IMARC NextGen Leaders Award

The IMARC NextGen Leaders Award, sponsored by ARC Research Hub for Next Generation Mining Methods, is a prestigious accolade designed to celebrate and empower emerging talent in the mining and resources industry.

This award is an extension of IMARC’s NextGen Program, which seeks to engage, mentor and elevate young professionals and students who represent the future of mining. The IMARC NextGen Leaders Award celebrates the voices of emerging professionals in mining, inviting young individuals to share their unique perspectives on the industry's most pressing challenges and opportunities.

The winner of this Award will be honoured at the IMARC Gala Dinner on 29 October 2026, at the Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, before an audience of industry leaders, innovators, and peers. Finalists will be invited to attend the Gala Dinner.

Finalists will be announced soon.

Sponsor

ARC Research Hub for Next Generation Mining Methods

Meet the judges

Chengguo Zhang MAusIMM

Associate Professor Mineral and Energy Resources Engineering

University of New South Wales

Samantha Skinner

Insights & Engagement Project Manager

Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE)

Nikki Hartrey

Director of People and Culture, Australia

Agnico Eagle

Award Eligibility

To be eligible for nomination, applicants must:

Be aged between 18 and 30 years old as of 27 October 2026
Be an Australian resident
Be a full-time undergraduate student, recent graduate, or young professional with less than five years’ experience in mining-related roles
Hold an approved NextGen Leaders pass for IMARC 2026 or be a registered member of IMARC’s NextGen Leaders pool
Be self-nominated

Entry Requirements

Eligible applicants must submit the following materials:

Completed entry form
One brief endorsement letter (PDF or Word) from an employer, supervisor, or academic referee, confirming your current role or university course, and supporting your suitability for the IMARC NextGen Leaders Award
Optional: Additional supporting documents such as CV (PDF or Word)
A short personal statement outlining:
- Why you've chosen to study and/or work within the mining and resources industry
- A specific example that demonstrates initiative or commitment to something you're passionate about
- Vision and goals for the next 2–5 years in your chosen field
A written summary (maximum 750 words, in PDF or Word) or a 7-minute video presentation (provide a link to the video) addressing one or more of the key industry challenges listed below.

Industry Challenge Topics

As part of the entry, applicants must provide a written summary (maximum 750 words) or a 7-minute video presentation, exploring one or more of the following pressing challenges facing the mining and resources sector. The submission must demonstrate insight, innovative thinking, and potential solutions:

Negative Perceptions of the Mining Industry Among Gen Z

The sector continues to face image challenges, with younger generations perceiving mining as poorly aligned with current social and environmental values; and at odds with their own purpose-driven career aspirations.
Uncertainty Driven by Rapid Technological Advancements in Mining Operations

Emerging technologies such as automation, AI, and remote operations are creating uncertainty around job security, forecasting of organisational workforce needs and skill/training requirements.
Declining Enrolment in Mining-Relevant STEM Disciplines

Fewer students in school and university are electing STEM subjects critical to a sustainable talent pipeline into the resources sector; such as geology, engineering, and environmental science.
Access Barriers to Tertiary Mining Education for Regional and Remote Communities

Many prospective students who grow up in mining regions face limited local access to accredited programs, and are faced with prohibitive costs associated with relocating to engage in tertiary study.
Slow Progress in Embedding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Across the Mining Sector

While there are initiatives underway, the mining industry continues to struggle with achieving meaningful representation and inclusivity, particularly for women, First Nations people, and culturally diverse talent.

Judging Process

All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of esteemed industry leaders and educators.
Final assessment will be based on industry challenge response, clarity of communication and presentation, and future potential.

Meet last year's winner

Renzo Ocampo

Junior Geologist, Barton Gold Holdings

Renzo’s passion for mining was shaped early by his strong interest in earth sciences and his father’s work in the sector. In his submission he highlighted that shifting perceptions requires outreach, honest dialogue and visible young leaders who show mining’s role in sustainability. He also called for diversity, equity and inclusion to move beyond compliance by promoting gender-balanced panels, engaging early-career professionals, sponsoring underrepresented talent and creating safe spaces where all voices are valued.

“Mining is in the midst of transformation. The decisions we make now — about how we present ourselves to the next generation, how we nurture talent, how we embrace diversity and how we engage with government — will shape the sector for decades. As an emerging leader, I believe my role is to not only navigate these challenges but to help drive solutions: telling our industry’s story with honesty, creating pathways for others, and ensuring that mining is not just relevant to the next generation but inspiring.”