Celebrating the Industry and Future Leaders

The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) and The Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT) have praised high-achieving students from the University of Derby's Centre for Mineral Products at an award ceremony in Coventry.

The Institute of Quarrying and The Institute of Asphalt Technology Student Awards

It has been over two years since the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) held its last prestigious Fellows Lunch and Student Awards in-person event. That’s two years since senior industry figures were able to get together and network face-to-face and two years since high-achieving students from the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products received public praise for their outstanding achievements.

Now that industry events can recommence, the IQ held its 2021 Fellows Lunch and Student Awards at Coombe Abbey, near Coventry. The historic venue was founded in 1150 AD and has housed royals, been part of the Gunpowder Plot and was even surrendered to King Henry VIII as part of the dissolution of the monasteries.

One hundred senior industry professionals descended on the Midlands-based venue for the IQ Fellows Lunch from all areas of the UK. It was also a fitting occasion to celebrate future leaders from the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products at a joint awards presentation arranged by the IQ and Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT).

"It has been a great pleasure to jointly host the 2021 Student Awards with the Institute of Asphalt Technology, reinforcing our close relationship and celebrating the success of our students. The IQ Fellows was a fantastic opportunity to network."

Martin Riley
The Institute of Quarrying Predisent

Recognising excellence

The University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products is at the heart of creating the industry’s future leaders. It works closely with the IQ and other key industry bodies and organisations to develop and deliver qualifications tailored to the needs of employers, and provide the skills that the sector needs now and in the future.

Students working across the mineral products sector gain valuable academic and hands-on experience, studying a range of qualifications, from higher apprenticeships to diplomas and degree courses.

Each year high-achieving students from the University of Derby are presented with an award from the IQ. It is a recognition of their outstanding achievement and continuous commitment to the minerals products industry. As part of a new format this year, IQ partnered with the IAT and held a joint awards presentation for its highest-performing students.

Martin Riley, IQ President, presented the mineral products students with their prizes alongside Viv Russell, Chair of IQ. The asphalt students received their awards from Brian Downes, IAT President, accompanied by Lyle Andrew, Executive Director of IAT, and John Read from Shell. 

 

“I’d like to personally congratulate this year’s cohort of IQ and IAT Student Award winners who have excelled academically, despite the challenges of a global pandemic and the adaptation to online learning. It’s fantastic that we were able to come together as an industry and celebrate your exceptional achievements.” Mark Osbaldeston, Head of the Centre for Mineral Products at the University of Derby. 

2021 Award Winners

2021 Institute of Quarrying Award Winners 

IQ winners at the awards

2021 Institute of Asphalt Technology Award Winners

The board members of the IQ and IAT lined up at the award ceremony
Marin Riley presenting Fiona Lupton a certificate at a celebration event.