Success at the 2024 Minerals Engineering Society Awards

On Tuesday 24 September 2024, John Austin, Senior Lecturer in Mineral Products Technology Science and Engineering, and James Thorne, Chief Executive of the Institute of Quarrying (IoQ), hosted the prestigious Minerals Engineering Society (MES) Awards at the University's Enterprise Centre. The event highlighted the students' hard work, dedication and innovative thinking, bringing together students, employers and former MES members to recognise the legacy of the MES.

Celebrating student excellence and achievements

The event began with an inspiring introduction from James Thorne, who praised the incredible talent of our students and their significant contributions to the field. James highlighted how the work of these emerging professionals is shaping the future of sustainable materials management.

One of the standout presentations came from Ben Campbell, a BSc Honours in Minerals Management graduate from Longwater Gravel. Ben shared insights from his research project, which aimed to improve productivity and reduce waste at Coxford Quarry. His exploration of Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) led to recommendations, including optimising the use of recycled blow bars in the new investment of the Hazemag crusher. Hazemag is a German originated company, and global leader in custom-made solutions for crushing and recycling materials for boosting durability and cost-effectiveness. The crusher significantly reduces wastage, supporting Ben's recommendation of conserving materials. Ben’s research and presentation, particularly on productivity challenges and waste management, further demonstrated his passion and expertise in the field.

Next, Kacper Adamczyk, a BSc Honours in Minerals and Management graduate from Heidelberg Materials, delivered an insightful presentation on concrete design. Kacper’s research, centred around the Bolomey equation, explored ways to reduce cement content and CO2 emissions, contributing to more sustainable concrete production. His deep understanding and technical expertise impressed the audience, showing that his work holds great promise for the future of construction.

Amongst the event's highlights was the recognition of top-performing students. Paula Millward was awarded 3rd Prize (£100 and a lapel badge) for her exceptional academic achievements, graduating with distinction in Asphalt and Pavements. Paula’s resilience in overcoming personal and professional challenges while excelling academically serves as an inspiration to us all.

Patrick "Paddy" Beardsley, working with Rotherham Sand and Gravel, was recognised for his determination to pursue higher education after a gap in formal learning. Balancing work, family, and studies, Paddy's award is a testament to his perseverance, especially in mastering new areas like Blasting Operations.

Academic Poster Projects

David Hindmarsh, Senior Lecturer in Mineral Products Technology, Science and Engineering, congratulated our first-year students who showcased poster projects about contemporary issues in the minerals industry, including inclusive PPE and the impact of the menstrual cycle on work performance. These outstanding students—Alex Gibb, Bradley Green, Georgia Avery, Harry Mackenzie, Laiba Laiba, and Ryan Beaven—came 1st place, receiving £300, a trophy, and medals as a reward for their enthusiasm and expertise in addressing real-world challenges.

A bright future ahead

The MES Awards event was a resounding success, demonstrating that the future of the minerals industry is in capable hands. We are immensely proud of all our students for their incredible achievements and look forward to seeing how they continue to innovate and lead in their respective fields.