GeoDrilling International's sister publication, Mining Magazine, has announced that the Mining Magazine Awards for 2026 are now officially open and accepting nominations across all 14 categories.
Every year these prestigious Awards celebrate the best in mining and drilling technology, equipment, innovation and skills, and honour the exceptional people that drive our industry forward.
Nominations close midnight, 22 May 2026.
Winners will be announced online and in the September 2026 edition of Mining Magazine.
Mining Magazine Awards 2026 categories
The GeoDrilling International Drill & Blast Award
GeoDrilling International's Drill and Blast Award recognises groundbreaking advancements in drilling and blasting technologies. This prestigious award honours those who push the boundaries of efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility in mineral extraction.
Who should apply:
- Mining companies and organizations that have implemented innovative drilling and blasting techniques or technologies in their operations.
- Technology providers that have developed groundbreaking drilling and blasting solutions for the mining industry.
- Research institutions and universities that have made significant contributions to advancing drilling and blasting technologies.
- Individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional expertise and innovation in the field of drilling and blasting.
Mining Magazine AI in Action Award
This award recognises groundbreaking use of artificial intelligence to advance the mining industry. It is for projects, technologies or strategies that apply AI or are highly AI-enabled to drive efficiency, safety, sustainability and data-driven decision-making across exploration, extraction, processing, or logistics. The award celebrates innovations that have already made a significant, tangible impact in the real world.
Who should apply:
- Mining companies using AI to enhance operational performance, safety monitoring, or resource recovery.
- Technology providers developing AI or AI-enabled and optimised solutions
- Collaborative projects between mining firms, AI start-ups, and research institutions delivering transformative outcomes.
- Equipment manufacturers embedding AI in vehicle systems, drilling automation, or maintenance solutions.
Mining Magazine Climate and Environment Award
This is a new award that celebrates those in the mining industry achieving tangible results in the journey towards net zero. This might be a mining company that has undertaken a bold electrification strategy, an equipment manufacturer that has developed a game-changing innovation to help miners cut emissions, or an individual who has driven sustainability in their organisation.
Who should apply:
- Mining companies that have introduced groundbreaking processes and systems to reduce carbon emissions.
- Equipment manufacturers that have developed groundbreaking innovations to support miners in their sustainability goals.
- Companies demonstrating measurable progress toward net-zero goals across their value chains.
- Research institutions conducting groundbreaking research in sustainable mining technologies and practices.
- Partnerships or consortia involving multiple stakeholders (e.g., mining companies, technology providers, government bodies) working on large-scale decarbonisation initiatives.
- Professionals driving change through leadership, innovation, or technical expertise in net-zero mining.
Mining Magazine Exploration Excellence Award
The Mining Magazine Exploration Excellence Award recognises those in the exploration field that have demonstrated exceptional innovation and dedication in mineral exploration, honouring those groundbreaking discoveries that are shaping the future of mineral exploration and resource development.
Who should apply:
- Individual geologists, exploration managers, or researchers who have made groundbreaking discoveries or developed innovative exploration techniques.
- Mining companies or exploration firms that have successfully identified new mineral resources, improved exploration methodologies, or contributed significantly to the advancement of the mining industry in this area.
- Universities or research centres that have contributed game-changing studies or developed new technologies enhancing exploration capabilities.
- Technology providers that have developed innovations that impact the field of exploration significantly, whether through satellites, AI or data modelling.
Mining Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is for exceptional individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to mining over a significant period of time.
Who should be nominated?
- Please nominate only those who have made a lasting impact on the mining sector, leading by example, mentorship, innovation or change management, and shaped the narrative in a way that is globally recognised.
Mining Magazine Mineral Processing Excellence Award
Mining Magazine's Mineral Processing Award recognises outstanding advancements in mineral processing technologies that drive the mining industry forward. This prestigious award honours those who elevate the efficiency, sustainability, and value creation in mineral extraction and refinement.
Who should apply:
- Mining companies and organisations that have implemented innovative mineral processing techniques or technologies in their operations.
- Technology providers that have developed groundbreaking mineral processing solutions for the mining industry.
- Research institutions and universities that have made significant contributions to advancing mineral processing technologies.
- Individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional expertise and innovation in the field of mineral processing.
Mining Magazine Partnership of the Year
Mining is increasingly being defined by new ways of working together, and this award is designed to celebrate those partnerships that have made a difference. The Mining Magazine Partnership of the Year Award recognises those pairings that lead the way in shaping the future of the sector.
Who should apply:
- Mining companies that have worked with communities to improve transparency, communication and public participation.
- Research institutions and universities that have worked with others in the mining industry to develop new processes and innovate.
- Pairings between equipment manufacturers and technology providers, miners or other organisations that have driven change.
- Projects that have involved sharing of data or risk between companies or organisations that would traditionally be regarded as rivals, producing tangible results.
Mining Magazine Safety Excellence Award
This award honours mining companies that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting their workforce and fostering a culture of safety. It rewards companies that can demonstrate they have developed comprehensive safety protocols, developed innovative training programs, and continuously improved operational practices to ensure the well-being of their employees.
Who should apply:
- Mining companies that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting the health and safety of their workforce.
- Companies that have developed comprehensive safety protocols and implemented effective safety management systems.
- Organisations that have successfully fostered a culture of safety and provided ongoing safety training and education to employees.
- Projects or initiatives that have introduced innovative technologies or practices to improve safety in mining operations.
- Companies that have achieved significant reductions in accident rates and improved overall safety performance.
Mining Magazine Software Excellence Award
This award is to recognise those providers that have demonstrated outstanding excellence in creating solutions that have transformed the mining industry.
Who should apply:
- Suppliers of software solutions that enhance sustainability and operational efficiency in mining practices
- Organisations that have developed reliable software solutions that prioritise safety in mining operations
- Mining companies that have achieved impressive metrics by integrating software into their operations
- Tools that are best-in-class for data management, asset management and digital twins
Mining Magazine Surface Mining Excellence Award
This award recognises the fleets, transport, and bulk-handling solutions that power the surface mines of the world. Whether focused on innovation that drives productivity, reduces environmental impact or enhances safety standards, these are the game-changing surface solutions.
Who should apply:
- Mining companies and organisations that have implemented innovative solutions in their surface mining operations, including transport and bulk handling.
- Technology providers that have developed groundbreaking solutions for the surface mining industry.
- Research institutions and universities that have made significant contributions to advancing surface technologies.
- Individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional expertise and innovation in the field of surface mining.
Mining Magazine Tailings Innovation Award
This award honours mining, equipment and technology (METS) companies that have achieved groundbreaking advancements in tailings management. By demonstrating exceptional innovation, this organisation has significantly improved environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and community well-being. Their pioneering approach to tailings management will exemplify sustainable practices, setting a new benchmark for responsible resource extraction.
Who should apply:
- Mining companies that have demonstrated exceptional innovation in their approach to tailings management.
- Companies that have developed new processes and have a proven record of reducing the footprint of their tailings.
- Organisations that have clear accountability frameworks with checks and balances to ensure day-to-day management and emergency response mechanisms are in place.
- Innovative technologies or practices that have improved tailings management.
- Companies that have incorporated closure considerations into the design, construction, and operational phases of the mine to ensure long-term stability of closed facilities.
Mining Magazine Underground Excellence Award
This award celebrates those that are transforming the underground mining sector. It recognises vehicles, technologies, and innovative solutions that enhance safety, productivity, sustainability, or operational efficiency in challenging subterranean environments. Entrants may include developments in automation, electrification, digital systems, design engineering, or other areas driving progress in underground operations.
Who should apply:
- Manufacturers of underground mining vehicles, equipment, or automation systems.
- Technology developers providing digital tools, sensor systems, or data-driven optimisation solutions.
- Mining companies that have implemented or co-developed innovative underground systems or processes.
- Engineering firms and service providers pioneering safety, energy efficiency, or emission reduction technologies.
Mining Magazine Vehicle Excellence Award
This award recognises equipment manufacturers that have designed and manufactured mining fleet vehicles or equipment with exceptional performance, safety, and environmental sustainability.
Who should apply:
- Original equipment manufacturers that have changed the game with efficient, ergonomic, sustainable vehicles that boost productivity and drive innovation and operational excellence, including autonomous and electric vehicles.
- Mining companies that have developed fleet innovations in tandem with equipment manufacturers
- Suppliers of the best vehicles and equipment for tackling unique challenges in surface or underground settings
Mining Magazine Woman of the year Award
Mining Magazine supports women in mining, and this award celebrates those women in the sector that have shown exceptional leadership skills, inspired others in the industry and driven change and progress. Nominees can be from any region or area of expertise within mining, but must stand out as someone who makes a difference to colleagues and to mining as a whole.
Who should apply?
- Operators and technicians who have excelled in their profession
- Leaders who have pioneered innovation and change at their organisation, which can be a mining company, METS organisation, academic entity or technology firm
- Anyone who has been a champion of diversity and inclusion and driven results in their organisation
- Women in mining who have served as an inspiration to others
