The drive toward stronger safety standards and operational resilience will headline this year’s Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition.
Industry leaders across Queensland’s resources sector are sharpening their focus on protecting people, strengthening systems and building long-term resilience. The Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) has become a central forum for those efforts.
Returning to the Mackay Showgrounds from July 21–23, QME will once again bring thousands of mining professionals to one of Australia’s most productive resource regions. For many, the event is an opportunity to step back from day-to-day operations and focus on what underpins performance across the sector: a strong safety culture.
Now in its third decade, Queensland’s largest regional mining exhibition has grown into a vital industry touchpoint. Suppliers, engineers and contractors from across Australia and overseas attend to showcase their capabilities, as they collectively aim to contribute to a shared objective of creating safer, smarter and more sustainable operations.
This year, strong exhibitor demand has driven an expansion of QME’s outdoor exhibition footprint, with the original space selling out. The purpose-built outdoor area is designed to accommodate large-scale equipment and infrastructure, including heavy machinery, fleet vehicles, pumps, lighting towers, solar systems, generators and modular buildings.
From advanced operator-assist technologies and automation to improved visibility, access and maintenance design, the focus is firmly on practical innovations that reduce risk and improve reliability.
Prime Creative Media show director – mining events Rebecca Todesco said in a statement that the expansion reflects QME’s continued growth and relevance.
“QME’s outdoor area is a hub of activity and one of the most popular places at the event,” she said. “The expanded outdoor exhibition area creates new opportunities for more people to get involved.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for suppliers to show off their products where the entire industry can see them, in an environment that encourages collaboration and discovery”.
The calibre of companies confirmed for the outdoor space highlights the strength of industry support. Exhibitors including Hastings Deering, Liebherr Australia, Hitachi Construction and Machinery, Epiroc and Ford Australia will be on-site, presenting equipment and technologies designed to enhance performance while supporting higher safety standards across operations.
Beyond the exhibition grounds, QME’s conference program reinforces the event’s forward-looking agenda. Expert-led sessions will explore environmental, social and governance priorities, mine rehabilitation, productivity strategies and emerging industry trends.
Industry backing for the event also remains strong, with the Bowen Basin Mining Club returning as an association sponsor.
According to the club’s director, Jodie Currie, QME provides a powerful platform to sustain industry momentum and celebrate progress.
“Queensland’s resources sector contributes over $115 billion to the Queensland economy and supports more than 549,000 jobs, so mining is a huge part of who we are,” Currie said.
“Queenslanders have plenty to be proud of when it comes to leading the sector in technology and innovation, and QME is the perfect showcase for that.”
The biennial exhibition acts as a focal point for connection and reflection, particularly valuable during periods of operational or market uncertainty.
“It’s something everyone looks forward to every two years,” Currie said.
“It creates a hub of conversation and activity, and when the industry is facing challenges, it becomes even more important to come together, showcase innovation and keep those conversations going.”
According to Currie, a defining feature of QME is its openness to robust discussion. The conference program encourages honest dialogue on complex issues, recognising that transparency is essential to progress.
“We don’t shy away from tough topics,” Currie said.
“The industry doesn’t gain anything from being siloed. Collaboration and cross-industry learning are what will strengthen us long term.” QME also maintains close ties to the communities that support and host mining operations. The 2026 event will partner with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) CQ Rescue as its charity partner, highlighting the critical link between mining activity, emergency response services and regional wellbeing across central and north Queensland.
“For an industry that operates in remote and high-risk environments, supporting the broader ecosystem around mining is critical,” Currie said. “Whether it’s safety, innovation or community partnerships, it all contributes to a stronger, more resilient sector.”
From major equipment demonstrations to strategic industry dialogue, QME continues to evolve as more than just a trade exhibition.
It is a platform dedicated to strengthening safety leadership, sharing practical solutions and shaping a confident, responsible future for Queensland mining.
Get your tickets: www.queenslandminingexpo.com.au/attendee-enquiries/
