2024 AusIMM Awards celebrate excellence in the resources sector
The 2024 AusIMM Awards brought together leaders in the resources sector to honour remarkable achievements and professional excellence. In a prestigious ceremony held in Perth, the awards recognised standout individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced the industry, reflecting AusIMM's 85-year tradition of showcasing best practices across mining, metallurgy, and resources.
This year, AusIMM expanded its Awards Program, introducing new categories to spotlight leadership and professional excellence within its technical societies. Among the awardees, two of Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines (MIM) professionals, Lucy Barrie and Michael Celona, received national recognition for their exemplary contributions to the industry.
Lucy Barrie - Emerging Leader of the Year
Lucy Barrie was honoured with the Emerging Leader of the Year Award. As Vice Chair of the AusIMM North-West Queensland Branch for the past three years, Lucy has been instrumental in fostering professional growth and community engagement within the mining sector. Her strategic leadership has revitalised the branch, turning it into a thriving hub for knowledge-sharing through events such as the annual Regional Mining Symposium. This event, under her guidance, has seen tremendous growth in attendance and content quality.
Beyond her work with AusIMM, Lucy also chairs the North-West branch of Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ), advocating for diversity and inclusion across the sector. She is a passionate mentor for the next generation through Glencore's ‘Girls for Mining’ Program, supporting young women aspiring to enter the mining field and guiding them through vocational and educational opportunities. Her commitment to professional excellence and community impact makes her a well-deserved recipient of this award.
Michael Celona – Metallurgy Society Award
Michael Celona, Senior Metallurgist at MIM’s Copper Concentrator, received the Metallurgy Society Award for his dedication to advancing standards in metallurgy across the region. Known for his leadership within the AusIMM North-West Queensland Branch, Michael has played a central role in organising monthly technical talks and forums, including the popular event, MetFest! Mount Isa, which he launched in 2023. This event brought together professionals from multiple regions, creating a unique platform for collaboration and innovation.
Michael’s commitment to industry advancement extends to hands-on projects, including his work on installing a weightometer at MIM’s Copper Concentrator to improve process accuracy. His contributions to the field, combined with his passion for fostering a collaborative community, have solidified his role as a leader in metallurgy.
The AusIMM Awards serve as a reminder of the inspiring achievements within the resources sector and underscore the importance of leadership and innovation in driving progress. Congratulations to all the awardees, especially Lucy and Michael, who exemplify professional excellence in their respective fields.