The Queensland Mining Contractor Awards will step up a notch in 2018 with a new name and a new host.

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has announced it will co-host the event with the Bowen Basin Mining Club during next year’s Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME).

As the QRC comes on board, the awards will change from the Queensland Mining Contractor Awards to simply the Queensland Mining Awards.

BBMC director Jodie Currie said the awards had been well supported in previous years and organisers hoped to see it become the ‘night of nights’ for the Queensland mining industry.”

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the new partnership, as well as the name change, would open the door for mining producers to participate.

“The Bowen Basin Mining Club has done terrific work in establishing the awards, and the QRC is proud to join in hosting the 2018 Awards to celebrate the sector that contributes 1 in 8 jobs for Queensland, and $55.1 billion to the state’s economy,” Mr Macfarlane said.

In the 2018 awards, contractors and suppliers will be able to enter categories recognising cost and time-saving outcomes, innovation and safety outcomes.

Producers will be able to nominate for collaborative efforts within the industry when partnering with a supplier or contractor to improve efficiencies and save costs.

One contractor or supplier will be recognised by the independent judging panel as the Mining Contractor of the Year for outstanding overall performance.

Projects delivered in Queensland between April 2016 and December 2017 will be eligible for entry to the awards.

Winners will be announced at the Queensland Mining Awards Gala Presentation Dinner in July 2018, with a panel of industry judges presenting peer-reviewed feedback and accolades.

The awards are also partnered by REEDMININGEVENTS and Mackay Regional Council.

Entries will open on Monday, January 15, 2018, with more details about entry requirements available at www.bbminingclub.com/QMA2018.