Recognising the achievements of industry professionals

Senior quarrying and mineral products industry figures from all areas of the UK gathered at IET London: Savoy Place on 20 October 2023 for the annual Fellows Lunch and Student Awards, a highly-anticipated event organised by the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) and the Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT). Mineral products professionals and industry guests attended the celebration and networking event.

Honorary Fellowship

This year saw an Honorary Fellowship of IQ presented to Steve Cole Hon FIQ. The award was given in recognition of Steve’s long-term commitment to the minerals industry and the Institute having been a member for more than 50 years. During his time, he has been a stalwart of the West of England branch supporting members in that region by being active on the committee including a stint as Chair between 2003-2004. Steve has also supported IQ governance by being part of the Council 2016-2018 and is still the branch representative on that group.

The recent launch of the Emerald Challenge was an initiative spearheaded by Steve. He is passionate about the contribution the industry can make towards achieving Net Zero and wants to do something to encourage individuals to come forward with new ideas. Steve’s commitment and passion for the industry, particularly in encouraging new talent to come into the sector, meant that he was an early supporter of Minerals Matter and its objectives.

The Emerald Challenge

During the event, IQ announced and awarded joint winners of the Emerald Challenge, which provided a grant opportunity for projects that directly support achieving net zero. The two winning submissions included one which focused on reducing CO2 emissions in hard rock quarries by Thomas Clifford, Director of GEARS Ltd, and Oliver Kibble, Quarry Development Manager at Tarmac. The other project supports pollution control and water management in Scotland’s central region by Andrew Gall, Civil Engineer at Forestry and Land Scotland.

The winners were congratulated and presented awards by Steve Cole Hon FIQ, who penned the original idea of the Emerald Challenge. Each project will receive a £2,500 grant by IQ and the individuals will continue their research which includes regular reporting and updates surrounding the progress of their projects.

Celebrating excellence

The event celebrates future industry leaders from the University of Derby (UoD) Centre for Mineral Products. The courses delivered at the Centre for Mineral Products are developed by industry partners including IQ, IAT, the Concrete Society, International Clay Technology Association (ICTa) and the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA). These courses provide industry-recognised qualifications that underpin and support future career development for individuals.

The IQ and IAT praised the highest-performing students from the Centre for Mineral Products at a joint awards ceremony. Each award is a celebration of an individual's outstanding achievement and continuous commitment to the minerals industry.

One of the award winners includes Peter Triccas TMIQ who has been honoured with an IQ Student Award for the third year in a row. Peter completed the University of Derby minerals course with a remarkable average score of 96 per cent throughout the entire duration of the course, marking an incredible accomplishment.

Peter says: “The degree I gained has been invaluable in helping me further my knowledge and progress my career. I feel very privileged to have won 3 years in a row. A huge part of my success can be credited to the support of the brilliant staff at the University of Derby.”

IQ Derbyshire branch Deputy Chair, Lewis Pinch TMIQ was presented with an IQ Student Award as the highest achieving Honors student over two years and five modules.

John McGough is the Chair of IQ’s Derbyshire branch which Lewis serves as a joint Branch Deputy Chair, a first in IQ’s branch history. John says: “I have known Lewis for over four years and it’s been a pleasure to see him and his career develop at the University of Derby, IQ and CRH into a well-rounded individual. He is fantastic as Derbyshire’s Deputy Chair and his contributions to the branch are immeasurable. I wish him nothing but the best in his future career.”

Viv Russell, IQ President, presented the mineral products students with their prizes, alongside James Thorne, CEO of IQ.

Viv says: “During my tenure as IQ Chair and President, two standout moments each year include the Student Awards ceremony and the University of Derby graduation day. These occasions provide me with the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and exchange experiences with the upcoming generation of professionals in the minerals industry. I'm consistently amazed by the students commitment, wealth of knowledge, remarkable interpersonal abilities, as well as the evident pride of their families and friends.”

James Thorne adds: “The recipients of the student awards have upheld the longstanding tradition that we've observed in recent years among students at the Centre for Mineral Products. Once more, the winners have showcased not only their academic expertise but also an unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to both the industry and the subjects they've delved into. It's worth noting that they've accomplished this while effectively juggling their professional and personal responsibilities, which only deepens my admiration for their remarkable achievements.”

During his presidential speech, Viv expressed gratitude to all attendees and congratulated the student award winners, emphasising the talent entering the industry and the importance of collaborative partnerships with organizations like IAT and the University of Derby.

Viv also highlighted the Institute's latest developments, which include the development of a new explosives book and a diploma course, along with the success of IQ’s Emerald Challenge and the quality of the submissions.

The IQ award winners include Lewis Pinch TMIQ, Peter Triccas TMIQ, Ben Marsh, Oliver Kibble TMIQ, Joseph Dodds TMIQ and Alice Radbourne.

The asphalt students received their awards from Gearoid Lohan, IAT President, accompanied by Lyle Andrew, Executive Director of IAT.  

The IAT presented prizes to Christopher Potter, Michael Kenyon, Dermot Leonard, Alexander Hewstone and Tom Feather during the event.

Mark Osbaldeston is the Head of the Centre for Mineral Products at the University of Derby. He says: “Congratulations to the recipients of this year's IQ and IAT Student Awards. Their dedication to their studies and the field, along with their outstanding academic achievements are truly commendable.”

2023 IQ winner profiles

Lewis Pinch TMIQ, Business Manager at Tarmac received the Goodwin Barsby Award and a £200 cheque for Best Honours Student. Lewis previously completed a Foundation degree in 2020 with a distinction before progressing on to the BSC Honours in January 2021.

Peter Triccas TMIQ, Deputy Quarries Manager at Aggregate Industries received the Reginald W Coles Award, endowed in memory of the past President of IQ, Mr R. W. Coles, for Best Overall Mineral Extractives Foundation Degree Student. He also received a £200 cheque. The award is given to the best overall student over 8 modules from all 3 years of the course.

Ben Marsh, Trainee Supervisor at MQP (Midland Quarry Products) received the Ransomes Rapier Award, endowed by the historical excavator manufacturers, for the best performing Mineral Extractives Higher Apprentice. Ben receives a £200 cheque and is highly praised by management at his workplace for his work ethic and involvement in improving business operations. One of his projects includes revamping and outfitting a workshop within one of MQP’s coating plants, which is now being considered as a model to duplicate at its other locations.

Oliver Kibble TMIQ, Quarry Development Manager at Tarmac received the Peter Preston Award (UK) bestowed by the late Peter Preston, for Best UK Diploma Student, and a £200 cheque. Oliver had taken on an extra module above the standard three, excelling in all modules and achieving an overall grade in excess of 90%.

Alice Radbourne, Section Manager at Tarmac received the Longcliffe Calcium Carbonates Award of Excellence for Best Performing Mineral Extractives Foundation Degree Year 1 Student.

Joseph Dodds TMIQ, Graduate Trainee Manager at Breedon Group received the Longcliffe Calcium Carbonates Award of Excellence for Best Performing Mineral Extractives Foundation Degree Year 2 Student.

Both Longcliffe Calcium Carbonates Awards of Excellence were presented by Chris Wainwright FIQ, Operations Director of Longcliffe Quarries Ltd and the individuals also received a £200 cheque.

2023 IAT winner profiles

Eamon Woods received the award for the best overall First Year Foundation Degree student, sponsored by Shell.

Christopher Potter received the award for the best overall Second Year Foundation Degree student, sponsored by Shell.

Michael Kenyon received the award for the Third Year Foundation Degree student - 1st place, sponsored by Shell

Dermot Leonard received the award for the Third Year Foundation Degree student - 2nd place, sponsored by Shell.

Matt Oliver received the award for the Third Year Foundation Degree student - 3rd place, sponsored by Shell.

Dermot Leonard received his second award, the Worshipful Company of Paviors Award for Contracts & Business Management and Operations.

Michael Kenyon received his second award, the Worshipful Company of Paviors Award for Pavement Technology.

The IAT Award for the Best Asphalt Diploma Student was presented to Alexander Hewstone.

The Best Higher Apprentice: Asphalt Award, sponsored by FM Conway, was awarded to Tom Feather.