind us – and the public – that mining is a critical part of Australia’s economy and future.
“We all understand the importance of sustainability and going green, but mining is still a key part of the country’s framework,” Hanson said.
“Events like the Prospect Awards show that both goals can be balanced.”
Beyond the fanfare, the Prospect Awards play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the industry.
“It’s about starting conversations,” Hanson said. “You get all these stakeholders in a room – from miners to suppliers to regulators – and you start chatting, sharing ideas, building connections. That’s how progress happens.”
With representatives from major and emerging mining players on hand, the Prospect Awards serve as a unique chance for collaboration, idea exchange, and cross-industry support.
Looking ahead
Expectations are high as the industry gets excited about the 2025 Prospect Awards.
Set to take place on September 24 at Adelaide Oval as part of Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX), the event is already generating buzz across the sector.
For Robson Civil, the hope is to see even broader participation, especially from stakeholders at all levels of the mining ecosystem.
“I’d encourage not just finalists but a wide range of people to attend, particularly those working within the mines themselves,” Hanson said. “Some of the smaller operations might not even realise how valuable this event can be.”
The Prospect Awards serve as more than an accolade; they’re a platform to elevate the standards of excellence, safety, sustainability and innovation in mining.
The 2025 Prospect Awards will be held on September 24 at Adelaide Oval. Tickets are available now through prospectawards.com.au/attend
This feature appeared in the June–July 2025 issue of PNG Mining.
