Editions

Contents

Testing & tagging in mining Truflo Pumping Systems – Dependable mine dewatering systems Fuelling success with Body Armour McLanahan – Maximum production, unwavering support Flexible online and face to face training with experienced accredited provider Machining and fabrication service since 1980s Optimising mining operations with integrated IT/OT solutions Lighten the load — literally and safely Half-year results glitter for Westgold Miller Made for the Mine Site Broons: the crushing and compaction specialist Welding Industries Australia – Miller – Made for the mine site Fortescue swoops up Red Hawk Growing critical minerals processing power in WA Atlas achieves first production Custom Buckles Australia Crusher Screen Sales & Hire DTN – Lean on us – Gain trusted weather insights and intelligence AUSTLIFT® – Chain Block Series Aussie Pumps – Aussie Extreme Crusader Hose – Experience the innovation in action UQ Start-UP Unlocks Copper Mining matters 100 years strong at Ulan Coal Dartbrook hits the bullseye Aurelia Metals ascends to the peak BHP Yandi – Leading the way in electrification Innovation and safety go green NSR Indigenous: Empowering Australia’s mining industry Innovation and its role in improving ESG outcomes Brooks brings in the big guns Collaborative approach to mining research bears fruit Flood rescue: Aussie gears up New Acland thrives in 2025 Tanami: Newmont’s Tier 1 titan Innovation in the Isaac Region BHP builds up for big finish in FY25 South32’s Worsley receives key approval Pilbara Minerals acquires Latin Resources Australia pours $1b into green iron Engineering mining’s future

Innovation in the Isaac Region

Queensland’s largest resource region is taking a pioneering step toward the future, linking its world-class coal industry with the rising tide of renewable energy.

The Isaac region is a driving force in Australia’s economy, powering industries worldwide through its mining, agriculture and energy sectors.

Home to 35 active coal mines, including major operations Olive Downs, Peak Downs, Goonyella, Broadmeadow, Grosvenor and Moranbah North, Isaac produces more than half of Queensland’s saleable coal. At the same time, the region is embracing the future, with 26 renewable energy projects in various stages of approval.

Beyond mining, Isaac’s rich agricultural industry delivers high-quality beef, grains and seafood to domestic and international markets. Spanning 17 unique communities across vast landscapes, the region thrives on resilience, innovation and a strong community spirit, making it a dynamic and forward-thinking place to live, work and invest.

Now, with the global energy landscape shifting, the region is preparing to balance its rich history with a forward-looking approach.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea has a close and personal connection to the region she leads, with a multi-generational mining family that came to Mount Mulligan Mine in North Queensland from the coalfields of Wales and Scotland.

Currently, her husband works as a deputy at Moranbah North Mine in Isaac and her lifelong experiences within the community and industry mean she has the passion and the drive to see the region of Isaac thrive and adapt to the evolving resources landscape.

Committed to balancing economic prosperity with community well-being, Mayor Vea Vea advocates for strong local leadership, sustainable development and policies that ensure long-term benefits for the people who call Isaac home.

(Image source: Isaac Regional Council) Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea.

“I grew up in Collinsville, a mining town with a rich history in the trade union movement and politics during the 1980s and 1990s,” she said.

“Being raised in a staunch union family shaped my views on the power of community, collectivism and activism. It taught me that the whole social and political ecosystem is different in a mining community.

“Because impacts of decisions made on mine sites don’t stop at the front gates, they extend far beyond lease boundaries. Mining company policies regarding local procurement, workforce arrangements, social investment and housing strategy can determine how and if your community grows and develops.

“It can often seem blurry whether it is government or companies making the rules of the game.

“It’s so important to have strong, local leadership at the table with the best interests of the region at heart.”

When it comes to the current view of Isaac’s involvement with the coal industry, Mayor Vea Vea remains optimistic that recent ownership changes in the mining sector will bring a renewed commitment to the local communities that have long powered the region’s success.

These communities, deeply embedded in the fabric of the mining industry, are key to ensuring that today’s prosperity continues into the next era.

“There is no doubt mining drives the Isaac region and regional centres around us,” Mayor Vea Vea said.

“We’re one of Australia’s largest resource regions, with 35 coal mines producing 67% of Queensland’s high-quality metallurgical coal, contributing more than $270 billion to GDP in the last decade.

“But it’s not just about the big numbers; mining shapes the way we live, work and connect as a community and it’s not just about digging coal out of the ground. That’s why we’re focused on making sure the success of the mining industry leads to lasting benefits for our communities.”

Mayor Vea Vea stresses that the Isaac region must do more than participation in the transition conversation — it must play a leading role in shaping it.

“Ultimately, our role is to make sure that the Isaac region isn’t just part of the conversation, but that we’re helping to shape it,” she said.

(Image source: Isaac Regional Council)

“Out here the rubber really does hit the road when it comes to creating a new energy mix for the future. Balancing the economic strength of coal mining and unlocking new opportunities in the renewable sector requires government to address outdated policy and process when it comes to approvals, co-location of projects and reuse of mining land.

“We are not alone in grappling with state and federal government incentives to diversify traditional industries and establish new ones, with no funding to local governments that will build the water, waste, road and housing infrastructure to support it.

“Federal funding to local government hasn’t increased since 1970 — we are living the very real repercussions of that now. When it comes to creating a national framework on transition, local councils have to be at the table for it to stand a chance, we’ll be the ones delivering it at the coalface.”

Looking ahead for the next 10 to 20 years, Mayor Vea Vea envisions the Isaac region as a leader in mining, renewable energy and agriculture, setting global standards for decarbonisation, innovation and sustainability.

“If we got all the policy settings right, Isaac could be a dynamic powerhouse… demonstrating exemplary standards of decarbonisation practices, technology and ESG standards,” she said.

A thriving regional centre, Isaac would become a hub for industry-leading innovation, research and training with young people growing up in the region having clear career pathways into these sectors with support by access to tertiary education through the expanding Country University Centres.

“We are and will continue to be a region of opportunity,” she said.

“In my utopic vision, we will understand, value and strive for social licence.

“Company investment and partnerships with governments and community will result in a high standard of road infrastructure, childcare, aged care, education, healthcare, housing affordability, connectivity and small business viability.

“We will see a population re-balance between resident and non-resident workers through meaningful incentives to live locally and grow the region.”

With strong leadership and the right policy settings, Isaac is poised to not only remain a critical part of Australia’s resources sector but also emerge as a model for regional resilience and sustainable growth.

As the region navigates the evolving energy landscape, collaboration between government, industry and community will be key to ensuring prosperity for future generations.

Investments in infrastructure, education and workforce development will shape Isaac into a place where innovation thrives alongside tradition and where the next generation can build their futures without needing to leave their hometowns.

The region’s strength lies in its people — the workers, families and businesses that have built Isaac’s legacy and will continue to drive its transformation.

With a firm commitment to both its mining heritage and the opportunities presented by the renewable energy boom, Isaac stands ready to lead the way in shaping a future that balances economic success with social and environmental responsibility.