From machinery to workforce wellbeing programs and lifesaving partnerships, the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition reflects the achievements driving the state’s resources sector.
When the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) returns to Mackay from July 21–23, it will bring together the people, technologies and ideas that are shaping the future of the state’s resources sector.
As Queensland’s largest regional mining event, QME drew more than 5000 visitors in 2024 and this year’s iteration will feature hundreds of suppliers across its three-day program, creating a forum where innovation intersects with leadership to drive safer, smarter and more resilient mine sites.
The exhibition provides an opportunity for professionals across the sector to step back from day-to-day demands and consider the broader systems and technologies that underpin their work, from automation and digital solutions to sustainability initiatives and workforce wellbeing programs.
Safety, in particular, will be a central theme for QME 2026, reflecting the evolving nature of risk management in modern mining. Alongside the traditional focus on physical hazards, the exhibition, accompanied by dedicated conference sessions, will emphasise the importance of mental health, fatigue management, and the support systems that sustain employees in isolated and high-pressure work environments.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from practical demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies designed to reduce risk and discussions about the cultural and organisational shifts required to embed resilience into the workforce.
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC), a long-standing QME partner, will play a key role in highlighting these priorities throughout the event.
For the QRC, supporting the exhibition is also a reflection of its commitment “to the resources sector and to champion the dedicated people who power it”.
“In an industry defined by constant change and innovation, QME is a cornerstone event that brings together companies, their workforce and contractors to connect, learn and share important lessons about topics critical to the resources sector,” a QRC spokesperson told Safe to Work.
“It’s important that mining and engineering professionals and suppliers take pride in the resources we produce and the work they do, because the work matters. Pride in skills, work and businesses. Pride in helping keep this state prosperous. Pride in powering our shared future through the economic contributions that benefit all Queenslanders.”
That showcase of pride will be further bolstered by the breadth of QME’s exhibitors and technologies.
Exhibitors will occupy the heart of QME, with major suppliers such as ATOM, Hitachi Construction Machinery, and Brooks/XCMG presenting technologies that redefine how mines operate.
Predictive maintenance systems, automation, remote operations, and artificial intelligence (AI) will all be on display, demonstrating how equipment and data can be harnessed to anticipate failures, reduce human exposure to risk, and support safer, more efficient operations.
Across the trade floor, these innovations sit alongside sustainability solutions, new engineering capabilities, and the latest digital tools, providing a comprehensive view of how Queensland’s mining sector is adapting to new demands while continuing to drive productivity and safety outcomes.
“From emerging trends to smarter, safer ways of working, QME showcases the innovation shaping our future,” the QRC spokesperson said.
QME is also a forum to openly discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. Wide-ranging free-to-attend speaker sessions will examine on everything from workforce safety to innovation to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and critical minerals.
Experts will explore how newly designed support systems are crucial for a workforce facing the unique pressures of isolated, digitally connected operations.
“The conference agenda is structured to provide a wide-ranging overview of important industry topics, including conversations about mental health and workforce resilience,” Prime Creative Media show director – mining events Rebecca Todesco said.
QME 2026 also features a central Mining Pavilion, bringing together major companies and contractors to showcase their latest projects, initiatives and innovations. The pavilion provides a platform to discuss operational improvements, sustainability and emerging safety challenges, including those associated with critical minerals and complex supply chains. As Queensland’s mining landscape evolves, the pavilion offers a space to examine how companies are responding to these shifts while continuing to protect their workforce and communities.
Another integral part of QME 2026 is community and emergency response, with BMA CQ Rescue locked in as the official charity partner. Operating 24 hours a day across central and north Queensland, the organisation delivers rapid-response aeromedical services to some of the state’s most remote and high-risk environments, including mining sites.
According to BMA CQ Rescue general manager Lisa Martin, the partnership reflects the close connection between mining, regional communities and frontline emergency services.
“Many of the environments we respond to are remote and high-risk, including mining sites and other isolated locations, where time and distance can have a direct impact on patient outcomes,” Martin said in a statement.
“As a community-funded service, partnerships like this help raise awareness of the scale of our operations and the resources required to keep them going. Every mission we fly is made possible through donations and ongoing community support.”
Attendees, exhibitors and partners will have opportunities to engage directly with BMA CQ Rescue, learning more about the organisation’s work and supporting initiatives that help to ensure these critical services remain available to the communities and industries that rely on them.
Exhibitor stands are already selling fast, and with its combination of trade displays, conference sessions, awards and partnerships, QME 2026 promises to be an essential event for anyone committed to shaping the future of Queensland mining.
Tickets are out now. Get your tickets at queenslandminingexpo.com.au/attendee-enquiries/
