Passing on the Chains and Celebrating the Industry

22 December, 2022

First published in the December 2022 issue of Quarry Management

Senior quarrying and mineral products industry figures gathered at IET London: Savoy Place for the annual Fellows’ Lunch and Student Awards

Senior quarrying and mineral products industry figures from all areas of the UK gathered at IET London: Savoy Place on 28 October 2022 for the annual Fellows’ Lunch and Student Awards, a highly anticipated event organized by the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) and the Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT).

More than 100 mineral products professionals and guests attended the celebration and networking event, at which the official passing of the President’s chains also took place. Outgoing President Martin Riley FIQ presented these to new President Viv Russell FIQ. Martin was then awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the Institute in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the quarrying and mineral products industries.

In his first official speech as the 70th President of the IQ, Viv Russell recognized Martin for his commitment to education and skills and dedication to the role over the last two years. He also used the event as a platform to announce the launch of the new cross-sector collaboration ‘Minerals Matter’, which brings together partners from across the sector to promote the mineral products industry as a future career.

Mr Russell said: ‘First of all, I would like to thank Martin for his contribution during his time as President and commitment to education and skills. There cannot be many presidents of the Institute who have held office during such a period of uncertainty and difficulty as we have seen with the pandemic.

‘Looking forward, I plan to continue to build on the work of my predecessors in promoting the positive impact of the aggregates sector, the wide-ranging career opportunities available, and championing the continuing professional development of industry professionals.

‘Future-proofing the sector’s ageing workforce is an industry imperative, with over 10 million people in UK employment over the age of 50[1]. ‘Minerals Matter’ is a new co-ordinated cross-sector approach involving industry bodies, including the Institute of Quarrying, Minerals Products Qualifications Council, Mineral Products Association, British Aggregates Association, and national and independent operators. The primary aim is to raise the profile of the sector and inspire young people and adults to become the next generation of quarrying and mineral products professionals.

‘The project is being permanently funded by the Mineral Products Qualification Council (MPQC). Working with leading industry partners, we’re delighted to now have a dedicated website (www.minerals-matter.co.uk), a go-to online area that champions the diverse and inclusive career opportunities for those looking to join or progress in the mineral products industry.

‘As the project builds momentum, there are opportunities for IQ members to put themselves forward to be Minerals Matter ambassadors, a role that will support our mission to attract younger audiences into our wonderful industry.’

Celebrating excellence

The event celebrated future industry leaders from the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products at a joint awards presentation organized by the IQ and IAT.

The University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products works closely with the IQ and other key industry bodies and organizations to develop and deliver qualifications tailored to the needs of employers and provide the skills that the sector needs both now and in the future.

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

Lewis Coxon, manager at CEMEX’s Hatfield Quarry, in Hertfordshire, is the first student ever to win an award three years running. In his first and second years, Lewis received Longcliffe Calcium Carbonates Awards of Excellence for being the best performer in class. This year, he won the Reginald W Coles Award (Best Third Year Foundation Degree Student Overall).

IQ President Viv Russell presented the mineral products students with their prizes, alongside James Thorne, chief executive officer of the IQ. The asphalt students received their awards from IAT President Brian Downes, accompanied by Lyle Andrew, executive director of the IAT.

The IQ award winners include Lewis Coxon, Daniel McCann TMIQ, Sarah Howarth, Craig McCorquodale MIQ, Peter Triccas TMIQ, and Ben Clayton MIQ.

The IAT presented prizes to Kieran Watson, Dermot Leonard, Marcus Jones, Nicholas Land, Colin Redmond, Aaron Kemp, Steven Horne, and Joel O’Connor.

Mark Osbaldeston, head of the Centre for Mineral Products at the University of Derby, said: ‘Congratulations to this year’s cohort of IQ and IAT Student Award winners. You have all demonstrated a true passion towards your studies and the industry, excelling academically despite the challenges faced as a result of the global pandemic over the past few years.’

2022 IQ winner profiles

Lewis Coxon, quarry manager at CEMEX, received the Reginald W Coles Prize, endowed in memory of past President of the IQ, Mr R.W. Coles, for Best Overall Mineral Extractives Foundation Degree Student. He also received a £200 prize. Mr Coxon has impressed tutors throughout his three years of studying, achieving top of his class for three consecutive years and receiving recognition with an IQ Student Award in 2020, 2021 and 2022. He graduated from the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products with a Distinction.

Sarah Howarth, trainee assistant quarry manager at Aggregate Industries UK, won The Ransomes Rapier Award, endowed by the historical excavator manufacturer, and a £200 prize for Best Mineral Extractives Higher Apprentice. Ms Howarth’s tutors described her as an exceptional student who consistently submitted work of a high standard.

Craig McCorquodale MIQ, senior technician at Tarmac, was presented with The Peter Preston Award, bestowed by the late Peter Preston, for Best UK Diploma Student, and a £200 prize. Being in a technical-based role, Mr McCorquodale’s work ethic and dedication saw him achieve some of the highest marks ever seen from a non-operational student.

Two Longcliffe Calcium Carbonates Awards of Excellence were presented by Robert JG Shields DL, Longcliffe Group chairman, to the Best Performing Mineral Extractives Foundation Degree Students in Years One and Two. Ben Clayton MIQ, engineering workshop supervisor at Tarmac, impressed tutors with his hard work throughout his first year of study, whilst second-year student Peter Triccas TMIQ, deputy quarry manager at Aggregates Industries UK, has continued to impress tutors and maintain his high-achieving standards. It is now the second time he has received the award. Both students also received a £200 prize.

Daniel McCann TMIQ, assistant quarry manager for Pattersons Quarries, was crowned the winner of The Scottish Springbank Quaich Award for Best Third Year Foundation Degree Student and also received a £200 prize. It is awarded to the highest-achieving student in Scotland over the full three years of studying. Mr McCann graduated from the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products with a very well-deserved Distinction.

2021 IAT winner profiles

A joint first prize was awarded to Marcus Jones and Nicholas Land (absent) for Shell Bitumen Best Overall Third Year Foundation Degree, whilst second place was presented to Colin Redmond and third place to Aaron Kemp. Dermot Leonard received the award for Best Overall Second Year Foundation Degree and Kieran Watson won the award for Best Overall First Year Foundation Degree.

Nicholas Land (absent) won his second prize, the Worshipful Company of Paviors Award for Contracts & Business Management and Ops, and Colin Redmond also received a second prize, the Worshipful Company of Paviors Award for Pavement Technology.

The Best Asphalt Diploma Student Award was presented to Steven Horne and the Best Higher Apprentice Award, sponsored by FM Conway, was awarded to Joel O’Connor.

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